The abbey church, Lake Laach and evidence of volcanism give a stay in Maria Laach a variety of possible focuses. The abbey church is open daily for participation in the prayer services and for visits. Please check the current opening hours before your trip. The lake brings landscape and geology into focus; around the monastery complex, architecture, art and history come into view. If you enjoy being outdoors, you can also explore a section of the circular trail and find offers for pilgrims.
Lake Laach and the Volcanic Landscape
Lake Laach is the most significant geological centre of the East Eifel Volcanic Region. The lake and the surrounding landscape are a nature reserve. This brings together a striking geological subject and a protected landscape—two aspects that can be experienced in different ways while looking out over the lake or walking along its shore.
Beyond Maria Laach, the German Volcano Route also highlights the volcanism of the Eifel. It begins in the Maria Laach district and is 280 kilometres long. Along its route are 39 tourist-accessible natural and cultural monuments: geological, cultural and historical, and industrial heritage sites relating to Eifel volcanism. These figures refer to the entire route; they help place the local starting point in a broader thematic context.
Monastery Complex and Abbey Church
The Maria Laach monastery complex was built from 1093 onwards, directly on the lakeshore. It was founded by Count Palatine Henry II and his wife Adelaide. Its lakeside location is therefore part of the ensemble’s history, as is its ecclesiastical and architectural development.
The Paradise is located at the abbey church: an almost square 13th-century atrium with open arcades. It is the only surviving atrium paradise north of the Alps. Those interested in architecture will find a tangible example of the atrium as a building form here; the open arcades and nearly square floor plan define the description of this place.
Another cultural highlight is the abbey’s old Jesuit library, which offers insights into the abbey’s art. Together with the Paradise and the history of the monastery’s foundation, it broadens the view beyond the church to encompass different aspects of the monastic complex.
Trails, Boats and Pilgrim Offers
A roughly 2.1-kilometre section of the circular trail around Lake Laach begins at the car park of Maria Laach Monastery. It first passes the boat rental and then follows the lakeshore to the campsite. Access to this section may be restricted at times; check the current trail conditions before setting off. Pedal boats and rowing boats can be rented about five minutes from the monastery’s visitor car park. Availability may vary depending on the season and weather.
A shorter way to explore volcanism is the 300-metre-long Stone Discovery Trail along the monastery wall. Puzzles and child-friendly information boards teach children about volcanism. The Maria Laach Monastery Rally offers a different approach: it starts at the tourist information office in the large car park by Lake Laach and introduces children and adults to the monastery through puzzles, estimation, planning and improvisation. The activities therefore differ not only in length but also in format—from a trail with information boards to a group rally.
For pilgrims, the Eifel Pilgrimage Route 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 would like to include this event in your plans, check the arrangements for the relevant year in advance.
Discover more destinations: Oberzissen, Wehr, Weibern, Kempenich, Glees, Schelborn, OberdĂĽrenbach, Schalkenbach.
Back to the regional travel overview: Brohltal.
