The best walks and hikes in Dauner Maare
4.5
(17975)
64,437
hikers
73
hikes
Hiking trails in Dauner Maare are set within the Vulkaneifel region of Germany, characterized by its unique volcanic landscapes. The area is renowned for its maars, which are circular, water-filled volcanic craters such as the Gemündener Maar, Weinfelder Maar, and Schalkenmehrener Maar. These features are nestled amidst wooded slopes, offering diverse terrain for exploration. The region's volcanic past has created a landscape of distinct crater lakes and surrounding forests.
Best hiking trails in Dauner Maare
- The most popular hiking route is Schalkenmehrener Maar – Gemündener Maar loop from Schalkenmehren, a 5.0 miles (8.1 km) trail that takes 2 hours 26 minutes to complete, connecting two of the prominent maars.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Gemündener Maar – View of the Weinfelder Maar loop from Gemünden, a moderate 6.2 miles (9.9 km) path. This route offers scenic views of the maars and surrounding volcanic landscape.
- Local hikers also love the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg – View of the Weinfelder Maar loop from Daun, a 3.3 miles (5.3 km) trail leading through wooded areas to an observation tower, often completed in about 1 hour 32 minutes.
- Hiking in Dauner Maare is defined by its volcanic maars, wooded slopes, and panoramic viewpoints. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy walks to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Dauner Maare are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 4,900 reviews. More than 18,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Dauner Maare's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
4.7
(556)
2,060
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(32)
156
hikers
26.2km
07:20
510m
510m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(22)
96
hikers
29.2km
08:15
640m
630m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.7
(145)
793
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(70)
309
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Information on the Mürmes nature reserve can be found at NABU: https://www.nabu-daun.de/wir-sichern-fl%C3%A4chen/nsg-m%C3%BCrmes/ or at: https://ellscheid-vulkaneifel.de/408/tourismus/muermes
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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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The Sangweiher is an old maar lake and, thanks to extensive restoration measures, has become a lovely stop on your hike. This nature and bird sanctuary offers a habitat for flora and fauna, where you are welcome to be a guest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Dauner Maare?
There are over 70 hiking trails in the Dauner Maare region, offering a wide range of options for different preferences and fitness levels. These include 40 easy routes, 26 moderate routes, and 5 difficult routes.
What makes hiking in Dauner Maare unique?
Hiking in Dauner Maare offers a unique experience due to its distinctive volcanic landscape. The region is famous for its 'maars' – circular, water-filled volcanic craters like the Gemündener Maar, Weinfelder Maar, and Schalkenmehrener Maar. These features, nestled amidst wooded slopes, provide diverse terrain and stunning views, showcasing the geological history of the Vulkaneifel.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Dauner Maare?
The hiking trails in Dauner Maare are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 4,900 reviews. Hikers often praise the scenic beauty of the maars, the well-maintained paths, and the variety of routes available for all skill levels.
Are there easy hiking options for beginners or casual walkers?
Yes, the Dauner Maare region offers plenty of easy hiking options. With 40 routes classified as easy, you can find gentle paths suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed stroll. An example is the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg – View of the Weinfelder Maar loop from Daun, which is 3.3 miles (5.3 km) and leads to a panoramic viewpoint.
Can I find more challenging or longer hikes in the Dauner Maare region?
Absolutely. For those seeking a greater challenge, there are 5 difficult routes available. These include longer distances and more significant elevation changes. The HeimatSpur Großer Dauner – GesundLand Vulkaneifel, for instance, is a demanding 18.1 miles (29.2 km) trail with over 600 meters of ascent.
Are there circular hiking routes around the maars?
Yes, many of the most popular routes in Dauner Maare are circular, allowing you to experience the beauty of the maars from all angles. The Schalkenmehrener Maar – Gemündener Maar loop from Schalkenmehren is a popular 5.0 miles (8.1 km) circular trail connecting two prominent maars.
Are the hiking trails in Dauner Maare suitable for families with children?
Many trails in Dauner Maare are suitable for families, especially the easier, shorter loops around the maars. The natural lido at Schalkenmehrener Maar offers modern facilities and swimming opportunities, making it a great destination for a family outing combined with a walk.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Dauner Maare?
Generally, dogs are welcome on most hiking trails in the Dauner Maare region. However, it's always advisable to keep them on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas like around the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), and to be mindful of local regulations and other hikers.
What are some notable viewpoints or attractions I can see while hiking?
The Dauner Maare region is rich in scenic viewpoints and natural attractions. A must-visit is the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, which offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Vulkaneifel and the three main maars. You can also find stunning perspectives at the View of the Gemünden maar and the View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar).
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Dauner Maare?
The Dauner Maare region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly popular for hiking. In spring, the landscape bursts with fresh greenery and wildflowers, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for combining hikes with swimming in the Gemündener Maar or Schalkenmehrener Maar. Winter hiking is also possible, offering a tranquil experience of the volcanic landscape.
Are there places to eat or drink near the hiking routes?
Yes, you'll find various cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the towns and villages surrounding the maars, such as Daun and Schalkenmehren. Many establishments offer local Eifel cuisine and refreshments, perfect for recharging after a hike. Some maars, like the Gemündener Maar and Schalkenmehrener Maar, also have facilities directly by the water.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on the trails?
Beyond the iconic water-filled maars, you'll encounter a diverse volcanic landscape. This includes dry maars, which are former craters that have silted up, and raised bogs, showcasing different stages of maar evolution. The wooded slopes surrounding the maars are home to rich flora, including reeds, water lilies, and various grassland species, all within a designated nature park and UNESCO Global Geopark.
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