Best lakes around Saxler are primarily volcanic lakes, known as maars, located in the Eifel region. These natural formations offer diverse landscapes and activities. The area is characterized by its unique geological history, with lakes formed by volcanic steam explosions. Visitors can explore these maars, which vary in size and depth, providing distinct experiences.
Last updated: June 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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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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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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The lakes around Saxler are primarily volcanic lakes, known as maars, located in the Eifel region. These natural formations were created by volcanic steam explosions and offer diverse landscapes and activities.
Yes, several lakes are considered family-friendly. Schalkenmehrener Maar, View of the Gemünden maar, and View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) are all categorized as family-friendly, offering various activities and scenic views suitable for all ages.
You can swim in the View of the Gemünden maar, which also features a swimming pool, boat rentals, and a diving platform. Please note that swimming is not permitted in the View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) due to its protected flora and fauna.
Yes, there are easy walking paths. Schalkenmehrener Maar has a very beautiful circular path. The View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) also has a nearly two-kilometer-long path that is wonderful for exploring on foot. For an easy hike, consider the 'Mürmes Nature Reserve – Mürmes Bog loop from Gillenfeld' route, which is part of Hiking around Saxler.
For the View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), guests can park along the L64 either in the parking lot at the Maar or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder and Schalkenmehrener Maar. At the View of the Gemünden maar, there is a car park located near the forest café and the starting point for hikes.
The View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is known for its cemetery and a small chapel, some of which dates from the 14th century. This was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, which was abandoned in the 16th century due to the plague, giving the maar its second name, 'Totenmaar' (Dead Maar).
Beyond walking, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. The View of the Gemünden maar offers boat rentals. For more extensive activities, consider hiking around Saxler, with routes like the 'Maare-Pfad Tag 2' or 'Pulvermaar – Bench with a view of the Pulvermaar loop'. There are also options for mountain hikes and gravel biking, including routes that pass by the maars.
Schalkenmehrener Maar is the southernmost and largest of the three Dauner Maars. It is a rare double maar, formed about 10,500 years ago, consisting of a lake and an eastern dry maar. It features a beautiful circular path and the village of Schalkmehren nearby for refreshments.
Yes, at the View of the Gemünden maar, there is a forest café. Additionally, the village of Schalkmehren, located south of Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers places to stop for refreshments.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but for activities like swimming and boating, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn are ideal. For hiking and enjoying the scenic paths, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural colors.
Visitors appreciate the unique volcanic landscapes and the variety of experiences offered. Many enjoy the beautiful circular paths around the maars, the opportunity to swim and rent boats at View of the Gemünden maar, and the tranquil, sometimes melancholic atmosphere of places like View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) with its historical chapel.


Still not found your perfect lake around Saxler? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.