Attractions and places to see around Neichen, a municipality in the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, offer a diverse range of experiences. The region is characterized by its unique volcanic landscape, featuring numerous maars and natural springs. Visitors can explore historical sites, enjoy scenic viewpoints, and engage in outdoor activities across the surrounding Eifel region. Neichen serves as a starting point for discovering the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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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 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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Nice view with markers for orientation. The tower, which was built in 1902, is only 11m high, but stands on top of the 560m high Mauseberg and is thus 166m above the Gemünder Maar, guaranteeing a magnificent view of the surrounding area.
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Beautiful view with an information board for orientation. The tower, built in 1902, is only eleven meters high, but stands at the top of the 560-meter-high Mäuseberg and is thus 166 meters above the Gemünder Maar. This guarantees a magnificent view over the surrounding area.
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A section of the Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail runs right through the Dauner Maare. Very nice path past the witnesses of the volcanic past of the Eifel. https://www.eifelsteig.de/
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The hiking car park and the hiking map with an overview of the various routes are located at the Waldcafe. This is a great place to start your tour and enjoy a coffee at the end.
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Very beautiful Maar, more than 100m deep embedded in the "crater", the smallest of the three Dauner Maare offers a beautiful outdoor pool and the opportunity to explore the volcanic lake by boat. The forest café and the starting point for numerous hikes and tours are also located at the car park.
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The region around Neichen is rich in unique natural features, primarily due to its volcanic past. You can visit several volcanic lakes, known as maars, such as the Schalkenmehrener Maar, which is a rare double maar, and the Gemündener Maar. Another notable natural attraction is the Dreimühlen Waterfall, an artificial waterfall known for 'growing' due to limescale deposits. The area also features numerous mineral springs (Sauerbrunnen).
Yes, the area offers historical and cultural points of interest. The world-renowned Nürburgring motorsport complex is a significant landmark nearby, featuring the famous race track and the ring°werk museum. Close to the Nürburgring, you can also explore the ruins of Nürburg Castle, offering a glimpse into the region's medieval history.
For breathtaking panoramic views, the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg is highly recommended. From its top, you can enjoy expansive vistas over the maars and the wide volcanic landscape of the Eifel, including a direct view of the Gemündener Maar. Other viewpoints around the maars, like the one overlooking the Weinfelder Maar, also offer picturesque scenery.
Neichen is an excellent starting point for hiking. The Vulkaneifel region is crisscrossed by numerous trails, including sections of the long-distance Eifelsteig Hiking Trail. You can find various local routes, such as the 'Lieser Source Trail – Neichener Drees (Mineral Spring) loop' or the 'XXL Bench, Vulkaneifel – View from Auf Schloscheid loop'. Many maars, like the Schalkenmehrener Maar, also have scenic circular paths. For more hiking options, explore the Hiking around Neichen guide.
Absolutely. The former railway line near the Dreimühlen Waterfall is now a cycling and hiking trail. The Vulkaneifel region also offers a variety of cycling and mountain biking routes. You can find trails like the 'Panorama Bench Sarmerzbach – View from Hochkelberg loop' or the 'Dronketurm tower – Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel loop'. For detailed routes, check out the MTB Trails around Neichen guide.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The maars, such as the Schalkenmehrener Maar and Gemündener Maar, offer easy circular paths and opportunities for swimming or boating. The Wildlife and Adventure Park Daun and the Eagle and Wolf Park Kasselburg provide opportunities to observe local wildlife and engage in adventurous activities, making them great choices for families.
Many trails in the Vulkaneifel region are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the natural beauty with your canine companion. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or near wildlife, and to check specific trail regulations if available. The circular paths around the maars are generally good options for walks with dogs.
The Dreimühlen Waterfall, also known as the Nohn waterfall, is unique because it is an artificial waterfall that 'grows'. It was created during the construction of a railway line by merging streams, and over time, limescale deposits have caused it to continuously increase in size. It's a fascinating natural phenomenon to witness.
The Vulkaneifel region is beautiful year-round, but for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, spring through autumn (April to October) generally offers the most pleasant weather. Spring brings blooming landscapes, summer is ideal for water activities at the maars, and autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage. Winter can offer unique, quiet experiences, but some trails might be challenging due to snow or ice.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. The circular paths around the maars, such as the Schalkenmehrener Maar, are generally flat and well-maintained. The 'Lieser Source Trail – Neichener Drees (Mineral Spring) loop from Neichen' is also listed as an easy hiking route, offering a gentle introduction to the area's natural beauty.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning panoramic views from spots like the Dronke Tower, the unique 'growing' phenomenon of the Dreimühlen Waterfall, and the serene beauty of the volcanic maars. The opportunity to explore the volcanic landscape, engage in various outdoor activities, and discover both natural wonders and historical sites makes the region a popular destination.
Due to the region's volcanic past, the Vulkaneifel is known for its numerous mineral springs, locally called 'Sauerbrunnen' or 'Drees'. One specific example is the Neichener Drees, which is part of a local hiking loop. These springs offer a unique insight into the geological activity of the area.


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