Best lakes around Steineberg are primarily volcanic lakes, known as Maare, located in the Eifel region. These natural features are formed by volcanic steam explosions, creating unique circular depressions often filled with water. The area offers a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, providing distinct natural beauty. Visitors can explore these geological formations and their surrounding environments.
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 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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The lakes around Steineberg are primarily volcanic lakes, known as Maare, located in the Eifel region. These unique geological formations were created by volcanic steam explosions, resulting in distinct circular depressions often filled with water. They offer a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, providing a special natural beauty.
Yes, some of the Maare offer swimming opportunities. For example, the Gemünden maar is known for its swimming facilities, including an outdoor pool and the option to swim in the Maar itself, complete with a diving platform.
Several lakes are family-friendly. The Gemünden maar is a great choice, offering swimming, boat rentals, and a forest café. The Schalkenmehrener Maar and Weinfelder Maar also have paths suitable for family walks and offer beautiful viewpoints.
Absolutely. The Eifel region is excellent for hiking. You can find numerous trails, including circular paths around the Maare. For instance, the Schalkenmehrener Maar has a very beautiful circular path. The Gemünden maar is part of the MaareGlück circular route. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Steineberg guide, which includes routes like the 'HeimatSpur Keltenrundweg'.
The Maare offer stunning panoramic views, often from elevated viewpoints surrounding the volcanic craters. Highlights like the View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) and View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench provide picturesque vistas of the deep blue lakes nestled within the Eifel landscape.
Yes, the Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar, is particularly rich in history. It features a historic chapel and cemetery on its banks, some parts dating back to the 14th century. The chapel was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, which was abandoned due to the plague in the 16th century. Legends also surround this tranquil lake.
Visitors frequently praise the natural beauty and tranquility of the Maare. They enjoy the well-maintained circular paths, the opportunities for swimming and boating, and the stunning viewpoints. The unique volcanic landscape and the blend of nature with historical elements, especially at the Weinfelder Maar, are also highly appreciated.
Yes, you can rent boats at the Gemünden maar, allowing you to explore the volcanic lake from the water.
The Weinfelder Maar is one of the deepest, reaching a depth of 51 meters. It was formed around 10,500 years ago by a volcanic steam explosion.
Yes, for example, the Gemünden maar has a forest café conveniently located near the lake, offering refreshments for visitors.
Yes, the area offers various running trails. You can find routes like 'View of the Schalkenmehrener Maar – Schalkenmehrener Maar loop from Mehren' which is 18.47 km long. More options are available in the Running Trails around Steineberg guide.
Yes, the region offers cycling opportunities. While specific lake-side cycling paths are not detailed for every Maar, you can find routes that pass by or near them. The Cycling around Steineberg guide lists routes such as 'Schalkenmehrener Maar – Schalkenmehren Maar loop from Mehren'.


Still not found your perfect lake around Steineberg? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.