Maria Laach: Abbey, Lake and Volcanic Landscape

Maria Laach combines Lake Laach with the abbey and a clear connection to the volcanic landscape of the Eifel. If you are looking for a hotel in Maria Laach, these different themes can help you plan your trip: geological features, architecture and history, trails by the lake, or a pilgrimage route.

Lake Laach and the volcanic landscape

Lake Laach is the most geologically significant centre of the East Eifel Volcanic Region. The lake and the surrounding landscape together form a nature reserve. The 280-kilometre-long German Volcano Road begins in the Maria Laach district. Along its route are 39 geologically, historically and industrially significant natural and cultural monuments related to Eifel volcanism that have been developed for tourism.

Abbey church and monastery history

The monastery complex was established directly on the lakeshore from 1093 onwards; it was founded by Count Palatine Henry II and his wife Adelheid. The abbey church is open daily for participation in the prayer services and for visits. Check the latest opening details before your trip.

The Paradise at the abbey church is an almost square 13th-century atrium with open arcades. It is the only surviving atrium paradise north of the Alps. The old Jesuit library of Maria Laach also offers insights into the abbey’s art. An atrium is a courtyard.

Trails by the lake and pilgrimage routes

A roughly 2.1-kilometre section of the circular trail around Lake Laach starts at the car park of Maria Laach Abbey. It first passes the boat rental and then follows the lakeshore to the campsite. Access may vary at times; check the current conditions before setting out.

You can rent pedal boats and rowboats about five minutes from the monastery’s visitor car park. Availability may vary by season or weather. If you are making specific plans, check whether rentals will be available on your chosen date.

The Eifel Pilgrimage Trail leads from Ahrweiler to Maria Laach via Schalkenbach, Oberdürenbach, Hain, Galenberg and Wehr. In addition, an ecumenical women’s pilgrimage walk from Ahrweiler to Maria Laach is offered every year on the Saturday before Mother’s Day. If you are travelling on this date, check the current arrangements for that year.

Puzzles and volcanism

The 300-metre-long Stone Experience Trail beside the monastery wall teaches children about volcanism through puzzles and child-friendly information boards. On the Maria Laach Abbey Rally, children and adults get to know the monastery by solving puzzles, estimating, planning and improvising. The rally starts at the tourist information office in the large car park by Lake Laach. The activities differ in focus: the trail teaches about volcanism, while the rally’s tasks focus on the monastery.

Discover more destinations: Wassenach, Kempenich, Spessart, Schelborn, Glees, Hohenleimbach, Niederdürenbach, Schalkenbach.

Return to the main travel overview: Brohltal.