The Eifel

Eifel

The earth has retained signs of its fiery past here more than anywhere else in Germany. The landscape between the Moselle and the Ahr is dotted with the cones of extinct volcanoes and blue crater lakes or maars. Interested in more volcanic history? Travel along the German Volcanoes Route with its numerous geological attractions. Discovery tours take visitors into a lush region of hidden valleys and unspoilt areas, whose rich cultural history is reflected in its castles and abbeys.
The natural beauty of the countryside, with more than a hundred mineral springs, is best explored at a slower pace, either on foot or by bicycle. Walk along the new Eifelsteig, spectacular long-distance walking trail, giving way to magnificent panoramas.
A string of small historical towns such as Monschau or Mayen, Monreal or Manderscheid line your route through the valleys and hills, some gently rolling, others more precipitous, as you pass hedges of yellow gorse set against the wide, blue sky. Nature is highly regarded here, so it is no surprise that the Eifel has been designated a national park.
The Nürburgring, famous motor-racing circuit and scene of legendary car races past and present, is a beast of a quite different nature.
The Eifel - everyone's hot favourite.