4.6
(14212)
50,754
hikers
21
hikes
Volcano hiking trails around Weinfelder Maar are defined by the unique geological features of the Vulkaneifel region, characterized by ancient volcanic crater lakes known as maars. The area features paths made of coarse-grained lava, forested hills, and the deep, circular Weinfelder Maar itself, which is the youngest and deepest of the three Daun Maars. Hikers can explore a landscape shaped by explosive volcanic activity, offering varied terrain and elevations.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
4.7
(556)
2,060
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(18)
69
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.6
(9)
36
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.1
(12)
33
hikers
16.9km
04:46
340m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(628)
2,253
hikers
11.4km
03:18
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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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Weinfelder Maar - Impressive Evidence of Explosive Geological History The Weinfelder Maar – also known as Totenmaar – is one of the three so-called Daun Maars. It is located about 2 kilometers from our district town of Daun, near the municipality of Schalkenmehren, between the Gemünden and Schalkenmehren Maars. It has a diameter of approximately 525 meters and a depth of 51 meters, making it the deepest of the three Daun Maars. It is the youngest and, at 487 meters above sea level, the highest of the three closely adjacent maars, which formed between 20,000 and 30,000 years ago. Text / Source: Natur- und Geopark Vulkaneifel GmbH, Mainzer Str. 25, Daun https://www.geopark-vulkaneifel.de/eifel/landschaft/maare-und-kraterseen/weinfelder-maar.html
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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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The trails around Weinfelder Maar offer a unique experience due to their volcanic origin. You'll hike through landscapes shaped by explosive volcanic activity 20,000 to 30,000 years ago, often on paths made of coarse-grained lava. The maar itself is a striking crater lake, part of the 'eyes of the Eifel', surrounded by protected natural features and historical landmarks like the Weinfelder Chapel.
Yes, the area boasts a wide variety of hiking options. There are over 20 volcano hiking trails available, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging routes, ensuring there's something for every fitness level.
Hikers can enjoy panoramic views from the Dronke Tower on the edge of the maar, offering expansive vistas over the Eifel landscape. The maar itself, with its steep walls and forested hills, is a significant natural feature. You can also explore paths made of coarse-grained lava, remnants of the region's volcanic past.
Many of the trails around Weinfelder Maar are suitable for families, especially the easier routes that offer gentle gradients and scenic views. The circular path directly around the maar, approximately two kilometers long, is a great option for a leisurely family walk.
Yes, many trails in the Weinfelder Maar area are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the volcanic landscapes with your canine companion. However, as it's a protected nature reserve, always keep your dog on a leash and respect local signage regarding protected areas.
The Weinfelder Maar region is beautiful year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer is ideal for longer hikes, and even winter can be magical with snow-dusted volcanic landscapes, though some paths might be slippery. Always check the weather forecast before heading out.
Yes, the region is known for its 'eyes of the Eifel', and several routes connect the maars. For example, the Schalkenmehrener Maar – Gemündener Maar loop from Daun offers a moderate 16.9 km hike, allowing you to experience multiple volcanic lakes.
Designated parking areas are available near the main access points to the Weinfelder Maar trails, particularly around the town of Daun and the maars themselves. Look for signs indicating 'Wanderparkplatz' (hiking car park).
The hiking trails around Weinfelder Maar are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.56 stars from over 13,700 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the unique volcanic scenery, the tranquility of the crater lakes, and the well-maintained paths.
Yes, the renowned Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail includes a stage that passes through the area, specifically the 11th stage from Daun to Manderscheid. This offers an opportunity to experience the volcanic landscapes as part of a longer adventure.
You'll find cafes and pubs in the nearby towns and villages, such as Daun and Schalkenmehren, which are often starting or ending points for many hikes. These provide opportunities for refreshments and meals after your volcanic exploration.
The hikes around Weinfelder Maar cater to various skill levels. Out of the 22 available routes, 10 are considered easy, 7 are moderate, and 5 are more difficult. This allows you to choose a trail that matches your experience and fitness. For instance, the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg – Schalkenmehrener Maar loop from Schalkenmehren is a moderate option.


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