The best walks and hikes around Daun
4.6
(32892)
117,990
hikers
253
hikes
Hiking around Daun offers a diverse landscape shaped by volcanic activity, featuring distinctive crater lakes known as Maare. The region includes rolling hills, dense forests, and river valleys carved by the Lieser River. This geological history provides a variety of terrains suitable for different hiking experiences, from accessible loops around maars to longer routes through the Vulkaneifel.
Best hiking trails around Daun
- The most popular hiking route is HeimatSpur Kleiner Dauner – GesundLand Vulkaneifel, a 5.3 miles (8.5 km) trail that takes about 2 hours 23 minutes to complete. This moderate route guides hikers through varied landscapes of the Vulkaneifel.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg – Schalkenmehrener Maar loop from Daun, a moderate 8.7 miles (14.0 km) path. This trail leads through volcanic maars and surrounding hills, offering panoramic views.
- Local hikers also love the View of the Weinfelder Maar – Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg loop from Daun, an 8.6 miles (13.8 km) trail leading through volcanic landscapes, often completed in about 4 hours.
- Hiking around Daun is defined by volcanic maars, forested hills, and river valleys. The network of trails offers options for various ability levels, from easy walks to more challenging routes with significant elevation gain.
- The routes in Daun are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 8600 reviews. More than 30000 hikers have used komoot to explore Daun's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
4.2
(99)
280
hikers
8.51km
02:24
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(22)
96
hikers
29.2km
08:15
640m
630m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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4.7
(330)
1,039
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(1506)
4,973
hikers
14.0km
04:03
340m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(119)
458
hikers
26.4km
07:05
320m
320m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Daun
Lieserpfad between the Eifel and the Moselle rivers – Wild forests, wild water
The National Natural Landscapes in Rheinland-Pfalz
Excellent paths in the Vulkaneifel – Explore the HeimatSpuren
Crater lakes and lava rock – hiking in Germany’s Volcanic Eifel
The 15 stages of the Eifelsteig Trail — Between rocks and water
Lava pits & fairytale lakes – hiking through Vulkaneifel in Germany
4 days of pure geological history — a tour through the Volcanic Eifel
E-biking through the Volcanic Eifel
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Other adventures around Daun
Tips from the Community
This bridge is not suitable for horses.
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The Volcano Museum in the old Daun district office was created as a supplement to the existing geotrails in Hillesheim, Manderscheid, and Gerolstein and is part of the Vulkaneifel Nature and Geopark. The museum displays three-dimensional landscape models of cinder cones, maars, mineral springs, information panels, and exhibits on West Eifel volcanism. Opening Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays: 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Closed on Mondays Winter break: early November to early April Guided tours are also available during the winter break by prior appointment!
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For information about the sour spring, see https://www.geopark-vulkaneifel.de/eifel/landschaft/mineralwasserquellen/schulldrees.html
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Opposite the Sauerbrunnen (sour spring) used to stand the elementary school. All that remains of it is the name of the spring in the local dialect: Schulldrehs.
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at this point now well hidden behind trees
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Daun?
The Daun region offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 230 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging treks through the volcanic landscape.
What kind of hiking difficulty can I expect in Daun?
Daun's trails cater to all levels. You'll find over 130 easy routes, around 85 moderate options, and about 15 more difficult hikes, ensuring there's something for every fitness level.
When is the best time of year to go hiking in Daun?
The most pleasant seasons for hiking in Daun are spring and autumn. In spring, the meadows are in bloom, and in autumn, the leaves transform into a golden spectacle, offering particularly scenic views.
Are there hiking routes that specifically explore the volcanic crater lakes (Maare)?
Yes, the volcanic crater lakes, known as Maare, are a central feature of many hikes. For example, the Gemündener Maar – View of the Weinfelder Maar loop from Gemünden offers stunning views of these unique geological formations.
Can I find hiking trails with waterfalls in the Daun region?
Absolutely. The region's diverse landscape includes the Lieser River, which carves through valleys and past impressive rock formations, including waterfalls. You can discover the Dreimühlen Waterfall as a notable attraction.
Which hikes offer the best panoramic views of the Vulkaneifel landscape?
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider routes that lead to elevated points. The Gemündener Maar – Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg loop from Daun takes you to the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, which provides expansive vistas of the surrounding Maare and volcanic hills.
Are there family-friendly hiking options suitable for children in Daun?
Daun offers several family-friendly options. The HeimatSpur Kleiner Dauner – GesundLand Vulkaneifel is a moderate path that guides hikers through varied landscapes, suitable for families. Additionally, the Wild- & Erlebnispark Daun combines hiking with wildlife observation and adventure playgrounds.
Are hiking trails in Daun suitable for dogs?
Many hiking trails in the Daun region are suitable for dogs, allowing you to explore the natural beauty with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and respect local wildlife and other hikers.
Are there many circular hiking routes available in Daun?
Yes, circular routes are a popular feature in Daun, allowing you to start and end your hike in the same location. Many trails, such as the Schalkenmehrener Maar – View of the Schalkenmehrener Maar loop from Daun, are designed as loops, making planning convenient.
What unique natural features or landmarks can I discover while hiking in Daun?
Beyond the Maare, you can explore fascinating geological formations like the Buchenloch Cave or the Millstone Cave at Nerother Kopf, offering glimpses into the region's volcanic past.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Daun?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 9000 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse volcanic landscapes, the serene crater lakes, and the well-maintained network of trails that offer varied experiences.
Is public transport available to access hiking trails in Daun?
While specific routes may vary, Daun and the surrounding Vulkaneifel region generally offer public transport options that can help you reach various starting points for hikes. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most current information.
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