Top 20 Lakes around Immerath
Best lakes around Immerath are found within the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, an area defined by its unique volcanic landscapes. This region is characterized by distinctive crater lakes, known as maars, such as the Immerather Maar and the nearby Pulvermaar. These geological formations provide serene environments for outdoor activities and offer insight into ancient volcanic activity. The area's natural beauty and geological significance make it a notable destination.
Best lakes around Immerath
- The most popular lakes is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a lake that is the southernmost and largest of the three Dauner Maars. It is a double maar, consisting of a lake and an eastern dry maar, formed around 10,500 years ago.
- Another must-see spot is Pulvermaar, a lake that is almost 80 meters deep, making it the deepest maar in the Eifel. A circular route of almost 2.5 kilometers allows for exploration, even in midsummer.
- Visitors also love View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), a lake also known as Totenmaar, created around 10,500 years ago by a volcanic steam explosion. The area is a nature reserve, with a path of almost two kilometers for walking.
- Immerath is known for its volcanic crater lakes, also called maars, and viewpoints overlooking these unique formations. Visitors can explore a variety of these geological features, including both water-filled and dry maars.
- The lakes around Immerath are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2,600 upvotes and over 490 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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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Weinfelder Maar viewpoint
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Maarkreuz — View of the Schalkenmehren 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 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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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Immerath unique?
The lakes around Immerath are distinctive volcanic crater lakes, known as maars, located in the Vulkaneifel district. These geological formations offer serene environments and a glimpse into ancient volcanic activity, with some maars being water-filled and others dry.
Are there family-friendly lakes to visit near Immerath?
Yes, several lakes are suitable for families. Schalkenmehrener Maar is family-friendly with a beautiful circular path. The Pulvermaar also has a circular route of almost 2.5 kilometers that is easy to manage with children, even in midsummer due to its wooded surroundings. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) area is also considered family-friendly, offering paths for walking.
Which lake is the deepest in the Eifel region?
The Pulvermaar is notable for being the deepest maar in the Eifel, reaching almost 80 meters in depth. It also offers great swimming opportunities in the summer.
Can I go swimming in the lakes around Immerath?
Swimming is possible in some lakes, such as the Pulvermaar, which has a bathing station. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) as it is a nature reserve.
Are there good viewpoints for the lakes?
Absolutely. You can find excellent views of the maars. For instance, there's a dedicated View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench and a Weinfelder Maar viewpoint. The Schalkenmehrener Maar also offers beautiful vistas along its circular path.
What kind of trails can I find around the Immerath lakes?
Many lakes feature circular paths perfect for walking. The Schalkenmehrener Maar has a very beautiful circular path, and the Pulvermaar offers a nearly 2.5-kilometer circular route. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) also has a path of almost two kilometers for exploration.
What outdoor activities are available near the lakes around Immerath?
Beyond walking around the maars, the region offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous road cycling routes, challenging gravel biking trails, and scenic running trails that often pass by or offer views of the lakes and the unique volcanic landscape.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Yes, for the Weinfelder Maar, there is a car park on the road above the maar, or you can park on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder Maar and the Schalkenmehrener Maar.
What is the history behind the Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar?
The Weinfelder Maar, or Totenmaar, was formed around 10,500 years ago by a volcanic steam explosion. Its name 'Totenmaar' comes from the cemetery and small chapel nearby, which served the former parish church of Weinfeld, a village abandoned in the 16th century due to the plague. Many legends surround this tranquil Eifel eye, and it has inspired artists like Fritz von Wille.
What is a 'double maar' and where can I see one?
A 'double maar' is a rare geological formation consisting of a lake and an adjacent dry maar. The Schalkenmehrener Maar is an excellent example, featuring a western Maarsee (lake) and an eastern dry maar, both formed around 10,500 years ago.
What is the best time of year to visit the Immerath lakes?
The lakes are beautiful year-round. The Pulvermaar's wooded circular route is comfortable even in midsummer. Spring and autumn offer vibrant colors and pleasant temperatures for hiking, while winter can provide serene, less crowded experiences, though specific winter trail conditions should be checked.
Are there places to eat or drink near the lakes?
Yes, the village of Schalkmehren, located to the south of Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers places to stop for refreshments. The Pulvermaar also has a bathing station that provides refreshing drinks for hikers during the summer.
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