The best walks and hikes around Weinfelder Maar
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Hiking around Weinfelder Maar offers exploration of a volcanic landscape in the Eifel region. The area is centered around a circular lake, formed by ancient volcanic steam explosions, known for its wooded slopes and paths made of coarse-grained lava. As one of the three "Daun Maars," it is the deepest and highest, surrounded by a protected nature reserve. Elevations such as the Mäuseberg and Maarkreuz provide varied perspectives of the maar and the wider Eifel landscape.
Best hiking trails around…
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.7
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2,060
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
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309
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(66)
263
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
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69
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Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
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36
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Be sure to climb the tower!
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at this point now well hidden behind trees
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The Daun Maars - 10,000-Year-Old Volcanic Lakes The Daun Maars were formed around 10,000 years ago from volcanic steam explosions. Hot lava rises from the Earth's interior and meets water, which suddenly evaporates. This blasts away entire mountain peaks. What remains is a deep crater that fills with water over the years and a wall of boulders surrounding the lake. The Daun Maars include the Gemünden Maar, the Weinfelder Maar, and the Schalkenmehrener Doppelmaar. One crater of the Schalkenmehren Maar has silted up over the millennia. The area is a nature reserve and a refuge for waterfowl and rare dragonfly species. Text / Source: deutschland-outdoor.der https://deutschland-outdoor.de/eifel/dauner-maare
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Weinfelder Maar The Weinfelder Maar, formed by volcanic activity around 20,000 to 30,000 years ago, is the highest of the three Daun Maars at 487 meters above sea level. The lake is 51 meters deep and has a diameter of 396 to 429 meters. An almost melancholic atmosphere surrounds the maar. Many legends surround the tranquil Eifel eye. A castle is said to have once stood on the site of the crater, where a count lived with his wife and only child. After returning home from a hunt, the castle had sunk as punishment for the woman's nastiness, and he found only a lake where a cradle miraculously floated his child safely to the shore. If you look at the dark surface of the water long enough, it is said that you can make out the outline of the castle. The German landscape painter Fritz von Wille was so fascinated by the Weinfelder Maar that he repeatedly immortalized it in his paintings. Among his favorite motifs was the small chapel on the north bank, dedicated to Saint Martin. It was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, which was ravaged by the plague in the 16th century. Anyone who rings the bells inside by pulling the ropes can make a wish. To this day, the associated cemetery is maintained and used by the local community of Schalkenmehren. This is also where its second name, Totenmaar, comes from. Donkeys and goats have been introduced to the Weinfelder Maar to regulate vegetation. The maar's unique flora and fauna are protected. Swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar, but a nearly two-kilometer-long path makes it a wonderful place to explore on foot. Parking: Guests can park along the L64 either in the parking lot at the Weinfelder Maar or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder Maar and the Schalkenmehrener Maar. Text / Source: GesundLand Vulkaneifel GmbH, Leopoldstr. 9 A, 54550 Daun https://www.eifel.info/a-weinfelder-maar
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Weinfelder Maar - Impressive Evidence of Explosive Geological History The Weinfelder Maar – also known as Totenmaar – is one of the three so-called Daun Maars. It is located about 2 kilometers from our district town of Daun, near the municipality of Schalkenmehren, between the Gemünden and Schalkenmehren Maars. It has a diameter of approximately 525 meters and a depth of 51 meters, making it the deepest of the three Daun Maars. It is the youngest and, at 487 meters above sea level, the highest of the three closely adjacent maars, which formed between 20,000 and 30,000 years ago. Text / Source: Natur- und Geopark Vulkaneifel GmbH, Mainzer Str. 25, Daun https://www.geopark-vulkaneifel.de/eifel/landschaft/maare-und-kraterseen/weinfelder-maar.html
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Weinfelder Maar The Weinfelder Maar, formed by volcanic activity around 20,000 to 30,000 years ago, is the highest of the three Daun Maars at 487 meters above sea level. The lake is 51 meters deep and has a diameter of 396 to 429 meters. An almost melancholic atmosphere surrounds the maar. Many legends surround the tranquil Eifel eye. A castle is said to have once stood on the site of the crater, where a count lived with his wife and only child. After returning home from a hunt, the castle had sunk as punishment for the woman's nastiness, and he found only a lake where a cradle miraculously floated his child safely to the shore. If you look at the dark surface of the water long enough, it is said that you can make out the outline of the castle. The German landscape painter Fritz von Wille was so fascinated by the Weinfelder Maar that he repeatedly immortalized it in his paintings. Among his favorite motifs was the small chapel on the north bank, dedicated to Saint Martin. It was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, which was ravaged by the plague in the 16th century. Anyone who rings the bells inside by pulling the ropes can make a wish. To this day, the associated cemetery is maintained and used by the local community of Schalkenmehren. This is also where its second name, Totenmaar, comes from. Donkeys and goats have been introduced to the Weinfelder Maar to regulate vegetation. The maar's unique flora and fauna are protected. Swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar, but a nearly two-kilometer-long path makes it a wonderful place to explore on foot. Parking: Guests can park along the L64 either in the parking lot at the Weinfelder Maar or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder Maar and the Schalkenmehrener Maar. Text / Source: GesundLand Vulkaneifel GmbH, Leopoldstr. 9 A, 54550 Daun https://www.eifel.info/a-weinfelder-maar
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The Daun Maars - 10,000-Year-Old Volcanic Lakes The Daun Maars were formed around 10,000 years ago from volcanic steam explosions. Hot lava rises from the Earth's interior and encounters water, which suddenly evaporates. This blasts away entire mountain peaks. What remains is a deep crater that fills with water over the years and a wall of boulders surrounding the lake. The Daun Maars include the Gemünden Maar, the Weinfelder Maar, and the Schalkenmehrener Doppelmaar. One crater of the Schalkenmehrener Maar has silted up over the millennia. The area is a nature reserve and a refuge for waterfowl and rare dragonfly species. Text / Source: deutschland-outdoor.der https://deutschland-outdoor.de/eifel/dauner-maare
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Weinfelder Maar The Weinfelder Maar, formed by volcanic activity around 20,000 to 30,000 years ago, is the highest of the three Dauner Maars at 487 meters above sea level. The lake is 51 meters deep and has a diameter of 396 to 429 meters. An almost melancholic atmosphere surrounds the maar. Many legends surround the quiet Eifel eye. A castle is said to have once stood on the site of the crater, where a count lived with his wife and only child. After returning home from a hunt, the castle had sunk as punishment for the woman's nastiness, and he found only a lake where a cradle miraculously floated his child safely to the shore. If you look at the dark surface of the water long enough, it is said that you can make out the outline of the castle. The German landscape painter Fritz von Wille was so fascinated by the Weinfelder Maar that he repeatedly immortalized it in his paintings. Among his favorite motifs was the small chapel on the north bank, dedicated to Saint Martin. It was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, which was struck by the plague in the 16th century. Anyone who makes the bells inside ring by pulling the ropes can make a wish. To this day, the associated cemetery is maintained and used by the local community of Schalkenmehren. This is where its second name, Totenmaar, comes from. Donkeys and goats have been introduced to the Weinfelder Maar to regulate vegetation. The maar's unique flora and fauna are protected. Swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar, but a nearly two-kilometer-long path makes it a wonderful place to explore on foot. Parking: Visitors can park along the L64 either in the parking lot at the Weinfelder Maar or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder Maar and the Schalkenmehrener Maar. Text / Source: GesundLand Vulkaneifel GmbH, Leopoldstr. 9 A, 54550 Daun https://www.eifel.info/a-weinfelder-maar
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are there around Weinfelder Maar?
There are over 800 hiking routes around Weinfelder Maar, catering to various preferences and skill levels. More than 400 of these are classified as easy, offering accessible options for most hikers.
Are there easy hiking routes suitable for families or beginners?
Yes, Weinfelder Maar offers numerous easy hiking routes perfect for families and beginners. Over 400 trails are rated as easy. For a gentle introduction to the area, consider the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg – Weinfelder Maar viewpoint loop from Schalkenmehren, which is 2.0 miles (3.2 km) long and provides excellent views.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the hiking trails?
The terrain around Weinfelder Maar is characterized by its unique volcanic landscape. You'll encounter paths made of coarse-grained lava, wooded slopes, and trails encircling the maar. Elevations like the Mäuseberg and Maarkreuz offer varied perspectives, and the paths are generally well-maintained.
Are there any circular walks around Weinfelder Maar?
Yes, circular walks are very popular here. A path directly encircling the maar is nearly two kilometers long, ideal for a leisurely stroll. For a slightly longer option, the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg – View of the Weinfelder Maar loop from Daun is a 3.3-mile (5.3 km) loop that includes panoramic views.
What are the main landmarks or viewpoints to see while hiking?
Key landmarks include the historic Weinfelder Chapel, parts of which date back to the 14th century, located directly by the maar. Another significant point is the Dronke Tower (Dronketurm) on the Mäuseberg, which offers panoramic views over the expansive Eifel landscape. The maar itself, with its deep blue waters, is a central natural highlight.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Yes, many trails around Weinfelder Maar are dog-friendly. The protected nature reserve encourages responsible pet ownership, so keeping your dog on a leash is generally recommended to protect the local flora and fauna. Always check specific trail regulations if you plan to visit a very sensitive area.
What is the best time of year to hike around Weinfelder Maar?
Weinfelder Maar is beautiful year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Summer is popular for longer hikes, and even winter hiking can be magical, with the landscape often covered in snow. The unique volcanic features are impressive in any season.
Are there options for longer, more challenging hikes?
Absolutely. While many routes are easy, there are also more challenging options. For those seeking a longer adventure, the proximity to Gemündener and Schalkenmehrener Maars allows for a scenic "Drei-Maare-Wanderung" (Three-Maar hike). An example of a more demanding route is the Schalkenmehrener Maar – Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg loop from Daun, which is 13.8 miles (22.2 km) long and rated as difficult.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Weinfelder Maar?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 13,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the unique volcanic landscape, the serene atmosphere of the maar, and the well-maintained paths that offer a tangible connection to the region's geological past. The panoramic views from points like the Dronke Tower are also frequently highlighted.
Is there parking available near the hiking trails?
Yes, there are parking facilities available in the vicinity of Weinfelder Maar, particularly in nearby towns like Daun and Schalkenmehren, which serve as common starting points for many trails. Specific parking details can often be found on local tourist information websites or komoot tour pages.
Are there any cafes or restaurants near the hiking trails?
While the immediate area around the protected Weinfelder Maar is largely natural, you'll find cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options in the nearby villages and towns such as Daun and Schalkenmehren. These provide convenient places to refuel before or after your hike.
What is the significance of Weinfelder Maar in the Eifel region?
Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar, is a significant geological feature in the Eifel region. It's one of the three 'Daun Maars' and is notable as the deepest (51 meters) and highest (487 meters above sea level) of these volcanic lakes. It's also an important point (number 26) on the German Volcano Road, highlighting its geological importance and unique formation from ancient steam explosions.
Most popular routes around Weinfelder Maar
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