Best natural monuments around Hinterweiler are primarily shaped by the region's volcanic history in the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. These sites offer unique geological insights and distinctive landscapes. The area features a network of hiking trails, making its natural attractions accessible for exploration.
Last updated: July 22, 2026
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Showing Translation
Tip by
Highlight • Cave
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Hinterweiler.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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 so-called Dreimühlen waterfall is also known as the Nohn waterfall. The name Nohn waterfall comes from the waterfall's proximity to the town of Nohn. The houses on the outskirts of Nohn are only a few hundred meters above the waterfall. Most people talk about the Dreimühlen waterfall, however. The name Dreimühlen comes from a former castle called Dreimühlen. Today, however, only the remains of the walls are said to remain. We looked for the former castle on our trip, but couldn't find anything of it. The waterfall in the Eifel is located between the towns of Üxheim, Kerpen and Nohn. Although the other large towns in the Eifel are not located here, many visitors come here. Some of them travel especially to visit the waterfall. The Dreimühlen waterfall is one of the most visited Eifel attractions. Almost every holidaymaker in the area comes to the waterfall at least once during their Eifel vacation. In addition, many day tourists travel from outside, making it the most visited waterfall in the Eifel. They all want to see the unique natural wonder.
16
1
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.
14
0
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.
19
1
A section of the Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail runs right through the Dauner Maare. Very nice path past the witnesses of the volcanic past of the Eifel. https://www.eifelsteig.de/
14
0
The hiking car park and the hiking map with an overview of the various routes are located at the Waldcafe. This is a great place to start your tour and enjoy a coffee at the end.
11
0
Very beautiful Maar, more than 100m deep embedded in the "crater", the smallest of the three Dauner Maare offers a beautiful outdoor pool and the opportunity to explore the volcanic lake by boat. The forest café and the starting point for numerous hikes and tours are also located at the car park.
17
1
The natural monuments around Hinterweiler are primarily shaped by the region's volcanic history. You'll encounter fascinating maars (volcanic crater lakes) like the Gemündener Maar and Schalkenmehrener Maar, as well as unique geological formations such as the 'growing' Dreimühlen Waterfall. The area also features caves, like the Buchenloch Cave, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
Yes, the region offers excellent viewpoints. The Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg provides panoramic views over the maars and the wider volcanic landscape of Eifel. From its platform, you can directly see the Gemündener Maar and also catch an impressive view of the Weinfelder Maar.
The Vulkaneifel region boasts a comprehensive network of hiking trails that make its natural wonders easily accessible. Many trails lead directly to or around the maars and other monuments. For instance, the former railway line near the Dreimühlen Waterfall now serves as a cycling and hiking trail, offering easy access to this unique site.
Absolutely. Many natural monuments are suitable for families. The Dreimühlen Waterfall is a popular and accessible spot. The Gemündener Maar offers swimming facilities, boat rentals, and a forest café, making it a great family destination. The circular path around the Schalkenmehrener Maar is also a pleasant walk for all ages.
Many trails and natural areas in the Vulkaneifel are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially around wildlife protection areas or near water bodies where swimming might be restricted for pets. Specific rules can vary by location, so look for local signage.
The natural monuments are beautiful year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming flora, while summer is ideal for activities like swimming in the maars. Autumn offers stunning fall colors, and even winter can be magical with snow-covered landscapes, though some paths might be more challenging. The Buchenloch Cave, however, should not be entered between October 1st and March 31st to avoid disturbing hibernating bats.
Yes, some natural monuments also have historical significance. The Buchenloch Cave, for example, is not only a natural wonder but also a historical site where Ice Age tools and animal bones were found during excavations. The Dronke Tower itself is a man-made monument erected in memory of the Eifel Association founder.
Beyond exploring the natural monuments themselves, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, gravel biking, and road cycling. For example, there are routes like 'View of the Schalkenmehrener Maar – Weinfelder Maar loop from Daun' for gravel biking, or 'Kyll Cycle Path near Lissingen – Meerfelder Maar loop from Steinborn' for road cycling. You can find more details on these activities in the cycling guide, gravel biking guide, and road cycling guide for Hinterweiler.
While the Vulkaneifel region is well-connected by roads, public transport options to some of the more remote natural monuments might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider driving for direct access to many trailheads and sites. Some popular spots, like the Gemündener Maar, are often more accessible.
Visitors frequently praise the unique geological formations and the serene beauty of the volcanic landscapes. The 'growing' aspect of the Dreimühlen Waterfall is often highlighted as a fascinating surprise. The panoramic views from the Dronke Tower are also a major draw, offering breathtaking perspectives of the maars and surrounding Eifel region. The opportunity to explore caves and enjoy activities like swimming and hiking in such a distinctive natural setting is highly valued.
While the main maars and the Dreimühlen Waterfall are well-known, the region also holds lesser-explored spots. For instance, near the Ulmener Maar (the youngest maar in the Eifel), you can find the Jungferweiher, a re-flooded dry maar known for its rich birdlife, particularly migratory birds. Exploring the extensive network of hiking trails can also lead you to quieter, equally beautiful natural corners.
For exploring the natural monuments, especially if you plan to hike, comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential. Layers of clothing are recommended as weather can change. If you plan to enter the Buchenloch Cave, a flashlight is highly recommended as there is no artificial light inside. Don't forget water, snacks, and a camera to capture the stunning volcanic landscapes.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Hinterweiler: