Best lakes around Hörscheid are characterized by their volcanic origins, forming unique maars within the Eifel region. This area features a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, resulting in distinct crater lakes. The region offers opportunities to explore these natural formations, which are often surrounded by trails and viewpoints. Hörscheid is situated amidst this geological landscape, providing access to several notable maars.
Last updated: June 22, 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 most popular lakes in the region include Schalkenmehrener Maar, known for its circular path and village amenities, and Gemündener Maar, which offers swimming facilities and a forest café. Visitors also frequently explore Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), appreciated for its unique flora and fauna and tranquil atmosphere.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. Schalkenmehrener Maar has a pleasant circular path suitable for all ages and nearby village amenities. At Gemündener Maar, families can enjoy swimming, boat rentals, and a sunbathing area. The Weinfelder Maar also features a nearly 2 km path for exploration on foot, though swimming is prohibited there.
Yes, swimming is permitted in some of the maars. For instance, Gemündener Maar offers swimming facilities, boat rentals, and a sunbathing area. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in Weinfelder Maar as it is a nature reserve protecting unique flora and fauna.
The Eifel maars, particularly those designated as nature reserves like Weinfelder Maar, are known for their unique flora and fauna. While specific species vary, the volcanic landscape and diverse habitats support a range of birds, insects, and plant life. Donkeys and goats have even been introduced at Weinfelder Maar to help regulate vegetation.
Yes, the Dauner Maare are well-suited for circular walks. Schalkenmehrener Maar, the southernmost and largest of the three Dauner Maars, features a very beautiful circular path. Weinfelder Maar also has an almost two-kilometer-long path that allows for wonderful exploration on foot.
The volcanic maars around Hörscheid offer excellent hiking opportunities. The Schalkenmehrener Maar has a popular circular path, and the Weinfelder Maar provides a scenic 2 km trail. The Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail also passes through the Dauner Maare, offering beautiful paths past the region's volcanic past.
You can find refreshments at several locations. Gemündener Maar has a forest café right by the lake. Additionally, the village of Schalkenmehren, located south of Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers places to stop for refreshments.
The Eifel maars are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions for hiking and exploring, with milder temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Summer is ideal for swimming and water activities at lakes like Gemündener Maar.
Yes, the region around Hörscheid offers various cycling and mountain biking opportunities. You can find numerous routes for MTB trails, cycling tours, and gravel biking that explore the volcanic landscape and pass by the maars.
The Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar, is unique due to its melancholic atmosphere, rich legends, and historical significance. It's a nature reserve with protected flora and fauna, and its name 'Totenmaar' comes from the ancient cemetery and chapel located nearby, which is still used for burials by the community of Schalkenmehren.
While the Dauner Maare are well-known, the Eifel region is dotted with many smaller maars and volcanic formations. Exploring beyond the most popular spots can reveal quieter, equally beautiful lakes. Look for local hiking maps or komoot routes that venture into less frequented areas to discover your own hidden gems, often characterized by their serene natural settings.
The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is notable for its historical context, featuring a small chapel and cemetery dating back to the 14th century. This site was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, which was abandoned due to the plague in the 16th century, adding a layer of history and legend to the natural beauty.


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