The municipality lies in the Vulkaneifel, a part of the Eifel known for its volcanic history, geographical and geological features, and even ongoing activity today, including gases that sometimes well up from the earth.
In 1222, Drees had its first documentary mention under the name Dreyse. The word comes from the Celtic term for "bubbling spring". This is akin to the old Germanic word Thrais, for "bubbles", "to bubble" or "to swirl". The namesake mineral spring, the result of volcanic activity in the area, no longer exists. The village belonged to the Electorate of Cologne until 1794.
Politics
Municipal council
The council is made up of 6 council members, who were elected by majority vote at the municipal election held on 7 June 2009, and the honorary mayor as chairman.
Mayor
Drees's mayor is Josef Heimer. His deputy is Klaus Brachthäuser.
The German blazon reads: Durch Zinnenschnitt geteilt von Blau und Silber. Oben ein silberner Brunnen mit geteiltem Wasserstrahl. Unten ein rotes Antoniuskreuz mit 2 Pilgerglöckchen. The municipality's arms might in English heraldic language be described thus: Per fess embattled of seven, azure a fountain with four streams argent, and argent a cross tau, hanging from each arm a bell, gules. The partition horizontally across the middle in the pattern of a crenellated wall refers to the time when Drees belonged to the Electorate of Cologne Amt of Nürburg. The fountain is, in a way, a cantingcharge, referring to the municipality's name, which comes from an old Celtic word for a spring. The "cross tau" – one without an upper arm – is Saint Anthony's Cross and thus a reference to the municipality's patron saint, whose attributes include this cross and a bell, two of which also appear in these arms.
At Hauptstraße 5 – timber-frame house, part of an estate complex, partly solid, latter half of 19th century.
Wayside chapel, southwest of the villageon the road to Welcherath, plaster building, possibly 18th century, basalt niche cross marked "16?5".
Wayside cross, southeast of the village on the road to Nitz, basalt niche cross from 1646.
Economy and infrastructure
Transport
Among the local roads, Kreisstraße 93 leads northwards towards Döttingen and to Bundesstraße 258. It also leads westwards by way of Nitz, likewise to the B 258. Southwestwards runs Kreisstraße 92 to Welcherath and Landesstraße 94.
Established businesses
North of the village, west of the road to Döttingen, is found an off-road track in a disused quarry run by the company Camp 4 Fun where companies and private citizens can drive off-road vehicles over rough ground for training or leisure.
