4.6
(14214)
50,753
hikers
474
hikes
Hiking around Weinfelder Maar offers trails through a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, featuring crater lakes and forested hills. The region is characterized by its distinctive maar, a deep volcanic crater lake surrounded by steep walls and an embankment of tuff. Paths often traverse coarse-grained lava, providing a direct connection to the area's geological past. This natural reserve includes viewpoints like the Dronke Tower and historic sites such as St. Martin's Chapel.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
4.7
(556)
2,060
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(9)
36
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.4
(16)
52
hikers
3.93km
01:09
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(11)
53
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(33)
157
hikers
26.2km
07:20
510m
510m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Large table with bench, invites to a picnic with a view of the Weinfelder Maar. Directly next to the Weinfelder Chapel (St. Martin Chapel).
0
0
Be sure to climb the tower!
0
0
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
1
0
Pleasant for bathing and relaxing
0
0
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
13
0
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
13
0
The komoot community has mapped over 460 hiking routes around Weinfelder Maar that are accessible by bus. These range from easy strolls to more challenging tours, ensuring there's something for every hiker.
Yes, there are plenty of easy bus-accessible hikes. For example, the View of the Gemünden maar – Gemündener Maar loop from Schalkenmehren is an easy 3.9 km route. Another great option is the Dronketurm Tower Viewpoint – Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg loop from Schalkenmehren, which is just 2.3 km and offers scenic views.
Hiking around Weinfelder Maar offers a chance to explore its unique volcanic landscape. You can visit the historic St. Martin's Chapel on the maar's northern bank, or climb the Dronke Tower for panoramic views of the Eifel. Many routes also provide views of the other Daun Maars, such as Schalkenmehrener Maar and Gemündener Maar, highlighting the region's volcanic origins.
Many popular bus-accessible routes, including those leading to the Dronke Tower or offering views of the various maars, often start from bus stops in nearby villages like Schalkenmehren. These villages serve as excellent hubs for exploring the region's trails via public transport.
The Eifel region, including Weinfelder Maar, is beautiful year-round. Spring brings lush greenery, summer offers pleasant temperatures for longer hikes, and autumn transforms the landscape with vibrant colors. Even in winter, the area can be stunning for walks, though some paths might be slippery. Always check local conditions before heading out.
Absolutely! Many of the easier and shorter routes are perfect for families. The circular paths around the maars are generally well-maintained and offer engaging scenery for all ages. Consider routes that include viewpoints or the chapel for added interest for younger hikers.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on hiking trails around Weinfelder Maar. However, as the maar and its immediate surroundings are a protected nature reserve, it's crucial to keep dogs on a leash to protect the local flora and fauna. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and pick up after them.
The villages surrounding Weinfelder Maar, such as Schalkenmehren, often have cafes, restaurants, or guesthouses where you can refuel and rest before or after your hike. It's a good idea to check opening times, especially if you're hiking outside of peak season.
The terrain around Weinfelder Maar is characterized by its volcanic origins. You can expect paths that wind through forested hills, sometimes with noticeable elevation changes as you ascend to viewpoints like the Dronke Tower. The paths often feature coarse-grained lava, a direct reminder of the region's dramatic geological history. Many routes are well-maintained, but some can be natural and uneven.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.56 stars. Reviewers often praise the stunning volcanic crater lakes, the peaceful atmosphere, and the well-marked trails that offer a mix of natural beauty and historical landmarks like St. Martin's Chapel. The panoramic views from elevated points are also frequently highlighted.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible trails around Weinfelder Maar are circular, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same point, often conveniently located near a bus stop. Examples include the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg – Schalkenmehrener Maar loop from Schalkenmehren (9.7 km) or the Weinfelder Maar viewpoint – View of Schalkenmehrener Maar loop from Schalkenmehren (10.1 km).


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.