Best lakes around Bleckhausen are primarily volcanic lakes, known as Maare, located within Germany's Vulkaneifel district. This region is characterized by its unique geological features, offering diverse natural landscapes. These Maare are significant attractions, providing various recreational opportunities. Their proximity to Bleckhausen makes them key destinations for outdoor activities.
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 Bleckhausen are primarily volcanic lakes, known as Maare. These unique geological formations are craters formed by volcanic steam explosions, now filled with water. They are a testament to the Vulkaneifel region's rich geological history, offering distinct natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities.
Yes, the Gemündener Maar is a popular spot for swimming. It features a swimming pool and allows visitors to swim directly in the maar. You can also rent boats there and enjoy a sunbathing area. However, swimming is prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) as it is a nature reserve.
Several Maare are family-friendly. The Gemündener Maar is ideal, offering a swimming pool, boat rentals, and a sunbathing area. The Schalkenmehrener Maar also has a beautiful circular path that is great for family walks. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), while not allowing swimming, offers a nearly two-kilometer-long path suitable for family strolls.
Absolutely. The region is excellent for hiking. The Schalkenmehrener Maar has a very beautiful circular path. The Gemündener Maar is part of the MaareGlück circular route. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) also has a nearly two-kilometer-long path for exploration. For more extensive hiking, you can explore routes like the HeimatSpur Wacholder-Kyll-Weg or the Juniper Heath Bleckhausen loop, which are part of the hiking guide for Bleckhausen.
Yes, many of the paths around the Maare are suitable for easy walking. The circular path around the Schalkenmehrener Maar is considered beautiful and manageable. Similarly, the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) offers a nearly two-kilometer-long path that is wonderful for exploring on foot. These trails provide gentle terrain and scenic views.
The village of Schalkmehren, located to the south of Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers places to stop for refreshments. Additionally, the Gemündener Maar features a forest café right by the lake, providing a convenient spot for a break.
Yes, parking is generally available. For the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), there is a car park on the road above the Maare, and also on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder Maar and the Schalkenmehrener Maar. The Gemündener Maar also has a car park which serves as a starting point for hikes.
The volcanic lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the vibrant colors of nature. Summer is ideal for swimming and boating at lakes like the Gemündener Maar. Even in winter, the Maare offer a tranquil atmosphere for walks.
Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. The View of the Gemünden maar offers a stunning perspective. For the Weinfelder Maar, you can find a View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench and a dedicated Weinfelder Maar viewpoint. These spots provide picturesque vistas of the volcanic lakes and their surroundings.
Beyond walking, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy mountain biking on trails like the Eifel Allerlei or the View of Niederburg Castle loop, detailed in the MTB Trails around Bleckhausen guide. Road cycling is also popular, with routes such as the View of Daun from Daun Viaduct or the Gerolsteiner Dolomites, found in the Road Cycling Routes around Bleckhausen guide. At Gemündener Maar, you can also rent boats and even use a diving platform.
The walking times vary by lake. For instance, the circular path around the Schalkenmehrener Maar is a pleasant walk. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) has a nearly two-kilometer-long path, which typically takes about 30-45 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace. Many visitors choose to combine walks around multiple Maare for a longer experience.
While specific regulations for each lake may vary, generally, dogs are welcome on many of the hiking trails around the Maare in the Vulkaneifel region. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas or where wildlife is present, and to clean up after them. The circular paths around lakes like Schalkenmehrener Maar are popular for dog walks.


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