Top 20 Lakes in the Eifel
Best lakes in the Eifel are found in a region characterized by its diverse aquatic landscapes, including ancient volcanic maars and extensive artificial reservoirs. This area in Germany offers a blend of natural geological formations and man-made water bodies. The Eifel's lakes provide varied environments for outdoor activities and are set within a landscape of hills and forests.
Best lakes in the Eifel
- The most popular lakes include the Wooden boardwalk at the Heimbach Reservoir, a trail that offers beautiful and rustic sections with reflections in the water. This section is known for its quiet environment and is suitable for hikers.
- Another must-see spot is the Urft Dam, a man-made monument that was once Europe's largest reservoir. Visitors can find a place to stop for refreshments next to the dam, which is located within the Eifel National Park.
- Visitors also love Schalkenmehrener Maar, a natural lake that is the southernmost and largest of the three Dauner Maars. It is a double maar with a beautiful circular path around it, formed about 10,500 years ago by a volcanic steam explosion.
- Eifel is known for its volcanic maars, such as Laacher See and Pulvermaar, and large artificial reservoirs like the Rursee and Heimbach Reservoir. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from deep blue crater lakes to expansive recreational waters.
- The lakes in the Eifel are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 800 highlights, over 3,500 photos, and nearly 5,000 upvotes showcasing the region's appeal.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Urft Dam
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Wooden boardwalks at Heimbach Reservoir
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View of the Gemünden maar
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Victor-Neels Bridge
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View of the Urft Dam and the Urftsee
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Schalkenmehrener Maar
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Eifel view
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View of the Dreilägerbach Dam
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View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar)
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View of the Urftsee from Vogelsang
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and from Rureifel-Tourismus e. V .. There are particularly beautiful viewpoints in the Eifel.
(There are over 60 of them and IF THE KOMOOT TEAM DOESN'T DELETE THEM, I'll try to collect them all!)
The NS-Ordensburg has been renovated, but it still looks gloomy. From the tower you have a wonderful view.
eifel-blicke.de/go/eifelblicke-detail/52_schleiden_vogelsang.html
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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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From here, you have a beautiful view of the dam. There are two benches where you can relax.
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Almost the only way to see the reservoir and its walls. Otherwise access is prohibited and overgrown all around.
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There are a few benches here where you can take a rest
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One of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful vantage point on the Rursee.
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Very nicely located wooden walkways in good condition.
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Beautiful footpath, partly over wooden footbridges, in the immediate vicinity of the shore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular lakes in the Eifel region?
The Eifel region features a variety of popular lakes. The Heimbach Reservoir is known for its beautiful wooden boardwalks and quiet environment. The Urft Dam, once Europe's largest reservoir, is another must-see spot within the Eifel National Park. Additionally, the Schalkenmehrener Maar, a natural volcanic lake, is appreciated for its scenic circular path.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the Eifel lakes?
Yes, many lakes in the Eifel are great for families. The Rursee offers safe swimming areas and boat tours, with resorts like Rurberg and Einruhr providing amenities including a nature adventure pool. The Kronenburger See is a hub for water sports with extensive leisure facilities, a children's playground, and boat hire. The Gemündener Maar also features an outdoor pool and sunbathing area, making it ideal for family relaxation.
Which Eifel lakes are suitable for swimming?
Several Eifel lakes are popular for swimming. The Rursee provides safe swimming areas, especially popular during summer. The Meerfelder Maar allows swimming from May to September. Pulvermaar, known for its clear, deep blue waters, is a popular natural swimming pool. The Gemündener Maar also permits swimming and has an outdoor pool.
What kind of natural features and viewpoints can I expect to see around the Eifel lakes?
The Eifel lakes offer diverse natural features. Laacher See is a volcanic caldera lake with unique 'mofettes' (volcanic gas vents) and is surrounded by a 15 km circular hiking trail. The Meerfelder Maar is a picturesque maar lake within a large crater, offering panoramic views from the 'Landesblick' viewing platform. The Eifel view provides a stunning panoramic vista of the Rursee, and the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) also offers beautiful lake views.
Are there historical or cultural sites near the Eifel lakes?
Yes, the Eifel region combines natural beauty with historical significance. On the southwestern shore of Laacher See, you'll find the impressive Benedictine Maria Laach Abbey, an 11th-century Romanesque structure. The Urft Dam itself is a man-made monument, once Europe's largest reservoir. The Victor-Neels Bridge, spanning the Urftsee, is a steel suspension bridge with historical context related to the former military training area.
What outdoor activities, like hiking and running, are available near the Eifel lakes?
The Eifel lakes region is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for hiking, cycling, and running. For running, explore routes like the 'Great Trail of Lakes & Castles' or 'View of Maria Laach Abbey – Laacher Lake loop'. For easy hikes, consider the 'Eifel National Park by public transport – Wild Kermeter' or 'WasserWeg Blausteinsee'. More challenging mountain hikes are also available. You can find more details and routes in the Running Trails in the Eifel, Mountain Hikes in the Eifel, and Easy hikes in the Eifel guides.
Are there accessible trails or facilities for visitors with limited mobility?
Yes, some areas around the Eifel lakes offer accessibility. The Victor-Neels Bridge is built for the disabled, featuring an aluminum covering and steel railings. The paths in the Eifel National Park, particularly around viewpoints like the Eifel view, are generally well-maintained and can be accessible with prams, suggesting suitability for some mobility aids.
What is the best time of year to visit the Eifel lakes?
The Eifel lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming and water sports at lakes like Rursee and Kronenburger See. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with autumn providing stunning foliage. Winter can also be charming for walks, especially around the Rursee, which offers a special charm with snow.
Are dogs allowed on trails and around the Eifel lakes?
Many areas around the Eifel lakes are dog-friendly, but regulations vary. For instance, at Kronenburger See, dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash in most areas. It's always advisable to check specific local rules for each lake or trail, especially within protected areas like the Eifel National Park, to ensure a pleasant visit for everyone.
Where can I find refreshments or accommodation near the Eifel lakes?
You'll find various options for refreshments and accommodation. Resorts like Rurberg, Woffelsbach, and Einruhr around the Rursee offer places for relaxation and refreshments. There's a place to stop for refreshments right next to the Urft Dam. The village of Schalkmehren, near the Schalkenmehrener Maar, also has places to stop for refreshments. Kronenburger See features a campsite and kiosk, catering to visitors looking for longer stays or quick bites.
Which Eifel lakes are known for their volcanic origins?
The Eifel region is famous for its volcanic maars. Laacher See is the largest volcanic caldera lake in Rhineland-Palatinate, formed by a massive eruption. Meerfelder Maar is a picturesque maar lake situated within the largest maar crater in the Eifel. Pulvermaar is known for having the largest water surface and greatest depth among the Eifel maars. The Schalkenmehrener Maar and Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) are also prominent examples of these unique volcanic lakes.
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