Top 20 Lakes in the Vulkaneifel
Best lakes in the Vulkaneifel are primarily volcanic maars, formed by steam explosions and later filled with water. This region is characterized by its unique geological history, offering a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity. These natural features provide diverse environments for exploration and outdoor activities. The Vulkaneifel is known for its well-preserved maars, often referred to as the "eyes of the Eifel."
Best lakes in the Vulkaneifel
- The most popular lakes is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a lake that is…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
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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Gemündener Maar
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Maarkreuz — View of the Schalkenmehren Maar
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Pulvermaar
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Eichholzmaar
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Gerolstein Reservoir
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Holzmaar
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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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Small but idyllic reservoir with some seating to relax
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It looks like a “simple” lake - only from above can you actually see the maar
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At the beginning of the 20th century, the village priest bred trout in the maar, which was around 100,000 years old. In the 1920s the water was drained and its quickly overgrown, fertile ground was used as a viewing area. 80 years later, scientists proved that this was a silted maar. During a core drilling, 23 m of animals found tuff remains from the Laacher See eruption 13,000 years ago. In addition, the funnel lies on a geological fault line that runs from northwest to southeast. The renatured maar is around 120 meters in diameter and offers a biotope for numerous birds. When the maar was revived from 2007, the Oosbach was dammed. Source: 111 places in the Eifel that you have to see Further information: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eichholzmaar
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Beautiful maar, you can hike, ride a MTB, fish and relax here
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique geological features define the lakes in the Vulkaneifel?
The lakes in the Vulkaneifel are primarily volcanic maars, which are craters formed by powerful steam explosions when rising magma met water-bearing rock layers. These funnel-shaped depressions later filled with water, creating the distinctive 'eyes of the Eifel.' For example, Pulvermaar is known for its almost perfectly circular shape and deep blue water, while Schalkenmehrener Maar is a unique 'double maar' with a western lake and an eastern dry maar featuring bog vegetation.
Which lakes in the Vulkaneifel are best for swimming and water activities?
For swimming and water activities, Pulvermaar is a popular choice, featuring a natural swimming pool, diving tower, and boat rentals. The high water quality makes it ideal for a refreshing swim. Gemündener Maar also offers an outdoor pool, sunbathing areas, and boat rentals. Additionally, Schalkenmehrener Maar has an open-air natural pool and is great for boating, especially for families.
Are there family-friendly lakes with easy access in the Vulkaneifel?
Yes, several lakes are family-friendly. Eichholzmaar is a smaller, renatured maar with paths around it and bird observation posts, making it a pleasant spot for families. Schalkenmehrener Maar is also ideal for families, offering swimming and boating opportunities. The circular path around Pulvermaar is just under 2.5 kilometers and is easy to manage with children.
What are some notable viewpoints around the Vulkaneifel lakes?
The Vulkaneifel offers several stunning viewpoints. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) has an observation tower, the Dronke Tower, providing panoramic views. You can also find a view of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench. For Meerfelder Maar, the observation tower 'Landesblick' on the crater rim offers extraordinary views of the maar and its surroundings.
Are there hiking trails around the Vulkaneifel lakes?
Yes, the Vulkaneifel lakes are surrounded by numerous hiking opportunities. A footpath circles Pulvermaar, offering scenic trails. The Gemündener Maar is part of popular hiking trails like the Eifelsteig. Weinfelder Maar offers beautiful walking paths around its nearly two-kilometer circumference. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the region by exploring Running Trails in the Vulkaneifel, which includes routes around the maars.
Which lakes are known for their natural beauty and tranquility?
For natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere, Weinfelder Maar, also known as 'Totenmaar,' offers a melancholic ambiance with its historic chapel and cemetery, and water sports are prohibited to protect its unique flora and fauna. Immerath Maar is another serene option, being one of the smallest maars and a declared nature reserve, often surrounded by flower meadows.
Can I go cycling near the Vulkaneifel lakes?
Absolutely. The Vulkaneifel region provides excellent cycling opportunities around its lakes. You can find various routes for different cycling styles. For instance, there are Road Cycling Routes in the Vulkaneifel and Cycling in the Vulkaneifel guides that feature routes passing by or around the maars, such as a route from Daun that offers views of the Schalkenmehrener Maar.
What is the best time to visit the Vulkaneifel lakes?
The Vulkaneifel lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and water sports, the warmer months from May to September are ideal. Hiking and cycling are enjoyable from spring through autumn. The dense beech forests surrounding lakes like Pulvermaar make them pleasant for hiking even in midsummer. The unique geological features and diverse landscapes can be appreciated in any season.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the Vulkaneifel lakes?
Yes, the Weinfelder Maar, also known as 'Totenmaar,' is notable for its nearby cemetery and a chapel dating back to the 14th century. This chapel, a favorite motif for painter Fritz von Wille, is still used for burials today, adding a historical and cultural dimension to your visit.
Which lake is the deepest in the Vulkaneifel?
Pulvermaar is the deepest maar in the Eifel, reaching depths of 72 to 74 meters, making it one of the deepest natural lakes in Germany. Its significant depth contributes to its striking deep blue water.
Can I find cafes or places to eat near the Vulkaneifel lakes?
Yes, you can find refreshments near some of the lakes. For example, the Gemündener Maar has a forest café nearby. The village of Schalkmehren, located south of Schalkenmehrener Maar, also offers places to stop for refreshments.
What makes the Meerfelder Maar unique among the Vulkaneifel lakes?
The Meerfelder Maar is unique because it is nestled within the largest maar crater in the Eifel region, with a diameter of 1,400 meters. It is also recognized as a regional type locality by the International Union of Geological Sciences and features a nature reserve with marsh meadows and a wide reed zone, providing a protected habitat for numerous animals.
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