Top 20 Lakes around Pantenburg
Best lakes around Pantenburg are located in the surrounding Volcanic Eifel region, characterized by its unique volcanic lakes known as maars. This area features several well-preserved maars, which are volcanic craters filled with water. These geological formations offer opportunities for various outdoor activities and provide insights into the region's volcanic past. The landscape around these lakes consists of forests and hills.
Best lakes around Pantenburg
- The most popular lakes is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a lake that is the southernmost and…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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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Weinfelder Maar viewpoint
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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 Pantenburg unique?
The lakes around Pantenburg are unique volcanic lakes known as maars, found in the Volcanic Eifel region. These are craters formed by volcanic explosions that have filled with water, offering distinct geological features and clear waters. Notable examples include Schalkenmehrener Maar, a rare double maar, and Weinfelder Maar, known for its deep, clear waters and surrounding nature reserve.
Can I swim in the lakes near Pantenburg?
Yes, swimming is possible in some of the lakes. View of the Gemünden maar offers a swimming pool and direct access to the maar for swimming, including a diving platform. Pulvermaar, while not one of the Dauner Maare, is also highly recommended for its exceptionally high water quality and designated swimming areas. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in Weinfelder Maar as it is a nature reserve.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Pantenburg?
Absolutely. Many of the maars feature well-maintained circular paths. For instance, there is a beautiful circular path around Schalkenmehrener Maar, and an almost two-kilometer-long path for exploration on foot around Weinfelder Maar. The Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail also runs through the Dauner Maare area, offering scenic routes past these volcanic formations.
What are some family-friendly activities around the lakes?
The lakes offer several family-friendly options. At View of the Gemünden maar, families can enjoy swimming, boat rentals, and a forest café. Pulvermaar also provides a natural swimming pool area with facilities for non-swimmers, small children, large sunbathing areas, a diving tower, and playground equipment. Easy walks around the maars are also suitable for families.
Are the trails around the lakes dog-friendly?
Generally, many trails in the Volcanic Eifel region are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas or where wildlife is present. Specific regulations may apply to certain swimming areas or protected zones, so look for local signage.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, the region offers excellent opportunities for cycling. You can explore various routes for road cycling or gravel biking. For example, there are numerous road cycling routes and gravel biking routes around Pantenburg that often incorporate views of the maars and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Are there cafes or restaurants directly at the lakes?
Yes, you can find refreshment options at some of the lakes. View of the Gemünden maar has a forest café. At Pulvermaar, there is a cafeteria with an outdoor terrace offering views of the maar. The village of Schalkmehren, located south of Schalkenmehrener Maar, also provides places to stop for refreshments.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Pantenburg?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time for outdoor activities like hiking and swimming is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is mildest. The lush forests and clear waters are particularly inviting during these months. Autumn also offers stunning foliage around the maars.
How can I get to the lakes around Pantenburg by public transport?
While Pantenburg itself is a smaller village, the Volcanic Eifel region has some public transport connections. Buses often connect larger towns like Daun (which is near the Dauner Maare) to surrounding areas. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for specific routes to Pulvermaar, Schalkenmehrener Maar, or Gemündener Maar, as direct connections from Pantenburg might be limited.
Are there parking facilities available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available near the popular maars. For Weinfelder Maar, guests can park along the L64 either in the parking lot at the maar or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder and Schalkenmehrener Maars. Pulvermaar also has designated parking areas for visitors.
What historical or cultural aspects can be found near the lakes?
The lakes, especially the maars, are significant geological formations with a rich history. Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar, is particularly notable for its small chapel (dating from the 14th century) and an associated cemetery, which gives it a unique, melancholic atmosphere and is tied to local legends. Informative displays often explain the volcanic origins and history of these maars.
What kind of views can I expect around the lakes?
The lakes offer stunning panoramic views, often from elevated viewpoints around their craters. For example, there's a dedicated View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench and a Weinfelder Maar viewpoint. The surrounding landscape of lush forests and rolling hills further enhances the picturesque scenery, making them ideal for photography and appreciation of nature.
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