Attractions and Places To See in Dauner Maare - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in Dauner Maare include a captivating blend of natural beauty and volcanic history, defined by its distinctive maars. The region, nestled in the Vulkaneifel, offers numerous opportunities for exploration. Visitors can discover the unique geological features of the Eifel, including several volcanic lakes and surrounding forests. The area provides a diverse landscape for those interested in natural wonders and historical sites.
Best attractions and places to see in Dauner Maare
- The most popular attractions is Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, a viewpoint that offers panoramic views over the maars. This 11-meter-high tower provides a direct view of the Gemündener Maar and the wider volcanic landscape.
- Another must-see spot is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a lake that is the largest of the three Dauner Maare and a rare double maar. Visitors can enjoy a circular path around the lake, which also offers opportunities for swimming and boating.
- Visitors also love View of the Gemünden maar, a lake that is the smallest of the three Dauner Maare. It features a natural lido with a sunbathing lawn and a diving platform, making it a popular spot for water activities.
- Dauner Maare is known for its maars, viewpoints, and extensive hiking trails. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from volcanic lakes to historical sites and scenic routes.
- The attractions in Dauner Maare are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3500 upvotes and over 2300 photos shared.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg
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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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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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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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Nice view with markers for orientation. The tower, which was built in 1902, is only 11m high, but stands on top of the 560m high Mauseberg and is thus 166m above the Gemünder Maar, guaranteeing a magnificent view of the surrounding area.
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Beautiful view with an information board for orientation. The tower, built in 1902, is only eleven meters high, but stands at the top of the 560-meter-high Mäuseberg and is thus 166 meters above the Gemünder Maar. This guarantees a magnificent view over the surrounding area.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main natural features of the Dauner Maare region?
The Dauner Maare region is defined by its distinctive maars, which are volcanic lakes formed by explosive eruptions. The three primary maars are the Gemündener Maar, Weinfelder Maar (also known as Totenmaar), and Schalkenmehrener Maar. These 'Eyes of the Eifel' are set within a dramatic volcanic landscape featuring forests and unique flora and fauna.
Can I swim in the Dauner Maare?
Yes, swimming is permitted in the Gemündener Maar and Schalkenmehrener Maar. Both feature natural lidos with sunbathing lawns and offer opportunities for boating. The Gemündener Maar even has a diving platform. However, the Weinfelder Maar is a nature reserve where swimming and other water sports are prohibited to protect its unique ecosystem.
Where can I find the best panoramic views of the maars?
For magnificent panoramic views, visit the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg. This ten-meter-high tower offers a direct view over the maars, particularly the Gemündener Maar. There are also several scenic viewpoints around the Weinfelder Maar, such as the panoramic bench overlooking Totenmaar.
Are there good hiking trails around the Dauner Maare?
The region is renowned for its excellent hiking opportunities. The 10 km long MaareGlück Circular Route connects the three Dauner Maare and includes the Dronke Tower. Other notable paths include sections of the Eifelsteig long-distance trail and the HeimatSpur MaareGlück, which allow you to explore the unique volcanic landscape. You can find more hiking routes in the region on the komoot guide for Dauner Maare.
What makes the Schalkenmehrener Maar unique?
The Schalkenmehrener Maar is unique as the largest of the three Dauner Maare and is originally a double maar. It consists of a water-filled crater and an adjacent dry maar characterized by special fen vegetation. This combination makes it a habitat for rare dragonflies and bird species like the great crested grebe and kingfisher.
What is the historical significance of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar)?
The Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar ('Dead Maar'), holds unique cultural-historical significance. Its alternative name is linked to an ancient legend of a sunken castle and a cemetery belonging to the abandoned village of Weynfeldt, which was deserted in the 16th century due to the plague. A small chapel on its shore, dedicated to Saint Martin, is a remnant of this past, and the associated cemetery is still maintained and used today.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Dauner Maare?
Yes, the Dauner Maare region offers several family-friendly options. The natural lidos at Gemündener Maar and Schalkenmehrener Maar are perfect for swimming and boating. Many of the circular paths around the maars are suitable for families, offering easy walks to explore the natural beauty and unique flora and fauna.
What kind of cycling opportunities are there in the Dauner Maare region?
The Dauner Maare region provides diverse cycling opportunities. You can explore gravel biking routes, such as the 'Panorama Bench Sarmerzbach' loop, or enjoy touring bicycle routes like the 'Weinfelder Maar – View of the Schalkenmehrener Maar' loop. For road cyclists, there are routes like the 'Maare-Moselle Cycle Path'. Find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking in Dauner Maare, Cycling in Dauner Maare, and Road Cycling Routes in Dauner Maare guides.
What is the best time of year to visit the Dauner Maare?
The Dauner Maare region is beautiful year-round. Summer is ideal for swimming and boating in the maars with lidos. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage in autumn. The panoramic views from spots like the Dronke Tower are rewarding in every season.
Are there places to eat or drink near the maars?
Yes, you can find places to stop for refreshments in villages like Schalkenmehren, which is located near the Schalkenmehrener Maar. The Gemündener Maar also has a forest café near its car park. Local gastronomy often features dishes like 'Döppekooche'.
Is parking available at the maars?
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, you can park along the L64 either at the Weinfelder Maar or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder and Schalkenmehrener Maars. The Gemündener Maar also has a car park which serves as a starting point for hikes and tours.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Dauner Maare region?
Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning natural beauty and the unique volcanic landscape. The panoramic views from the Dronke Tower, the opportunity to swim and boat in the maars, and the extensive network of hiking and cycling trails are highly appreciated. The tranquil atmosphere and the blend of natural wonders with historical elements, like the chapel at Weinfelder Maar, also contribute to a memorable experience.
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