Circular hike along Lake Laach: unique insights into the volcanic past on the Eppelsberg, volcanism live on Lake Laach with a view of Maria Laach Monastery, magnificent views of the Krufter Waldsee and wonderful views of the Pellenz.
The starting point of the Eifel hike is the parking lot at the Roman tumulus near Nickenich. From here, the Pellenzer Seepfad dream trail first leads through a quiet valley before climbing up to the so-called "Black Wall". This striking wall of ash was formed when the Laacher See volcano erupted around 13,000 years ago and provides an insight into the region's volcanic past.
After a short climb, you reach the Hermann Hut. This is a good resting place with a wide view over the Pellenz. The path then leads down to the edge of the Eppelsberg open-cast mine, where geological layers are clearly visible. A section of mixed forest offers pleasant cooling and leads to the Krufter Waldsee lake - a quiet place to rest.
The path now becomes steeper. Via a rocky section with short, more challenging passages, you reach the "Teufelskanzel" viewpoint, which offers a sweeping view over the Neuwied basin. The trail then follows a comfortable high-level path to the "Am Krufter Ofen" refuge and descends via hairpin bends through a dense beech forest.
The landscape then opens up as the path leads across open fields towards Lake Laach. It is worth making a detour to the lakeshore here: gas bubbles - so-called mofettes - are evidence that volcanic activity continues in the depths. The Benedictine abbey of Maria Laach is also clearly visible from here.
The following section climbs again and crosses the L116 country road. The path leads through mixed forest to the Celtic tree circle. On the last section, open sections of the path repeatedly provide a view - towards the Siebengebirge, into the Pellenz and back to sections that have already been walked. An arc along the edge of the forest takes you back to the starting point.
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