If you are considering accommodation in Ulmen, you can base your choice of location on its two maars, the tunnel and a castle ruin. The landscape, geology and history shape what there is to discover in the town. When planning your time, it helps to distinguish between the 126-meter-long tunnel and the longer digital tour: its duration includes walking and stops.
Two maars and a viewpoint
Jungferweiher is considered the oldest and largest volcanic crater in the Eifel and is a nature and bird sanctuary where rare bird and plant species can be found. Ulmener Maar is considered the youngest maar in the Eifel and is 37 meters deep. At Jungferweiher, the focus is therefore on the protected area and its rare species; at Ulmener Maar, it is on its geological classification and depth.
The ruins of an 11th-century Crusader castle overlook Ulmener Maar. From its viewpoint, you can see St. Matthias parish church and Ulmen. Here, the landscape around the maar and a historic vantage point come together, although the two maars do not have the same profile.
Tunnel and digital discovery tour
The Ulmen Maar Tunnel is 126 meters long and connects Ulmener Maar with Jungferweiher. Visitors can walk through it independently, without protective equipment, view sediment layers and see a geological exhibition chamber. The accessible entrance is on the Jungferweiher side. Check the access regulations before your visit, as they may change.
A smartphone-based discovery tour links the Maar Tunnel, Ulmener Maar, Jungferweiher and the castle with QR-code pickpoints, short videos and a quiz for children. The tour is 3.7 kilometers long and takes about two and a half hours, including walking and stops. The digital content can be updated, while the tour connects the points mentioned.
The two time and distance figures describe different things: 126 meters refers to the tunnel, while about two and a half hours refers to the complete tour, including walking and stops. This makes it easier to decide whether to plan just the tunnel during your stay or choose the longer loop. You should check the tunnel access information again before traveling.
Cochem-Zell as the wider destination
In the wider destination of Cochem-Zell, the medieval Imperial Castle of Cochem offers another cultural landmark. It was restored and rebuilt in the 19th century in the Neo-Gothic style by Louis Ravené, as part of the Romantic revival of castles. The interiors open to visitors include the Knights’ Hall, dining room, hunting room and ladies’ chamber.
Public transport is also relevant when planning other destinations in the wider Cochem-Zell area: many tourist attractions are well connected to the network. A visitor program published in July 2025 lists the relevant bus or train line for each attraction. Check the connection to your chosen destination before traveling, as routes may change.
Discover more destinations: Auderath, Lutzerath, Bad Bertrich, Meiserich, Gillenbeuren, Urschmitt, Mittelstrimmig, Zell.
Back to the wider travel overview: Cochem-Zell.
