4.4
(24)
77
riders
10
rides
Gravel biking around Saxler offers routes through a landscape characterized by volcanic maars, river valleys, and forested hills. The region features varied terrain, including former railway lines and dedicated cycle paths, providing diverse surfaces for gravel cyclists. Elevation changes are common, with many routes including significant climbs and descents. The area's geology contributes to a dynamic riding experience.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
20
riders
43.1km
03:14
750m
750m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
3.8
(4)
10
riders
24.2km
01:52
450m
450m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.3
(9)
17
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(3)
6
riders
23.8km
01:29
370m
370m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
6
riders
48.6km
03:00
650m
650m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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What a great tunnel, over 500m Video on Instagram "biketime1979"
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A beautiful former railway bridge. It's beautiful to look at from both above and below.
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A truly amazing experience for young and old. Turn on the lights – even though the tunnel is lit. And in hot weather, it's like riding through a "refrigerator."
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A very well-maintained tunnel. A highlight for the kids.
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Very good surface, pleasantly shady in summer
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"Old Station" Schalkenmehren Passenger service between Daun and Wittlich was discontinued on November 1, 1981. Schalkenmehren. Approaching the Old Station in Schalkenmehren on the former railway line, today's Maare-Mosel cycle path, and seeing the station building, it's hard to believe that it was opened as a fourth-class railway station exactly 100 years ago. But how did it all begin 100 years ago? Surveying for the Daun-Wittlich railway line began as early as 1897. General preparatory work for the single-track line began in 1907. But it would take some time before the Daun-Schalkenmehren-Gillenfeld section opened on December 1, 1909, with the line running over the 28-meter-high Daun viaduct and through the 560-meter-long Schalkenmehren railway tunnel, "Großes Schlitzohr" (Great Sly Fox). The extension from Gillenfeld to Manderscheid to Pantenburg was completed on May 1, 1910, and the extension from Manderscheid-Pantenburg to Wittlich, signifying the completion of the entire line, was completed on July 1, 1910. The completion of the Daun-Wittlich railway line brought rapid development to the village of Schalkenmehren. In the first year of the line's existence (1910), 18,968 tickets were sold in Schalkenmehren, followed by 25,057 in 1913, 27,969 in 1919, and even 30,279 in 1922. In addition, Schalkenmehren station was designed for general cargo traffic and the receipt and dispatch of wagonloads. Text / Source: www.volksfreund.de/ https://www.volksfreund.de/region/vulkaneifel/ein-schmuckstueck-fuer-nostalgiker_aid-5712448
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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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The gravel biking routes around Saxler are predominantly challenging. Out of 18 available routes, 14 are rated as difficult, and 4 are moderate. There are currently no easy routes listed, indicating a landscape with significant climbs and descents.
Given that most routes around Saxler are rated as difficult or moderate, truly family-friendly options suitable for young children or beginners are limited. The terrain often features considerable elevation changes. It's advisable to check individual route profiles for specific details on gradients and surfaces if planning a family outing.
Gravel bike routes in Saxler vary significantly in length and duration. For example, the Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel – Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel loop from Daun is about 15 miles (24.2 km) and takes around 2 hours 18 minutes, while the Lieser Cycle Path – Grünewald Viaduct loop from Daun stretches over 64 miles (103.2 km) and can take more than 7 hours to complete.
The terrain around Saxler is characterized by volcanic maars, river valleys, and forested hills. You'll encounter varied surfaces, including sections of former railway lines and dedicated cycle paths. Expect dynamic riding with common elevation changes, including significant climbs and descents, due to the region's unique geology.
Yes, many gravel bike routes in the Saxler area are designed as loops. Examples include the View of the Schalkenmehrener Maar – Weinfelder Maar loop from Daun, which explores volcanic lakes, and the Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel – Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel loop from Daun, featuring a distinctive tunnel section.
The region offers several points of interest. You might encounter volcanic maars, such as those on the View of the Schalkenmehrener Maar – Weinfelder Maar loop from Daun. Other routes, like the Lieser Cycle Path – Grünewald Viaduct loop from Daun, lead through river valleys and over impressive viaducts. For more specific attractions, you can explore highlights like the Trail Park Koulshore or the Mohlbach Singletrail.
The gravel biking experience in Saxler is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.96 stars from over 20 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the unique volcanic lake landscapes, and the challenging nature of the routes, which provide a dynamic and engaging experience.
Yes, the region is known for its volcanic maars. The View of the Schalkenmehrener Maar – Weinfelder Maar loop from Daun is specifically designed to showcase these unique volcanic lakes, offering scenic vistas of the natural formations.
Absolutely. The Saxler area utilizes repurposed infrastructure, including former railway lines. The Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel – Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel loop from Daun is a prime example, featuring a notable tunnel section that provides a distinct and memorable riding experience.
While specific seasonal data isn't provided, the varied terrain and forested areas suggest that spring and autumn would offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be good, but always check local weather conditions, especially for potential heat or rain. Winter riding might be possible but could involve colder temperatures and potentially challenging trail conditions.
Yes, the Ulmener Maar – Ulmen Castle Ruins loop from Wagenhausen is a route that allows you to explore the natural beauty of the Ulmener Maar while also passing by the historic Ulmen Castle Ruins, offering a blend of nature and cultural interest.
For expansive views, consider the Panorama Bench Sarmerzbach – View of Daun from Daun Viaduct loop from Schalkenmehren. This route is designed to provide scenic vistas, including a view of Daun from the viaduct, making it ideal for those seeking picturesque landscapes.


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