The Water of the Eifel: Maars, Dreese, Mineral Waters

The role of water for nature and people.

What makes the water in the Eifel special? Rain and dew, streams and rivers are no different than anywhere else. But the maars – witnesses of a fiery-hot past! And the Dreese, geysers, and mofettes where cold gases rise to the surface through the water, hinting at volcanic forces still at work. The hot waters were already beloved by the Romans in Aachen and Bad Bertrich. The Roman citizens of Cologne even fetched their drinking water here. But it was only in the last century that the mineral waters of the volcanic Eifel became widely known and are now the region’s most popular export. The different waters – the maars’, the Dreese’s, and the mineral springs’ – are introduced and tasted in a relaxed atmosphere, from tap water to “Eifel Champagne.” A short talk in a cozy room, weatherproof, with a brief introduction to the geology and historical anecdotes, plus the tasting of at least five Eifel waters.

Requirements for this informal talk are a thirst for water & knowledge, and good spirits…

Afterwards, a detour to the nearby Pulvermaar is possible – a lovely walk in the evening sun (about a 2.5 km loop).