Best lakes around Beinhausen are primarily the volcanic crater lakes, known as maars, located in the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. This region is characterized by its unique geological history, with maars formed by explosive volcanic activity that have since filled with groundwater. The Vulkaneifel features 12 maars currently filled with water, offering distinct natural landscapes. These lakes are a central feature of the area's natural environment.
Last updated: October 23, 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 Beinhausen are primarily volcanic crater lakes, known as maars, located in the Vulkaneifel district. These unique geological formations were created by explosive volcanic activity and have since filled with groundwater, offering picturesque and often deep bodies of water nestled in a rugged landscape.
Among the most popular maars are the Schalkenmehrener Maar, which is the largest of the three Daun Maars and known for its circular path, and the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), notable for its depth and the historic St. Martin's chapel. Another significant maar is Ulmener Maar, considered the youngest of the Eifel maars.
Yes, several maars offer opportunities for swimming and water sports. For instance, the Schalkenmehrener Maar is a popular spot for swimming and boat rentals. The Pulvermaar, known for its deep blue waters, is also suitable for swimming during the summer months. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar, which is a nature reserve.
The Vulkaneifel region offers numerous hiking trails around its maars. You can find many trails that crisscross the landscape, allowing you to explore the unique flora and fauna. For specific routes, consider exploring the hiking guide for Beinhausen, which includes options like the circular path around the Schalkenmehrener Maar or the MaareGlück circular route around Gemündener Maar.
Yes, many of the maars and their surrounding areas are family-friendly. The Schalkenmehrener Maar and Ulmener Maar are listed as family-friendly highlights. The Gemündener Maar, for example, features a swimming area suitable for non-swimmers and boat rentals, making it ideal for families. Many trails are also accessible for family outings.
Generally, dogs are welcome on many trails in the Vulkaneifel region. However, specific regulations may apply to certain nature reserves or swimming areas. For example, while the Weinfelder Maar is a nature reserve, a nearly two-kilometer-long path allows for exploration on foot. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash and check local signage for any specific restrictions.
The region is rich in history. Near the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), you'll find a quaint chapel dedicated to St. Martin, which was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld. The Ulmener Maar is notable for the ruins of a knight's castle from the 11th century located on its southern edge, adding a historical dimension to the natural beauty.
The Vulkaneifel maars offer beauty year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for hiking and cycling, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Summer is perfect for swimming and water sports at maars like Schalkenmehrener Maar and Pulvermaar. Even in winter, the serene, often misty landscapes offer a unique and tranquil experience.
Yes, you'll find various amenities near the maars. The village of Schalkenmehren, located near the Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers places to stop for refreshments. The Gemündener Maar features a forest café. The larger towns in the Vulkaneifel district, such as Daun, provide a wider range of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation options.
Many maars are easily accessible by car, and parking is generally available. For instance, there are car parks on the road above the Weinfelder Maar, and between the Weinfelder and Schalkenmehrener Maars. Public transport options may also connect to some of the more prominent towns in the Vulkaneifel district, from which local buses or walking routes can lead to the maars.
Beyond hiking and swimming, the Vulkaneifel region offers excellent opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. You can explore various MTB trails around Beinhausen or enjoy running trails that take you through the scenic volcanic landscape and past the maars.
The Pulvermaar is often described as a picture-perfect maar due to its almost perfectly circular shape and deep blue waters nestled within steep, beech-covered slopes. It holds the distinction of being the maar with the largest water surface and greatest depth in the Eifel region, making it one of Germany's deepest lakes. Its serene natural surroundings offer a calming yet invigorating experience.


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