Copyright: Eifel Tourismus GmbH, AR-shapefruitAG
Ulmen Maar Tunnel
with the digital discovery tour
An Underground Connection Between Two Eifel Maars: The Ulmener Maar Tunnel
This ancient tunnel connects the youngest maar in the Eifel, the Ulmener Maar, with one of the oldest Eifel maars, the Ulmener Jungferweiher.
You can think of the Maar Tunnel as a cave-like cross-section through a volcano. It is a 126-meter-long tunnel, 2 to 6 meters high, which you can explore on your own without protective gear. At its narrowest point, the tunnel is just 70 cm wide. The Maar Tunnel lets you experience thousands of years of Earth’s history up close: If you look closely, you can discover the numerous, varied sedimentary layers that bear witness to the region’s volcanic past, or the glittering rock fragments that originated from Lake Laach. From a geological perspective, the Ulmener Maar Tunnel is therefore a true treasure. Roughly in the middle of the tunnel is a geological exhibition space in the form of a small chamber. Information panels show you where you can observe special geological outcrops. When you visit the tunnel, you’ll notice that in some places large nets hang from the walls and ceiling—these are there for your safety and allow you to explore the tunnel without protective gear such as a helmet.
Built in the Middle Ages and originally intended as a water management system to regulate the operation of the mills at Ulmen Castle, the Maar Tunnel still serves today to channel water between the Ulmen Jungferweiher and the Ulmen Maar as part of the drinking water supply.
Accessibility
The Maar Tunnel is designed to be accessible. The entrance area on the Jungferweiher side is accessible and adorned with an elaborate graffiti artwork depicting the geology and formation of the tunnel. In the entrance area, informational panels tell you more about the tunnel’s construction and the chronological context of the two maars.
On the Ulmener Maar side, a path leads around the maar; unfortunately, due to the topography and the need to protect nature and water resources, this path cannot be made accessible to people with limited mobility. People with limited mobility can return via the tunnel, which is fully accessible.
Parking
You’ll find parking at the Ulmen Campground (Ladestraße/Am Weiher) as well as at the market square and the Alter Postplatz. People with mobility impairments are advised to park in the accessible parking space at the Jungferweiher campground and should note that the tunnel is accessible only from the Jungferweiher side.
The tunnel is under video surveillance. Cycling through the tunnel is not permitted.
Dogs are allowed in the Ulmener Maar Tunnel.
Guided Tours of the Ulmen Maar Tunnel
When and why was the Stollen formed? How old are the Jungferweiher and the Ulmener Maar?
Let us explain it to you!
- 5.00 EUR per person (free for children 12 and under)
- Minimum of 5, maximum of 15 people (larger groups will be split up)
The Ulmen Tourist Information and Tourism Association also offers group tours!
Contact
: Ulmen Tourist Information and Tourism Association,
Tel. 02676 952800
, Email: touristinfo@verkehrsverein-ulmen.de
, Website: www.verkehrsverein-ulmen.de
Hours
: Mondays – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
; Fridays – 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
From May 15 to October 15, also open on Wednesdays – 3:00 p
.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Funding Notice
The project was funded with EU funds from the European Regional Development Fund (here: Investment in Growth and Employment) 2014–2020 and supported by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
