The Steffelner Drees lies not far from the Eichholzmaar in the German-Belgian nature park ‘Hohes Venn - Eifel’.

The water of the Steffelner Drees has two special features: The concentrations of the elements calcium and magnesium are rather low compared to neighbouring mineral springs. This could have to do with the residence time and the depth of the water, but also with the lack of calcareous rocks in the subsoil.

The longer and deeper the water is in contact with the minerals in the rock, the more minerals are dissolved in the water. The amount of dissolved minerals is also related to the content of dissolved CO2. The more ‘aggressive’ a water is, the more dissolving power it has. Finally, the type of rock also influences the dissolving process. Limestone, for example, is easier to dissolve than sandstone. The tapped spring has a very original character and thus its very own charm.

Coordinates: 50°16.331‘N, 6°33.607’E
Community/town: Steffeln
Altitude: 491 metres above sea level
Water type: ferruginous calcium-magnesium-hydrogen carbonate acidulous water
Water temperature: 9.2°C

There are other volcanic features in the vicinity: Steffeln volcanic garden, Eichholzmaar, Duppacher Drees, Aueler Drees The Steffelner Drees is located on the Vulkan-Pfad hiking trail and the Maare, Dreese and Volcanoes geological trail

Directions: Take the L25 towards Steffeln, change to the L24 towards Duppach, park on the right-hand side at Eichholzmaar, follow the path around the maar and then continue along the stream to Drees.