Ulmen: Find Maars, a Castle Ruin and Hotels

Get to know Ulmen through its two volcanic maars, a medieval castle ruin and the Maar Tunnel. Highlights range from rare bird and plant species to geological insights and a viewpoint overlooking the town and church. If you are looking for a hotel in Ulmen, these differences can help structure your trip planning: would you mainly like to experience the protected landscape, take in the view from the castle or connect several stops on a digital tour? Each destination offers a different focus and a tangible timeframe.

Maars and landscape

Jungferweiher is considered the oldest and largest volcanic crater in the Eifel. It is also a nature and bird sanctuary, with the protected area distinguished by rare bird and plant species. Ulmen Maar offers a different geological focus: it is considered the youngest maar in the Eifel and is 37 metres deep. The two lakes thus offer different perspectives on Ulmen: Jungferweiher is all about nature conservation and biodiversity, while Ulmen Maar stands out for its geological classification and depth.

Castle ruin and digital discovery tour

The ruins of an 11th-century Crusader castle overlook Ulmen Maar. From the viewpoint, you can see St. Matthias Parish Church and Ulmen. This adds a historical view of the church and town to the perspective on the maar landscape.

A smartphone-based discovery tour connects the Maar Tunnel, Ulmen Maar, Jungferweiher and the castle. QR code stops, short videos and a quiz for children are part of the tour format. The route is 3.7 kilometres long and takes about 2.5 hours, including walking and stops. The time estimate therefore includes not only the route but also stops at the various locations. Digital tour content may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

The Ulmen Maar Tunnel

The Ulmen Maar Tunnel is 126 metres long and connects Ulmen Maar with Jungferweiher. You can walk through it on your own and without protective equipment. Inside the tunnel, you can see sediment layers and a geological exhibition chamber; the step-free entrance is on the Jungferweiher side. The tunnel thus adds its own geological insight to the two maar lakes. Check access information before travelling, as access arrangements may change.

More destinations in the wider Cochem-Zell travel region

Other destinations in the wider Cochem-Zell travel region offer their own historical and scenic perspectives. The medieval Imperial Castle of Cochem was restored and rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style by Louis Ravené in the 19th century as part of the castle romanticism movement. Rooms open to visitors include the Knights’ Hall, dining room, hunting room and ladies’ chamber. The Geierlay suspension bridge is 100 metres above the Mörsdorfer Bachtal and 360 metres long. It runs between Sosberg in the Cochem-Zell district and Mörsdorf in the Rhein-Hunsrück district.

Many tourist attractions in the wider Cochem-Zell travel region are well connected to the public transport network; the July 2025 visitor programme lists the relevant bus or train line for each.

Discover more destinations: Bad Bertrich, Lutzerath, Auderath, Meiserich, Gillenbeuren, Urschmitt, Cochem, Walhausen

Back to the wider travel overview: Cochem-Zell.