Top 20 Lakes around Salm
Best lakes around Salm are primarily found within the Vulkaneifel district, a region in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. This area is characterized by its volcanic history, which has shaped its unique landscape, including numerous volcanic lakes known as maars. The Salm region lakes offer diverse natural experiences, from deep water-filled craters to dry maars. These geological formations provide distinct environments for exploration and observation.
Best lakes around Salm
- The most popular lakes is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a lake that is the southernmost…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
View of the Gemünden maar
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Schalkenmehrener Maar
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View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench
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Weinfelder Maar viewpoint
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Gemündener 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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Great view of the Totenmaar and a nice place to take a break.
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The smallest of the 3 maars is nestled nicely in the crater about 100m lower than the surrounding area. A beautiful circular path leads around the Maar, a transition to the other Maaren and a path up to the observation tower. Swimming in the outdoor pool and boating are possible here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lakes can I expect to find around Salm?
The lakes around Salm are primarily volcanic lakes, known as maars, located within the Vulkaneifel district. These unique geological formations, created by volcanic steam explosions, offer diverse natural environments, from deep water-filled craters to dry maars.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Salm region?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. For instance, the View of the Gemünden maar offers a forest café, a swimming pool, and boat rentals, making it a great spot for a family day out. Schalkenmehrener Maar also has a beautiful circular path that is enjoyable for all ages.
Which lakes are best for swimming or water activities?
The View of the Gemünden maar is an excellent choice for swimming and water activities. It features a swimming pool and offers boat rentals, with a sunbathing area on the sunny side. Other maars, like the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), do not permit swimming or water sports to protect their unique flora and fauna.
Are there easy walking or circular paths around the lakes?
Absolutely. The Schalkenmehrener Maar has a very beautiful circular path around it. The Gemünden maar is part of the MaareGlück circular route, and the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) also has an almost two-kilometer-long path for exploration on foot.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond lake walks, the Vulkaneifel region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, such as those found in the Hiking around Salm guide. There are also options for gravel biking and running, with routes detailed in guides like Gravel biking around Salm and Running Trails around Salm.
Can I bring my dog to the lake trails?
Many trails in the Vulkaneifel region are dog-friendly, but it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with livestock. Specific regulations might apply to individual maars, so checking local signage is recommended.
Are there any less crowded or 'hidden gem' lakes to visit?
While the main maars are popular, the Vulkaneifel district has many smaller, less-frequented volcanic features. The Windsborn Crater summit, overlooking one of the few volcanic crater lakes north of the Alps, offers a quiet place for a break, often with fewer visitors than the larger maars.
What are the best spots for photography around the lakes?
The volcanic landscape provides stunning photographic opportunities. The Windsborn Crater summit offers unique views of its crater lake. The View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench provides a picturesque perspective of the Weinfelder Maar, known for its melancholic atmosphere and historic chapel.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in the Salm region?
Visitors particularly appreciate the unique volcanic landscape and the tranquility of the maars. The opportunity to hike around these ancient craters, enjoy the natural beauty, and sometimes even swim or rent boats, makes for a memorable experience. The region's geological history, as seen in formations like the double maar of Schalkenmehrener Maar, is also a significant draw.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the lake walks?
Yes, some lakes offer amenities. For example, the Gemünden maar has a forest café. Additionally, the village of Schalkenmehren, located south of Schalkenmehrener Maar, provides places to stop for refreshments after your walk.
Is there public transport available to reach the lakes?
While specific public transport routes to every single lake might vary, the Vulkaneifel district generally has bus connections. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for routes connecting to towns near the maars, such as Daun or Schalkenmehren, and plan your journey accordingly.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Salm?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for hiking and exploring, with mild temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Summer is ideal for swimming and water activities at lakes like Gemünden Maar. Winter can provide a serene, often snow-covered landscape, though some amenities might have reduced hours.
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