Best attractions and places to see around Steineberg are primarily located in the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, an area defined by its volcanic landscape. This region features numerous maars, which are volcanic lakes, alongside significant viewpoints and historical sites. Visitors can explore a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, offering both natural features and cultural heritage. The area provides opportunities for hiking and discovering unique geological formations.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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Old Railway Tunnel "Großes Schlitzohr" near Daun At the end of the first decade of the 20th century, the railway tunnel was driven 560 meters through the mountain. 80 years later, it was converted into a cycle path. The tunnel contains several niches with rounded arches, through which the water seeping in above is drained. The sound of this water has been a part of this place for almost 100 years. Text / Source: Institut Denkunternehmung, Hörscheider Straße 20, 54552 Darscheid https://denkunternehmung.de/alter-eisenbahntunnel-grosses-schlitzohr-bei-daun
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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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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.
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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.
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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/
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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.
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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.
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The region around Steineberg in the Vulkaneifel district is renowned for its volcanic landscape, featuring numerous maars (volcanic lakes). You can visit the Schalkenmehrener Maar, the largest of the three Dauner Maars, known for its circular path and status as a rare double maar. The Gemündener Maar offers opportunities for swimming and boating, while the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) provides a more tranquil, protected natural experience with a unique history.
Yes, the Vulkaneifel region has a rich history. The Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg is an 11-meter-high observation tower erected in 1902 as a memorial to Dr. Adolf Dronke, founder of the Eifel Association. Additionally, the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) features a cemetery with a chapel dating back to the 14th century, which was once the parish church of the abandoned village of Weinfeld. The Steineberger Ley, a volcanic cone, also has historical significance with a prehistoric Celtic defensive wall and early Celtic burial mounds at its southern foot.
For expansive views, the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg is highly recommended, offering a direct view of the Gemündener Maar and the wider volcanic landscape. The View of the Gemünden maar itself provides picturesque vistas of the lake embedded in its crater. On the Steineberger Ley, a 28-meter-tall observation tower (Vulcano Infoplattform) offers panoramic views across the Eifel and Moselle valleys, and even to the Nürburgring on clear days.
The region is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking opportunities, including the 'HeimatSpur Keltenrundweg' and the 'Celtic Sacrificial Stone loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, the Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel, an old railway tunnel converted into a cycle path, offers a unique experience. You can explore more routes for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling by visiting the respective komoot guides: Hiking around Steineberg, Gravel biking around Steineberg, and Road Cycling Routes around Steineberg.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Gemündener Maar is family-friendly, offering swimming and boating. The circular path around the Schalkenmehrener Maar is also a pleasant walk for all ages. Cycling through the Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel, the second-longest bicycle tunnel in Germany, is a fun and unique experience for families.
The Vulkaneifel region is beautiful throughout the warmer months, generally from spring to autumn, when hiking and cycling conditions are ideal. The annual mountain fair at the summit cross of Steineberg (Allgäu Alps) is held at the end of August, which could be a specific draw if you are interested in that location. For the Vulkaneifel attractions, clear days are best for enjoying the panoramic views from observation towers and maars.
You can swim in the Gemündener Maar, which even has a diving platform. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) as it is a nature reserve protecting unique flora and fauna.
Absolutely! The Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel near Daun offers a truly unique cycling experience. This old railway tunnel, nearly 600 meters long, has been converted into a path exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians. It's lit, but still provides a special atmosphere as you ride through without daylight, sharing the space with bats.
The Steineberger Ley, a 560-meter-high volcanic cone, is a prominent landmark. It's historically significant for its prehistoric Celtic defensive wall, built from basalt stones and logs, which served as a refuge castle. Today, it's home to a 28-meter-tall observation tower, the Vulcano Infoplattform, offering extensive views across the Eifel and Moselle valleys.
Visitors particularly appreciate the breathtaking views from spots like the Dronke Tower, especially the direct view of the Gemündener Maar. The natural beauty and tranquility of the maars, such as the Schalkenmehrener Maar with its pleasant circular path, are also highly valued. The unique experience of cycling through the Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel is another highlight for many.
Yes, near the Gemündener Maar, you'll find a forest café, which is also a starting point for numerous hikes. The village of Schalkmehren, located south of the Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers places to stop for refreshments after exploring the lake.
Yes, a section of the Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail runs right through the Dauner Maare, offering a beautiful path past these volcanic formations. The 'MaareGlück circular route' also leads past the Gemündener Maar. For more detailed hiking options, refer to the Hiking around Steineberg guide.


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