Lakes around Hinterweiler are primarily the unique volcanic lakes known as Maare, situated within Germany's Vulkaneifel district. This region is characterized by its geological features, offering a distinct natural landscape for exploration. The Maare are a significant draw for visitors, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic views. The area's volcanic history has shaped these crater lakes, making them a focal point for nature enthusiasts.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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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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The lakes around Hinterweiler are primarily volcanic lakes, known as Maare, located in the Vulkaneifel district. These crater lakes were formed by volcanic activity, offering a distinct natural landscape. For example, the Schalkenmehrener Maar is a rare 'double maar' with an additional dry maar to its east, showcasing the region's unique geological history.
Yes, you can swim in some of the Maare. The Gemündener Maar is a popular spot for swimming, offering boat rentals, a sunbathing area, and even a diving platform. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar, as it is a nature reserve.
The Vulkaneifel region offers numerous hiking trails around its Maare. You can find picturesque circular paths, such as the one around the Schalkenmehrener Maar. The Gemündener Maar is also accessible via the scenic MaareGlück circular route. For more options, explore the Mountain Hikes around Hinterweiler guide.
Yes, many of the lakes and their surrounding areas are family-friendly. The Gemündener Maar offers amenities like a swimming pool and boat rentals, which are great for families. The circular paths around the Maare, such as the one at Schalkenmehrener Maar, are also suitable for walks with children.
The Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar, has significant historical context. It features a historic chapel and cemetery, some parts dating back to the 14th century. The village of Weinfeld, which once stood here, was abandoned due to the plague, giving the Maar its second name. The chapel and cemetery are still used by the local community today.
The village of Schalkmehren, located to the south of the Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers various places to stop for refreshments. Additionally, the Gemündener Maar has a forest café right by the lake, providing a convenient spot for a break.
Beyond hiking, the region around Hinterweiler offers excellent opportunities for cycling. You can explore routes for Gravel biking around Hinterweiler or find scenic Road Cycling Routes around Hinterweiler, many of which pass by or offer views of the Maare.
Yes, parking is generally available. For the Weinfelder Maar, there are parking lots along the L64, either directly at the Maar or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder and Schalkenmehrener Maare. The Gemündener Maar also has a car park, which serves as a starting point for hikes and tours.
The Vulkaneifel lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly popular for hiking due to pleasant temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for swimming and water activities at lakes like the Gemündener Maar. Even winter offers a unique, tranquil experience for hiking around the frozen Maare.
Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in the Vulkaneifel region. However, it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas like the Weinfelder Maar, to protect the unique flora and fauna. Specific rules may vary, so look for local signage.
Yes, the region is dotted with excellent viewpoints. You can enjoy a stunning View of the Gemünden maar, or take in the serene landscape from the View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench. The Weinfelder Maar viewpoint also offers a great perspective of the lake.
The Maare themselves are the primary geological features, being volcanic crater lakes. You can observe the tuff walls surrounding them, such as at the Weinfelder Maar. The entire Vulkaneifel region is characterized by its volcanic past, with evidence of steam explosions that formed these unique lakes.


Still not found your perfect lake around Hinterweiler? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.