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Rhineland-Palatinate

Vulkaneifel

Attractions and Places To See in the Vulkaneifel - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see in the Vulkaneifel offers a diverse landscape shaped by its volcanic history, featuring numerous maars, volcanic peaks, and extensive forests. This UNESCO Global Geopark is characterized by its unique geological formations, including crater lakes and mineral springs. The region also presents a rich cultural heritage with historical landmarks and traditional sites. Its natural features and notable landmarks provide varied experiences for visitors.

Best attractions and places to see in the Vulkaneifel

  • The most popular attractions is Dreimühlen Waterfall, a waterfall that was created through the construction of a railway line and "grows" due to limestone deposits. This artificial waterfall is a highly visited natural attraction in the Eifel.
  • Another must-see spot is Buchenloch Cave, a cave that is approximately 30 meters long and freely accessible. Excavations in the 19th century found tools and animal bones from the Ice Age here.
  • Visitors also love Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, a viewpoint offering panoramic views over the volcanic landscape and maars. The tower stands on the Mouse Mountain and provides a direct view of the Gemündener Maar.
  • Vulkaneifel is known for its volcanic maars, historical sites, and natural rock formations. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from geological wonders to cultural landmarks.
  • The attractions in the Vulkaneifel are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 1190 highlights and more than 3900 upvotes.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Dreimühlen Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

The Dreimühlen waterfall, also referred to as the Nohner waterfall, is an artificial waterfall near Ahütte that was created through the construction of a railway line by merging streams. The waterfall "grows" through limescale deposits. Today the railway line is a cycling and hiking trail.

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Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg

Highlight • Viewpoint

From the parking lot between the Weinfelder Maar and the Schalkenmehrener Maar, a path climbs uphill to the Dronketurm on äumeberg. There you have a panoramic view that extends as far as the Hunsrück when the weather is good. You can also see all three maars from here – Schalkenmehrener, Gemündener and Weinfelder Maar. Reason enough to take a short break here.

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View of the Gemünden maar

Highlight • Lake

This maar is not only very beautiful and accessible via the MaareGlück-Rundweg, but there is also a forest café and a swimming pool here. You can swim in the maar and rent boats, and the sunbathing lawn is on the sunny side. However, you have to watch out for ticks. Those who want to can jump into the maar from a seven-and-a-half-meter high diving tower.

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Schalkenmehrener Maar

Highlight • Lake

The Schalkenmehrerener Maar is the southernmost and largest of the three Dauner Maars. There is another dry maar to the east of the Maarsee. It is one of the rare double maars and is only around 10,000 years old. There is a very beautiful circular path around the maar. To the south is the village of Schalkmehren with places to stop for refreshments.

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Buchenloch Cave

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Over a small staircase to reach the then quite large cave. You can get in a good deal and you are immediately fascinated. In any case worth a flashlight, of course, it is also without

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There is a car park on the road above the Maare. After crossing the road, a path leads down to the Maar, from where you can hike in various directions.

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One of the most beautiful highlights on a hike through the Gerolstein Dolomites. Be sure to take a break and enjoy the fantastic view over Gerolstein and the beautiful Kylltal. In bad weather, the refuge on the Munterley Plateau offers suitable shelter.

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Gerolsteiner Dolomiten Rock Formations

Highlight • Natural Monument

A hike through the Gerolsteiner Dolomites is probably one of the most beautiful tours that you can undertake in the Eifel. Absolutely worthwhile, also for children.

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Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel

Highlight (Segment) • Structure

Old Railway Tunnel "Großes Schlitzohr" near Daun
At the end of the first decade of the 20th century, the railway tunnel was driven 560 meters through the mountain. 80 years later, it was converted into a cycle path. The tunnel contains several niches with rounded arches, through which the water seeping in above is drained. The sound of this water has been a part of this place for almost 100 years.
Text / Source: Institut Denkunternehmung, Hörscheider Straße 20, 54552 Darscheid
denkunternehmung.de/alter-eisenbahntunnel-grosses-schlitzohr-bei-daun

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Nice to see this Weinfelder Maar again. One can really make beautiful walks in that area!

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Paul
May 13, 2025, Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel

Old Railway Tunnel "Großes Schlitzohr" near Daun At the end of the first decade of the 20th century, the railway tunnel was driven 560 meters through the mountain. 80 years later, it was converted into a cycle path. The tunnel contains several niches with rounded arches, through which the water seeping in above is drained. The sound of this water has been a part of this place for almost 100 years. Text / Source: Institut Denkunternehmung, Hörscheider Straße 20, 54552 Darscheid https://denkunternehmung.de/alter-eisenbahntunnel-grosses-schlitzohr-bei-daun

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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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Didada
September 7, 2024, Dreimühlen Waterfall

The so-called Dreimühlen waterfall is also known as the Nohn waterfall. The name Nohn waterfall comes from the waterfall's proximity to the town of Nohn. The houses on the outskirts of Nohn are only a few hundred meters above the waterfall. Most people talk about the Dreimühlen waterfall, however. The name Dreimühlen comes from a former castle called Dreimühlen. Today, however, only the remains of the walls are said to remain. We looked for the former castle on our trip, but couldn't find anything of it. The waterfall in the Eifel is located between the towns of Üxheim, Kerpen and Nohn. Although the other large towns in the Eifel are not located here, many visitors come here. Some of them travel especially to visit the waterfall. The Dreimühlen waterfall is one of the most visited Eifel attractions. Almost every holidaymaker in the area comes to the waterfall at least once during their Eifel vacation. In addition, many day tourists travel from outside, making it the most visited waterfall in the Eifel. They all want to see the unique natural wonder.

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Very nice panoramic view

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From the Mäuseberg high above the maars you have a fantastic view in clear weather

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https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerolsteiner Dolomiten The tour was really beautiful... It won't be the last time I'm there ❤️

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A very worthwhile detour, especially as the donkeys and goats are so friendly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What unique natural features can I explore in the Vulkaneifel?

The Vulkaneifel is famous for its volcanic maars, often called the 'eyes of the Eifel.' You can visit the Schalkenmehrener Maar, one of the three Dauner Maare, or enjoy views of the Gemündener Maar and Weinfelder Maar. Don't miss the unique Dreimühlen Waterfall, which 'grows' due to limestone deposits. The region also features impressive volcanic peaks, block screes, and extensive forests.

Are there any historical or cultural landmarks to visit?

Yes, the Vulkaneifel is rich in history. You can explore the striking Buchenloch Cave, where Ice Age tools and animal bones were found. Other notable sites include the Manderscheid Castles, the ruins of Burgruine Ulmen, and the historic Birgel Watermill, which showcases traditional craftsmanship. The region also has traces of Roman presence and Celtic ramparts.

What are some family-friendly attractions in the Vulkaneifel?

Families will find plenty to enjoy. The Dreimühlen Waterfall is a popular natural attraction. The Schalkenmehrener Maar offers a beautiful circular path suitable for families. For wildlife, consider the Daun Game and Adventure Park or the Adler- und Wolfspark Kasselburg. The Water Playground in Kurpark Gerolstein is also a magical attraction for children.

Where can I find the best panoramic views of the Vulkaneifel landscape?

For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, which offers a direct view of the Gemündener Maar. You can also find excellent viewpoints like the View of the Gemünden maar, View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), and the View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench. The View of Gerolstein from the Munterley also provides a great perspective.

Are there opportunities for hiking and cycling near these attractions?

Absolutely. The Vulkaneifel is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous trails, including parts of the famous Eifelsteig and the Lieserpfad. For specific routes, explore options like waterfall hikes or MTB trails. The Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel is part of a cycle path, offering a unique experience.

What geological formations are particularly noteworthy in the Vulkaneifel?

Beyond the maars, the Vulkaneifel boasts unique geological formations like the Gerolsteiner Dolomiten Rock Formations. These impressive rocks, such as the Munterley, rise steeply above the Kyll valley and offer insights into the region's ancient shallow sea past. The area is also known for its distinctive block screes and mineral springs.

What do visitors enjoy most about the Vulkaneifel attractions?

Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and the geological uniqueness of the region. Many highlight the peaceful atmosphere around the maars and the rewarding views from towers like the Dronke Tower. The Dreimühlen Waterfall is often described as a 'small and nice surprise' and a 'must-visit' for its unique 'growing' characteristic.

Are there any museums dedicated to the volcanic history of the region?

Yes, several museums offer deep dives into the Vulkaneifel's volcanic past. These include the Eifel Maar Museum and Maarmuseum in Manderscheid, the Vulkanhaus in Strohn, the Lava-Dome in Mendig, and the Eifel-Vulkanmuseum in Daun. They provide insights into the region's unique geological history and significant paleontological finds.

Can I find any thermal spas or wellness facilities in the Vulkaneifel?

Yes, the Vulkaneifel Therme in Bad Bertrich is a notable spa complex. It's unique for using water from Germany's only glauber salt source, known for its medicinal properties. The Römerkessel Landscape Therapeutic Park in Bad Bertrich is also designed for relaxation and well-being.

What kind of outdoor activities are available for gravel biking in the Vulkaneifel?

The Vulkaneifel offers excellent terrain for gravel biking. You can find various routes, including challenging loops like the 'View of the Schalkenmehrener Maar – Weinfelder Maar loop from Daun' or the 'Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel loop from Daun.' For more options, check out the Gravel biking in the Vulkaneifel guide.

Are there any specific trails for mountain biking in the Vulkaneifel?

Mountain bikers will find a variety of trails in the Vulkaneifel. Routes such as 'Eifel Allerlei - the all-inclusive tour' and 'Von Maar zu Maar - die Vulkanseen Tour' offer challenging experiences. You can explore more options in the MTB Trails in the Vulkaneifel guide.

Most popular routes in the Vulkaneifel

Hiking in the Vulkaneifel

Most popular attractions in the Vulkaneifel

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