The mysterious volcanic garden: – Laacher See
Vulkaneifel is a geopark situated in the heart of Germany which is a house of many geological heritage sites, and Laacher See is one of its types. A volcanic eruption has always been a dreadful thought in the minds of common people, but such volcanic eruptions if results in a pleasant view in future then it would be a view to be appreciated. According to Rudolph Blanke, Laacher See and the area surrounding it is famous among tourists all over the world. The major attracting feature of Laacher See is that it is blessed with the diverse amount of natural resources which are unique to find in another part of Germany. It consists of many exciting features ranging from rare types of vegetation present in the volcanic environment to mysterious scenic beauty.
Laacher See is a kind of caldera i.e. it has been formed due to the natural activity such as volcanic Plinian eruption which took place roughly around 12,900 years ago. The shape of this mystical lake is oval, and many high banks surround it.
Location:
The Laach lake is located in Rhineland, Palatinate in Germany which is situated about 24km away in the northwest of Koblenz. It resides in the south of Bonn which is around 37 km away. The closest place around the lake is Andernach town which is located at a distance of 8 km to the east of Rhine river. It is a part of the East Eifel volcanic field which itself is a part of Vilkaneifel. To the west of the lake lies Benedictine monastery of Maria Laach Abbey which was founded by Henry II of Laach in 1093. He was a member of the Luxembourg House which was Rhines first Count Palatine. He had his castle in the opposite direction of the monastery which was on the eastern side of the lake.
Weather:
The volcanic eruption which had resulted in the formation of Lake had constituted towards the emergence of other effects in the climatic arena of Laacher See. During the initial years following the occurrence of a volcanic eruption, the weather conditions in the area surrounding Laacher See witnessed cold summers. The weather conditions were mainly disrupted due to the sudden emergence of a volcanic eruption.
The months from November to April witness the coldest days of the year and the average temperature accounted in these months is around 2.4 degrees Celcius to 8.9 degrees Celcius. The months from May to October experience sunny days. The average temperature recorded in summer ranges from 10 degrees Celcius to 18 degrees Celcius.
The coldest months witnessed in Laacher See are January and February while the months experiencing favourable warm temperatures are July and August.
History:
Laacher See is known for its formation due to magmatic eruption which occurred around 12,900 years ago in Western Germany. It had covered a vast area of Europe with ash and tephra. Since then the geologists have never recorded its occurrence but according to some volcanologists, it could erupt again at any hour without alarming any warning bell. So people residing in and around the lake should stay alert for protecting themselves from any effects of sudden eruptions. According to the report submitted by some volcanologists in November 2011, the lake has shown some signs of carbon dioxide bubbling in its inner surface. This kind of news even though not true completely, gives an idea about the varying behavior of the lake.
The surroundings:
The spectacular lake Laacher See holds a premium place in attracting individuals having a wide interest in studying the geological factors. Its surrounding areas exhibit beautiful views that can attract approximately two million visitors every year. The surrounding areas of Laacher See range from beautiful castles to historic monasteries. Those places are listed as follows:-
- Wohlbruck Castle situated near Hain.
- Eltz Castle.
- Deutsche Eck with cable wire.
- Cold water geyser in Andernach.
- Laacher See with the monastery.
- Cochem Castle.
- Maria Laach, cloister garden.
- Montreal station.
- Pyrmont
Traveling the area
The climate in and around Laacher See proves to be very favorable during the autumn season. Tourists review it as a place having a good amount of space for jogging, walking. The Eifel region is considered to be the best place for tourists visiting here. The lake authorities have made an arrangement of paddle boat for visitors who wish to ride a boat.
The area is well connected by the railway routes. There are many options for people who wish to travel from Amsterdam to Laacher See. They may preferably take a flight from Amsterdam airport and later take a railway route to reach the respective destination.
Why visit?
There are innumerable reasons to visit this beautiful place. If you are an avid lover of geography, then visiting Laacher See will prove to be a memorable experience in your life. Having the most abundant natural resources, the Laacher See has a vast amount of vegetation which can fulfill the needs of many medicinal herbs and also fruits, plants or trees of high nutritional value.
The distinctive, attractive site for a tourist visiting this caldera lake in the Rhine valley would be as follows:
- Getting knowledge about the magmatic body of Laacher See, which has to offer bountiful of varied crystals emerging from different resources.
- Visit to a campsite in Wassenach, Rhineland – Palatinate, which is located in a wood beside a pond. The unique feature of this campsite is that it allows dogs also to be carried along with their masters. This camping site has got a lot to offer to its visitors. It offers:-
- Cycling routes
- Fitness room
- Swimming facility
- Snorkelling
- Windsurfing
- Restaurant and Snack Bar
- Internet facility
Major attractions
Laacher See itself being one of the unique marvels created by nature, it also inhibits some additional attractive features. It is a major trekking site in the eyes of trekkers all around the world. If a lover of nature wants to gain knowledge about what dream trails are then they should surely visit this place. The Laacher See is considered to be a renowned biking spot among mountain bikers. The lake has a Volcano Park Info Centre, which is situated at a length of 9 and 20 km within the region of five sign, posted geological trails which also includes a total number of four dream trails. This place also paves away a road to explore one of the many youngest volcanic regions around the world. The Eifel near the Info Centre is famous for giving excellent hospitality services.
Three of the five geological trails have their origin at the Volcano Express railway station which hails from the valley of Brohl am Rhein to Englen.
What else to see
- Death Lake (Totenmaar)
- Powder Lake ( Pulvermaar )
- Mosel Valley
- Moyen
- Pyrment
- Bischofstein and Eltz