Dreis-Brück: Maars, Trails and History

If you are looking for a hotel in Dreis-Brück, different interests may influence your choice: volcanic landscapes, time by the water, outdoor activities on trails, or local architectural and commemorative heritage. The following places and topics can help you plan your stay around these interests.

Dry maar, mineral finds and healing spring

One striking geological feature is the Dreiser Weiher. It is a dry maar, formed in a volcanic collapse crater, and is one of the largest maars in the Eifel. It measures approximately 1,360 metres from north to south and 1,180 metres across. The volcanic ash around the Dreiser Weiher is known for mineral finds, including olivine bombs. So, alongside the formation of the maar, the rocks and finds in the surrounding area are also of interest.

A total of 77 maars have been identified in the Volcanic Eifel to date. In addition, 350 eruption centres have been counted there, around 270 of them from the more recent phase. The Ulmen Maar marks the most recent volcanic eruption in the Volcanic Eifel; it took place around 10,900 years ago. These regional facts add context to the Dreiser Weiher without equating the geological features of the Volcanic Eifel with those of a single maar.

Vulkania healing water, a state-recognised healing spring, is associated with the Dreiser Weiher. You can drink the water directly at the spring; check its suitability on site before drinking. A small chapel beside the spring is a stop on the approximately nine-kilometre Panorama Trail. The Quellenweg is a circular trail around Dreis-Brück and Dockweiler; it passes the Vulkania healing spring and the Dreiser Weiher. The Panorama Trail is described by its approximate length, while the Quellenweg can be identified by its circular route and destinations.

Relaxation and activities by the water

The reservoir in the Dreis district covers a water surface of 10,000 square metres. A wetland with a water surface is located in its upper section. The reservoir offers space for picnics, sunbathing and quiet relaxation. It is also a starting point for hikes and trail runs on designated routes, and is suitable for fishing. Local conditions may vary; ask locally if needed.

For mountain biking enthusiasts, the MTB Vulkan-Trails are another route option. They start in the centre of Dreis and run along forest and field tracks, in places around the Ernstberg. The MTB route from Dreis leads into the Volcanic Eifel landscape, with gentle hills, streams and lush forests. This offers a choice of different activities: designated routes for hikes and trail runs by the reservoir, and mountain bike trails starting in the centre of Dreis.

For a break with a view, the Hohe Eifelblick on Radersberg offers a viewpoint and rest area. Facilities include seating, two forest sofas and a large swing. The viewpoint and rest area are combined here.

Castle, chapels and local tradition

Burg Dreis was first mentioned in 1579. It is a three-storey gable-fronted house with a round stair tower. The Bergkapelle stands in the Dreis area at 577 metres above sea level, beside an old Roman road. In 1950, it was dedicated in honour of Our Lady of Sorrows. The Bomberabsturz memorial stone near the Brück cemetery commemorates the crash of an American B-17 on 1 December 1943.

Local customs include Kässchmerr: during Hexennacht in Dreis, buttered bread with toppings is served as part of the initiation into the youth group. Burg Dreis, the Bergkapelle and the memorial stone offer different historical perspectives: an early mention and distinctive architectural style, a religious dedication, and remembrance of a specific, dated wartime event. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether geology, trails and scenery, or local history and tradition matter more to you.

Discover more destinations: Meisburg, Winkel, Schutz, Schönbach, Oberstadtfeld, Brockscheid, Demerath, Bleckhausen.

For the broader travel overview: Daun.