4.5
(1916)
7,265
riders
450
rides
Mountain biking around Schalkenmehrener Maar offers routes through a unique volcanic landscape in Germany's Vulkaneifel region. The area features a volcanic lake, surrounded by hills, valleys, and diverse forests. Riders encounter varied terrain, including well-maintained cycle paths around the maar and technically challenging trails through the broader Vulkaneifel. This region provides a dynamic backdrop for mountain biking, connecting maars and ancient volcanic formations.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
4.7
(23)
93
riders
61.9km
06:06
1,440m
1,440m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.9
(19)
82
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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4.1
(8)
25
riders
42.0km
03:24
610m
610m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.5
(4)
40
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(3)
8
riders
63.7km
05:28
1,120m
1,120m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Beautiful circular path in the shade suitable for wheelchairs/strollers
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"Old Station" Schalkenmehren Passenger service between Daun and Wittlich was discontinued on November 1, 1981. Schalkenmehren. Approaching the Old Station in Schalkenmehren on the former railway line, today's Maare-Mosel cycle path, and seeing the station building, it's hard to believe that it was opened as a fourth-class railway station exactly 100 years ago. But how did it all begin 100 years ago? Surveying for the Daun-Wittlich railway line began as early as 1897. General preparatory work for the single-track line began in 1907. But it would take some time before the Daun-Schalkenmehren-Gillenfeld section opened on December 1, 1909, with the line running over the 28-meter-high Daun viaduct and through the 560-meter-long Schalkenmehren railway tunnel, "Großes Schlitzohr" (Great Sly Fox). The extension from Gillenfeld to Manderscheid to Pantenburg was completed on May 1, 1910, and the extension from Manderscheid-Pantenburg to Wittlich, signifying the completion of the entire line, was completed on July 1, 1910. The completion of the Daun-Wittlich railway line brought rapid development to the village of Schalkenmehren. In the first year of the line's existence (1910), 18,968 tickets were sold in Schalkenmehren, followed by 25,057 in 1913, 27,969 in 1919, and even 30,279 in 1922. In addition, Schalkenmehren station was designed for general cargo traffic and the receipt and dispatch of wagonloads. Text / Source: www.volksfreund.de/ https://www.volksfreund.de/region/vulkaneifel/ein-schmuckstueck-fuer-nostalgiker_aid-5712448
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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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Authentic Eifel village café, excellent homemade cakes, great value for money. Highly recommended.
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A real photo opportunity: The viaduct in Daun impresses with its imposing architecture and blends perfectly into the nature of the Volcanic Eifel. The view from below is particularly beautiful - ideal for a short break or a snapshot. If you take your time, you can enjoy the atmosphere. Perfect as a stopover for hikers and cyclists!
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Monument to the founder of the Eifel Association
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It's very beautiful here.
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There are over 450 mountain bike trails in the Schalkenmehrener Maar region, catering to various skill levels. This includes 76 easy routes, 292 moderate routes, and 91 difficult routes, offering a wide range of options for every rider.
The terrain around Schalkenmehrener Maar is shaped by its unique volcanic origins. You'll encounter a mix of rolling hills, valleys, and sparse forests. The trails range from well-maintained cycle paths, such as those encircling the maar, to technically challenging routes with rocky passages through the broader Vulkaneifel. This diverse landscape ensures an engaging experience with constantly changing backdrops.
The mountain bike trails around Schalkenmehrener Maar are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2,000 reviews. Riders frequently praise the unique volcanic landscape, the variety of trails connecting maars and volcanoes, and the spectacular panoramic views. Over 8,000 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore this region's diverse terrain.
Yes, many mountain bike routes around Schalkenmehrener Maar are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the View of the Weinfelder Maar – Dronketurm tower loop from Schalkenmehren is a moderate 11 km route that offers scenic views.
The trails often lead past various points of interest. You can explore unique volcanic features, enjoy views of the maars, and even encounter natural mineral springs known as 'Dreese'. Specific highlights include the At the edge of the Schalkenmehrer Maar and various Wooden Chainsaw Sculptures. Many routes also offer panoramic viewpoints of the surrounding Eifel landscape.
Yes, the region offers a selection of easy mountain bike trails suitable for families. While the broader Vulkaneifel has challenging routes, there are also well-maintained paths, particularly around the maar itself, that provide a gentler experience. It's advisable to check the difficulty ratings on individual komoot tours to find the best fit for your family's skill level.
Parking is generally available in and around the village of Schalkenmehren, which serves as a common starting point for many trails. Specific parking areas are often indicated on komoot tour pages or local signage. Given the popularity of the area for outdoor activities, designated parking spots are usually provided for visitors.
The Schalkenmehrener Maar area is accessible by public transport, though options might be more limited than by car. The 'Maare Mosel Radweg', a popular cycling route that passes by Schalkenmehrener Maar, often has connections to public transport hubs. It's recommended to check local bus and train schedules for the Vulkaneifel region to plan your journey.
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments and meals near the trails. The village of Schalkenmehren, located directly at the maar, offers places like Café Maarblick and the Village Shop Maaritimes. Many routes pass through or near villages where you can find restaurants and cafes to refuel.
The Vulkaneifel region, including Schalkenmehrener Maar, is generally excellent for mountain biking from spring through autumn. The weather is typically mild, and the natural landscape is vibrant. While specific conditions can vary, these seasons offer the most pleasant temperatures and trail conditions for exploring the volcanic terrain.
Absolutely. While there are easy and moderate options, the broader Vulkaneifel region boasts an extensive network of over 750 kilometers of signposted mountain bike trails, encompassing 17,500 meters of altitude difference. These trails provide varied and technically challenging routes, rewarding experienced riders with spectacular panoramas and diverse terrain, including rocky passages.
Yes, many mountain biking routes in the Schalkenmehrener Maar area are designed to connect various maars and volcanoes, offering a comprehensive experience of the unique volcanic landscape. For instance, the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg – View of the Weinfelder Maar loop from Schalkenmehren provides views of several maars and volcanic features.


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