Best lakes around Sarmersbach are primarily volcanic crater lakes known as Maars, located in the Volcanic Eifel region. This area is characterized by its unique geological formations, offering natural settings for outdoor activities. The region provides opportunities to explore these distinctive lakes, which are significant natural attractions.
Last updated: May 10, 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 Sarmersbach are primarily volcanic crater lakes, known as Maars. These unique geological formations are characteristic of the Volcanic Eifel region, offering distinctive natural settings for outdoor activities.
The Gemündener Maar is highly recommended for swimming and boating. It features a dedicated swimming area, boat rentals, and a sunbathing spot. For the adventurous, there's even a diving platform.
Yes, the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is a nature reserve where swimming and other water sports are strictly prohibited to protect its unique flora and fauna. However, it offers a beautiful nearly two-kilometer path for walking.
Many lakes, like the Schalkenmehrener Maar, feature scenic circular paths perfect for exploration. The region is also part of the MaareGlück circular route and the Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail, offering various options from easy walks to more challenging routes. You can find more hiking options in the Running Trails around Sarmersbach guide.
Yes, many of the Maars are family-friendly. For example, the Gemündener Maar offers swimming and boat rentals, which are popular with families. The circular paths around lakes like the Schalkenmehrener Maar are also suitable for family walks.
Yes, for instance, the Gemündener Maar has a forest café. Additionally, the village of Schalkmehren, located south of the Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers places to stop for refreshments after your visit.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for hiking and exploring, with milder temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Summer is ideal for swimming and water activities at lakes like the Gemündener Maar.
Absolutely. The Schalkenmehrener Maar is notable as one of the rare 'double maars,' featuring a dry maar located to its east alongside the lake. These formations are direct results of volcanic steam explosions thousands of years ago.
The region offers various cycling opportunities. For example, you can find routes that pass by the Schalkenmehrener Maar and Weinfelder Maar. Explore options in the Cycling around Sarmersbach guide or the Gravel biking around Sarmersbach guide.
For the Weinfelder Maar, parking is available along the L64 at the Maar itself or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder and Schalkenmehrener Maars. Specific parking information for other lakes is often available at their respective entrances or nearby villages.
Visitors frequently highlight the natural beauty and tranquility of the Maars, the well-maintained circular paths, and the opportunities for various outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and boating. The unique volcanic landscape and geological history also add to their appeal.


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