The best mountain hikes in Dauner Maare
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Mountaineering in Dauner Maare explores a unique volcanic landscape in Germany's Volcanic Eifel region. The terrain is characterized by its distinctive maars, which are volcanic lakes framed by wooded slopes and surrounded by cinder cone volcanoes. These routes often feature varied elevation changes, offering both challenging ascents and scenic paths around the water bodies. The area's geological history provides a diverse environment for outdoor activities.
Best mountaineering routes in Dauner Maare
- The most popular mountaineering route is View of the Gemündener Maar – Weinfelder Church loop from Schalkenmehren, a 5.2 miles (8.3 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 25 minutes to complete. This route connects two prominent maars, offering expansive views of the volcanic lakes.
- Another top favourite among local mountaineers is Weinfelder Church – View of the Gemündener Maar loop from Schalkenmehren, a moderate 7.0 miles (11.3 km) path. This route provides extended views across the maars and through the surrounding wooded areas.
- Local mountaineers also love the Weinfelder Maar viewpoint – Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg loop from Schalkenmehren, a 1.9 miles (3.0 km) trail leading through wooded hills to a significant lookout tower, often completed in about 50 minutes.
- Mountaineering in Dauner Maare is defined by volcanic lakes, wooded slopes, and panoramic viewpoints from elevated positions. The network offers options for various ability levels, from easy loops to more challenging ascents.
- The routes in Dauner Maare are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 140 reviews. More than 600 mountaineers have used komoot to explore Dauner Maare's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
5.0
(1)
3
hikers
8.31km
02:25
210m
220m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
3
hikers
11.3km
03:17
300m
300m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
hikers
Easy mountaineering route. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(152)
683
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Hard mountaineering route. Great for any fitness level. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
5.0
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24
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Hard mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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Tips from the Community
…a great challenging via ferrata in 3 stages with difficulties A - D along above the Lieser
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Very nice view of the entire town.
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Behind the Daun ski lift begins the mining zone for volcanic rock near the Gemünden Maar.
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Small ski lift (if there is a bit more snow in winter)
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This is where real climbers come into their own. But that wasn't part of our route.
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There are many wonderful plants to admire in and around the open-cast mine. Broom, lupins, clover...
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountaineering routes in Dauner Maare?
The terrain in Dauner Maare is defined by its unique volcanic origins. You'll encounter varied elevation changes, including challenging ascents and descents, as well as scenic paths around the distinctive volcanic lakes, known as Maare. The routes often lead through lush, wooded slopes and offer panoramic views from elevated positions, showcasing the region's geological history.
Are there any easy mountaineering routes suitable for beginners in Dauner Maare?
Yes, Dauner Maare offers routes suitable for various ability levels, including easier options. For instance, the Weinfelder Maar viewpoint – Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg loop from Schalkenmehren is an easy 1.9-mile (3.0 km) trail that takes about 50 minutes to complete, leading through wooded hills to a significant lookout tower.
What natural landmarks or viewpoints can I expect to see on mountaineering routes in Dauner Maare?
Mountaineering in Dauner Maare offers breathtaking views of its unique volcanic landscape. Key landmarks include the 'Maare' themselves, such as the Gemündener Maar, Weinfelder Maar, and Schalkenmehrener Maar. You can also visit the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, which provides panoramic vistas of the maars and the wider Eifel region. Another significant viewpoint is the Maarkreuz, offering expansive views from a tuff wall surrounding a maar.
Are there circular mountaineering routes available in Dauner Maare?
Yes, many of the mountaineering routes in Dauner Maare are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the View of the Gemündener Maar – Weinfelder Church loop from Schalkenmehren, which is 5.2 miles (8.3 km) long and connects two prominent maars. Another is the Weinfelder Church – View of the Gemündener Maar loop from Schalkenmehren, a moderate 7.0-mile (11.3 km) path offering extended views.
Can I bring my dog on the mountaineering routes in Dauner Maare?
Generally, dogs are welcome on the trails in Dauner Maare. However, it's always advisable to keep your dog on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas, near livestock, or in crowded sections, to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other hikers. Please be mindful of local regulations and clean up after your pet.
What makes the Maare in Dauner Maare so special?
The Maare are unique volcanic lakes formed by phreatomagmatic explosions thousands of years ago, often referred to as the 'eyes of the Eifel.' The region boasts the highest density of maars worldwide, making it a globally unique geological site. The Schalkenmehrener Maar is particularly notable as a double maar, featuring both a lake and a dry maar that is now a raised bog.
How can I reach the starting points of mountaineering routes in Dauner Maare by public transport?
The town of Daun serves as a good starting point for exploring the Maare region. While specific public transport connections to every trailhead might vary, Daun is generally accessible by bus services. It's recommended to check local bus schedules for connections from larger towns to Daun and then to specific villages like Schalkenmehren, which is a common starting point for many routes around the Maare.
Are there any opportunities for swimming or water activities near the mountaineering trails?
Yes, the Gemündener Maar and Schalkenmehrener Maar offer opportunities for swimming and boat rental during the summer months. These natural outdoor pools provide a refreshing break after a mountaineering tour. You can find more information about these lakes on the Lakes in Dauner Maare guide.
What do other mountaineers enjoy most about the routes in Dauner Maare?
The mountaineering routes in Dauner Maare are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 140 reviews. Reviewers often praise the stunning views of the volcanic lakes, the diverse and engaging terrain, and the well-maintained paths that offer a genuine mountaineering feel within a unique natural setting.
Are there any historical or cultural sites along the mountaineering routes?
While the primary focus is on natural beauty, the Weinfelder Maar, also known as 'Totenmaar,' has a nearby cemetery and chapel, adding a touch of history to the natural landscape. The town of Daun itself, a climatic and Kneipp health resort, also offers additional amenities and a glimpse into local culture.
What is the best time of year to go mountaineering in Dauner Maare?
The Dauner Maare region is beautiful year-round, but the best time for mountaineering is typically from spring to autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and the trails are in good condition. Spring brings blooming flora, while autumn offers vibrant foliage. Summer allows for combining hikes with swimming in the Maare.
Are there any challenging routes for experienced mountaineers?
Yes, while there are easier options, Dauner Maare also offers more challenging routes with significant elevation changes. For example, the Keep of Oberburg Castle loop from Manderscheid is a difficult 2.6-mile (4.3 km) route, and the Wäschebach Suspension Bridge loop from Manderscheid is another difficult 4.8-mile (7.7 km) option, both providing a more strenuous experience.
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