Discover Maria Laach: Lake, Monastery and Volcanism

Maria Laach combines a geologically exceptional lake with an important monastery complex and a wide range of ways to explore the surrounding area. The 280-kilometre German Volcano Route begins in the local district. Along its route are 39 tourist-accessible geological, cultural-historical and industrial-historical natural and cultural monuments relating to Eifel volcanism. This makes Maria Laach an exciting starting point for anyone who wants to combine experiences in nature, history and shared discoveries.

Lake Laach and trails through the volcanic landscape

Lake Laach is the geologically most significant centre of the East Eifel volcanic region. The lake and the surrounding landscape are designated as a nature reserve. If you enjoy combining your stay with physical activity, you can plan a section of the circular trail measuring around 2.1 kilometres. It starts at the car park of Maria Laach Abbey, initially passes the boat rental facility and then runs along the lakeshore to the campsite. The specific route length helps with planning the day without implying a particular walking time.

You can rent pedal boats and rowing boats about five minutes from the monastery’s visitor car park. This allows you to enjoy your time at Lake Laach in different ways: with a section along the shore, some time on the water or a combination of observing nature and visiting the monastery. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can use these priorities as a guide and consider whether you would prefer to plan your days around the lake and trails, culture or shared activities.

Maria Laach Abbey as a cultural centre

The Maria Laach monastery complex was established directly on the lakeshore from 1093 onwards and was founded by Count Palatine Henry II and his wife Adelheid. Maria Laach Abbey Church is open daily for participation in the prayer services and for visits. A particular highlight is the Paradise at the Abbey Church: the almost square 13th-century atrium has open arcades and is the only surviving atrium paradise north of the Alps.

The abbey’s old Jesuit library also offers insights into the art of the abbey. Those interested in sacred spaces, medieval architectural history and monastic culture will find several different ways to engage with Maria Laach here. The individual stops can be deliberately combined with a walk by the lake or a quieter stay in the vicinity of the monastery complex.

Discoveries for children and adults

Families can get to know Maria Laach in a playful way. The 300-metre-long Stone Adventure Trail along the monastery wall teaches children about volcanism through puzzles and child-friendly information panels. On the Maria Laach Monastery Rally, children and adults get to know the monastery through solving puzzles, estimating, planning and improvising. The rally starts at the Tourist Information office at the large car park by Lake Laach. This provides an additional way to explore the monastery complex together through a variety of activities.

Pilgrimage trail and special dates

The Eifel Pilgrimage Trail offers another perspective. It leads from Ahrweiler via Schalkenbach, Oberdürenbach, Hain, Galenberg and Wehr to Maria Laach. In addition, an ecumenical women’s pilgrimage walk from Ahrweiler to Maria Laach is offered every year on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. Anyone wishing to combine a trip with spiritual inspiration and a longer route can include these activities in their plans.

More local pages for your search

If you would like to view other suitable local pages in addition to Maria Laach, here is a compact selection: Kempenich, Weibern, Spessart, Oberzissen, Schalkenbach, Hohenleimbach, Oberdürenbach and Schelborn.

To the higher-level travel overview: Brohltal.