Top 20 Lakes around Winkel (Eifel)
Best lakes around Winkel (Eifel) are predominantly volcanic lakes, known as maars, located within the Eifel region. This area is defined by its unique geological history, showcasing natural landscapes shaped by ancient volcanic activity. The maars offer various recreational opportunities, including hiking, swimming, and boating. These circular lakes, often surrounded by wooded slopes, are notable for their geological origins and diverse ecosystems.
Best lakes around Winkel (Eifel)
- The most popular lakes is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a lake that is the…
Last updated: May 26, 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 makes the lakes around Winkel (Eifel) unique?
The lakes around Winkel (Eifel) are predominantly volcanic lakes, known as maars. These unique crater lakes were formed by ancient volcanic explosions, giving the region its distinctive geological landscape, often referred to as the 'eyes of the Eifel'. They offer a blend of natural beauty, geological history, and diverse ecosystems.
Which lakes are best for swimming and water activities?
For swimming and water activities, the Gemündener Maar is a great choice, offering an outdoor pool, boat rentals, and a diving platform. The Schalkenmehrener Maar is also popular for swimming, and Pulvermaar boasts the largest water surface and a natural swimming pool suitable for all ages. Meerfelder Maar also allows swimming in summer.
Are there good hiking opportunities around the lakes?
Yes, the Eifel region is excellent for hiking. Many maars, including the Daun Maars (Gemündener, Weinfelder, and Schalkenmehrener), feature beautiful circular paths. The Volcanic Eifel Nature Park, where these maars are located, is crisscrossed with trails. You can find various hiking routes, including easy and moderate options, in the Hiking around Winkel (Eifel) guide.
Which lakes offer scenic viewpoints?
Several lakes provide stunning views. The View of the Gemünden maar is a highlight itself, offering panoramic vistas. You can also find excellent perspectives from the View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) and the View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench. The Weinfelder Maar viewpoint also provides a great overview.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
The Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar, has a rich history. It features a small chapel, some of which dates from the 14th century, and an associated cemetery that is still in use. Legends also surround the lake, with tales of a sunken castle. The presence of olivine bombs around the Meerfelder Maar path serves as a reminder of the region's volcanic past.
What is the deepest lake in the Eifel region?
Pulvermaar holds the distinction of being one of Germany's deepest lakes and has the largest water surface in the Eifel region. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is also notably deep, reaching 51 meters.
Can I find places to eat or stay near the lakes?
Yes, the village of Schalkenmehren, located near the Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers places to stop for refreshments. The Gemündener Maar also has a forest café. The wider Eifel region provides various accommodation and dining options.
What are the best cycling routes near the lakes?
The region offers excellent cycling opportunities. You can explore road cycling routes like the 'Pulvermaar – Mosel-Maare Cycle Path loop from Gillenfeld' or gravel biking routes such as the 'Cycle path on a railroad line – Holzmaar loop from Ulmen'. More options are available in the Road Cycling Routes around Winkel (Eifel) and Gravel biking around Winkel (Eifel) guides.
Is there a true crater lake in the Eifel, distinct from maars?
Yes, while most Eifel lakes are maars (volcanic explosion craters), Windsborn Crater Lake is unique. It is the only true crater lake in the Eifel and north of the Alps that is consistently filled with water, having formed from the eruptive crater of a volcanic mountain rather than an explosion.
What is the best time of year to visit the Eifel lakes?
The Eifel lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying lush greenery. Autumn offers stunning fall foliage, while winter provides a tranquil, often snow-covered landscape for walks, though water activities may be limited.
Are the lakes accessible by public transport or do I need a car?
While some areas might be reachable by public transport, having a car generally offers more flexibility to explore the various maars and their surrounding trails, especially since many are located within the Volcanic Eifel Nature Park. Parking is available at several maars, such as along the L64 for the Weinfelder Maar.
What kind of wildlife or natural features can I expect to see?
The maars are known for their unique flora and fauna, often protected as nature reserves. You might observe diverse bird species, and the region's volcanic origins are evident in features like the olivine bombs found near Meerfelder Maar. Donkeys and goats have even been introduced at Weinfelder Maar to regulate vegetation and maintain its unique ecosystem.
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