Top 20 Lakes around Udler
Best lakes around Udler are primarily volcanic crater lakes, known as maars, situated in the Vulkaneifel district of Germany. This region is characterized by its unique geological formations, offering diverse natural landscapes. The area surrounding Udler provides access to several of these maars, which are significant natural attractions.
Best lakes around Udler
- The most popular lake is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a lake and natural monument. It is the largest of the three Dauner Maars and is a double maar, featuring…
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg
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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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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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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of lakes can I find near Udler?
The lakes near Udler are primarily unique volcanic crater lakes known as maars, characteristic of the Vulkaneifel district. These include well-preserved maars like Pulvermaar, the largest crater of Meerfelder Maar, and the Dauner Maars such as Schalkenmehrener Maar and Weinfelder Maar.
Which lakes near Udler are suitable for swimming and water activities?
Several maars offer opportunities for swimming and boating. You can swim and rent boats at View of the Gemünden maar, which also has a sunbathing area. Pulvermaar is known for its clear waters, ideal for swimming and boating. Schalkenmehrener Maar also has a natural outdoor pool, and Meerfelder Maar allows swimming in designated areas on its north shore from May to September. Note that swimming and water sports are not permitted in the protected Weinfelder Maar.
Are there family-friendly activities around the lakes near Udler?
Yes, many lakes are family-friendly. Schalkenmehrener Maar is popular with families, offering swimming and boating. View of the Gemünden maar also provides a swimming pool and boat rentals. Pulvermaar features a natural swimming pool with areas for non-swimmers and children, along with well-maintained hiking trails suitable for families.
What hiking opportunities are available around the lakes near Udler?
The region offers numerous hiking trails around the maars. You can find a beautiful circular path around Schalkenmehrener Maar. Meerfelder Maar has trails like the "Heimatspur LW Lava Weg Deudesfeld" and "Vulkamaar Pfad." Weinfelder Maar has a nearly two-kilometer path for exploring its natural and historical significance. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Udler.
Can I cycle around the lakes near Udler?
Yes, a cycling path runs around Schalkenmehrener Maar. The broader Vulkaneifel region is also excellent for cycling, with routes like the Mosel-Maare Cycle Path nearby. You can find various road cycling routes around Udler.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is notable for a small chapel dedicated to St. Martin and an associated cemetery on its north bank, which was once the parish church of a plague-stricken village. Ulmener Maar features the ruins of Ulmen Castle from the 11th century on its southern edge, offering a blend of natural beauty and medieval history.
Which lakes offer the best views or viewpoints?
The "Landesblick" viewing platform on the crater rim of Meerfelder Maar offers breathtaking views. The Dronke tower on the edge of Weinfelder Maar provides a wonderful panoramic view of the Eifel. You can also find great perspectives from View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) and View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench.
What makes the Weinfelder Maar unique compared to other maars?
The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is the highest and deepest of the three Dauner Maars. It has a distinct melancholic atmosphere and is surrounded by legends. Its unique flora and fauna are under nature protection, and it features a historic chapel and cemetery on its bank. Unlike some other maars, swimming and water sports are prohibited here to preserve its natural state.
What is the youngest maar in the Eifel region?
Ulmener Maar is the youngest maar in the Eifel, formed about 10,900 years ago from Germany's last volcanic eruption. It is up to 37 meters deep and surrounded by a 20-meter-high tuff embankment. The Ulmener Maar tunnel, accessible since 2023, offers a unique insight into its geological past.
Are there any protected nature reserves among the lakes?
Yes, Meerfelder Maar is nestled within a protected nature reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare wader species. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) also has its unique flora and fauna under nature protection, prohibiting swimming and water sports to preserve its ecosystem.
Where can I find refreshments or cafes near the lakes?
At View of the Gemünden maar, there is a forest café. The village of Schalkenmehren, adjacent to Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers various restaurants and cafés. Pulvermaar also has a cafeteria with an outdoor terrace providing views of the maar.
How can I learn more about the volcanic origins of these lakes?
Many maars offer insights into their volcanic past. Pulvermaar has informative displays and guided tours about its geological significance. Meerfelder Maar features visible olivine bombs as evidence of its volcanic history. The Ulmener Maar tunnel, accessible to the public, reveals geological deposits from the maar's eruption, providing a unique educational experience.
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