Top 20 Lakes around Kradenbach
Best lakes around Kradenbach are primarily volcanic crater lakes known as maars, characteristic of the Vulkaneifel region in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Kradenbach is situated within this geologically active area, offering a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. The region provides opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and biking, with trails winding through forests and alongside these unique lakes. Visitors can explore the natural scenery and geological features that define the Vulkaneifel.
Best lakes around Kradenbach
- The most popular lakes is Schalkenmehrener…
Last updated: May 10, 2026
View of the Gemünden maar
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Schalkenmehrener Maar
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View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar)
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View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench
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Weinfelder Maar viewpoint
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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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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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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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A very worthwhile detour, especially as the donkeys and goats are so friendly.
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I walked by here again today and enjoyed the view. Walking around the Maar has a mystical character for me too. Today the donkeys and goats were present. It was a treat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Kradenbach unique?
The lakes around Kradenbach are primarily volcanic crater lakes, known as maars. These unique geological formations are characteristic of the Vulkaneifel region, offering distinct natural beauty shaped by ancient volcanic activity. They are often deep, with clear waters, and surrounded by tuff walls.
Can I swim in the lakes near Kradenbach?
Swimming is permitted in some maars, such as the Gemündener Maar, which even has an outdoor pool and boat rentals. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) due to its protected unique flora and fauna.
Are there good viewpoints to see the lakes?
Yes, the region offers several excellent viewpoints. You can find a beautiful View of the Gemünden maar, and the View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is also highly regarded. There's even a dedicated View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench, offering a scenic perspective.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the Vulkaneifel maars?
You can expect to see the distinctive circular or oval shapes of the maars themselves, often surrounded by lush forests and volcanic tuff walls. The Schalkenmehrener Maar is a rare double maar, featuring both a lake and an eastern dry maar. The region's geological history is evident everywhere, with some maars having unique flora and fauna.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Kradenbach?
Absolutely. The Vulkaneifel region is excellent for hiking. There are circular paths around individual maars, such as the Schalkenmehrener Maar. Many trails connect multiple maars, and longer routes like sections of the Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail pass through the Dauner Maare. You can find more hiking options on the Hiking around Kradenbach guide.
What other outdoor activities are available near the lakes?
Besides hiking, the area around Kradenbach offers opportunities for mountain biking and touring cycling. You can explore various routes that wind through forests and past the maars. For more details, check out the MTB Trails around Kradenbach and Cycling around Kradenbach guides.
Are the lakes around Kradenbach family-friendly?
Yes, many of the maars are considered family-friendly. For example, the Gemündener Maar offers swimming and boat rentals, which are popular with families. The circular paths around the maars are generally suitable for walks with children, and there are picnic areas available.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
The Vulkaneifel region generally welcomes dogs on trails. However, specific rules regarding leashing and designated dog swimming areas may vary by maar. It's advisable to check local signage or specific regulations for each lake you plan to visit to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes near Kradenbach?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling with vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for swimming and water activities at maars where it's permitted. Even winter offers serene, quiet landscapes for walks.
Are there places to eat or stay near the lakes?
Yes, you'll find various options for refreshments and accommodation. For instance, the Gemündener Maar has a forest café. The village of Schalkenmehren, near the Schalkenmehrener Maar, also offers places to stop for refreshments. There are hotels, guesthouses, and holiday rentals available in the surrounding towns like Daun and Ulmen.
How can I get to the lakes using public transport?
Public transport options exist to reach the towns near the maars, such as Daun, Ulmen, and Gillenfeld. From these towns, local buses or walking routes can take you to the lakes. It's recommended to check current bus schedules and routes from Kradenbach or nearby larger towns for the most up-to-date information.
Are there facilities like picnic areas or restrooms near the maars?
Yes, many of the popular maars are equipped with visitor facilities. You can often find picnic areas for a relaxing break and restrooms for convenience. The Gemündener Maar, for example, has facilities including a forest café and swimming pool.
What is the history behind the Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar?
The Weinfelder Maar, or Totenmaar (Dead Maar), was formed by volcanic activity around 10,500 years ago. Its name comes from the historic chapel and cemetery located nearby, which served as the parish church and burial ground for the village of Weinfeld, abandoned in the 16th century due to the plague. The cemetery is still maintained and used today.
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