Papenkaule, Volcanic crater in Gerolstein, Germany.
Papenkaule is a volcanic crater near Gerolstein in the Rhineland-Palatinate region that forms a circular depression in the dolomite bedrock. The cavity was created by past volcanic processes and now defines the local landscape.
The crater formed roughly 10,000 years ago during volcanic activity that affected Stone Age peoples living in the nearby Buchenloch cave. This period marks the final phase of volcanism that shaped the Eifel.
The crater represents a key location along the German Volcano Route, demonstrating the geological forces that shaped the Eifel region over thousands of years.
The crater can be reached on foot via the Eifelsteig or Felsenpfad hiking trails, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The natural slope and rocky ground make it difficult for people with mobility challenges to visit.
The lava from this crater did not erupt straight upward but instead emerged 300 meters to the west at Hagelskaule and flowed southward through underground cracks in the limestone. This unusual pattern reveals how volcanism works differently in karst landscapes.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
