Best lakes around Eckfeld are primarily volcanic maars, characteristic of the wider Volcanic Eifel region. While Eckfeld itself is home to the scientifically significant Eckfelder Maar, a former volcanic lake now a dry paleontological site, the surrounding area features several water-filled maars. These circular volcanic lakes offer diverse natural landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities. The region is known for its unique geological history, providing insights into ancient ecosystems and volcanic processes.
Last updated: April 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 Eckfelder Maar is a unique former volcanic lake that dried out long ago, now an internationally significant paleontological excavation site. It is not a water-filled lake for swimming or recreation. Instead, it offers insights into ancient ecosystems and volcanic processes. You can explore the site and learn about its discoveries, and further finds are displayed at the Maarmuseum in Manderscheid. For more information, you can visit Eckfelder Maar on Wikipedia.
The Eckfeld region is primarily known for its volcanic maars. These are circular volcanic lakes, some of which are still water-filled, while others, like the Eckfelder Maar, have dried out and become significant geological sites. The surrounding Volcanic Eifel region features several water-filled maars that offer diverse natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
Yes, several lakes in the wider Eckfeld area are suitable for families. The View of the Gemünden maar is particularly family-friendly, featuring a forest café, a swimming pool for bathing, and opportunities to rent boats. The Schalkenmehrener Maar and View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) are also popular choices for family outings, offering pleasant walks and scenic views.
For swimming and boat rentals, the View of the Gemünden maar is an excellent option. It offers a swimming pool and the chance to rent boats, making it ideal for water-based recreation.
Many maars in the region offer excellent hiking opportunities. The Schalkenmehrener Maar has a very beautiful circular path. The View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is surrounded by a nature reserve with a nearly two-kilometer path for exploration on foot. You can find more hiking routes in the area by visiting the Hiking around Eckfeld guide.
Yes, the View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), also known as Totenmaar, has significant historical context. Its name comes from a nearby cemetery and a small chapel, some of which dates from the 14th century. This chapel was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, which was abandoned in the 16th century due to the plague. The cemetery is still maintained and used today.
Beyond hiking, the area around Eckfeld offers various outdoor activities. You can explore road cycling routes, such as those mentioned in the Road Cycling Routes around Eckfeld guide, or discover running trails, which you can find in the Running Trails around Eckfeld guide.
The lakes around Eckfeld are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the natural landscapes. Summer is ideal for water activities at maars like the Gemünden Maar. The unique geological features and historical sites can be appreciated in any season.
While specific regulations can vary by individual maar, many natural areas in the Eifel region are dog-friendly, especially for walks on marked trails. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. For instance, the paths around maars like Schalkenmehrener Maar are popular for walks with dogs.
The lakes are primarily volcanic maars, offering unique geological formations. You can observe the distinct circular shapes of the craters, some filled with water and others dry. The Schalkenmehrener Maar is notable as a rare double maar, featuring both a lake and a dry maar basin. The region's volcanic past is evident in the landscape, providing a glimpse into ancient geological processes.
Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. The View of the Gemünden maar offers beautiful perspectives of the smallest of the Dauner Maare. Additionally, the View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) and the Weinfelder Maar viewpoint provide stunning panoramic views of this historically rich maar.
Still not found your perfect lake around Eckfeld? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
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