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Holiday Parks in the Eifel (Germany): Volcanic Lakes, Forests & Family Breaks

Between 1h and 2h 30m by road from Liège, Aachen or Cologne depending on the park, the Eifel offers a striking volcanic landscape, with its round lakes of volcanic origin (the Maare), its deep valleys and its national park.

By Yourachmeholiday park comparison site

· 6 min read

The figures in this article cover the 33 parks we have studied in detail. The comparison tool now covers 595.

Comparisons

Dinant: the collegiate church and citadel at the foot of the cliff, beside the Meuse

The Eifel: volcanic nature just across the border

A natural continuation of the Belgian Ardennes across the German border, the Eifel surprises with the variety of its landscapes. Past volcanic activity carved craters that are now filled with water: the *Maare*.

Eifel National Park protects vast beech forests, crossed by the *Eifelsteig* long-distance trail.

Recommended holiday parks in and around the Eifel

Three parks make good bases for exploring the region:

  • Center Parcs Park Eifel (Gunderath): completely renovated and reopened in 2023, it offers a modernised Aqua Mundo, the large BALUBA indoor playground and 440 renovated or new cottages in the heart of the Vulkaneifel.
  • Landal Wirfttal (Stadtkyll): a small-scale nature park on the Wirft, with a pond, a playground and hiking trails starting from the chalets.
  • Landal Warsberg (Saarburg): south of the Eifel, perched on the Warsberg hill above Saarburg, with views over the Saar valley and a chairlift linking the park to the town.

Must-do activities in the Eifel

  1. Swim in a crater lake (Maar): in summer, the Schalkenmehrener Maar and the Pulvermaar welcome swimmers in their designated bathing areas.
  2. Hike the Eifelsteig: take a stage through the Rur valley or across Eifel National Park.
  3. Visit castles: explore Eltz Castle (open from April to early November) or the romantic ruins of Manderscheid.
  4. The Nürburgring: the legendary German race track is in the heart of the Eifel; its ring°werk museum area is closed for works, with no reopening date announced.

Practical tips for driving in Germany

Unlike France, German motorways are free for private cars (no tolls and no vignette).

Discover all the holiday parks in the Eifel on our dedicated page.

See parks in the Eifel →

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a motorway vignette to drive to the Eifel in Germany?
No, German motorways are free for private cars. Only the low-emission zones of certain cities require an environmental sticker (Umweltplakette).
Which park in the Eifel is best for children?
Center Parcs Park Eifel is particularly well suited thanks to its large BALUBA indoor playground and its Aqua Mundo.
Can you swim in the volcanic lakes (Maare)?
Yes, several crater lakes (such as the Gemündener Maar, the Schalkenmehrener Maar and the Pulvermaar) have designated bathing areas open in summer.
What is the best season to visit the Eifel?
Spring and summer for hiking and swimming in the Maare, and autumn for the colours of the beech forests and the calm of the parks.

The author

Yourachme

Edits hoprat and holds editorial responsibility for it. hoprat is operated by the company Yourachme, Belgian company number BE 0771.759.318.

Driving times, facilities and public ratings come from the hoprat database and remain indicative: check them with the operator before booking. The guide explains how this data is put together.

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