Natural monuments around Kradenbach are found within the Vulkaneifel UNESCO Global Geopark, a region known for its unique volcanic history and diverse geological formations. Kradenbach provides access to a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, featuring maars and distinctive rock formations. This area offers insights into millions of years of geological history and opportunities for exploration.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Highlight • Waterfall
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Lake
Showing Translation
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Kradenbach.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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
13
0
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
13
0
The so-called Dreimühlen waterfall is also known as the Nohn waterfall. The name Nohn waterfall comes from the waterfall's proximity to the town of Nohn. The houses on the outskirts of Nohn are only a few hundred meters above the waterfall. Most people talk about the Dreimühlen waterfall, however. The name Dreimühlen comes from a former castle called Dreimühlen. Today, however, only the remains of the walls are said to remain. We looked for the former castle on our trip, but couldn't find anything of it. The waterfall in the Eifel is located between the towns of Üxheim, Kerpen and Nohn. Although the other large towns in the Eifel are not located here, many visitors come here. Some of them travel especially to visit the waterfall. The Dreimühlen waterfall is one of the most visited Eifel attractions. Almost every holidaymaker in the area comes to the waterfall at least once during their Eifel vacation. In addition, many day tourists travel from outside, making it the most visited waterfall in the Eifel. They all want to see the unique natural wonder.
16
1
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.
14
0
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.
19
1
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/
12
0
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.
11
0
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.
15
1
Visitors frequently enjoy the Dreimühlen Waterfall, an artificial waterfall that grows through limescale deposits. Another popular spot is the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, offering panoramic views over the maars. The Schalkenmehrener Maar, one of the rare double maars, is also a favorite for its scenic beauty and geological interest.
The Vulkaneifel region, where Kradenbach is located, is famous for its unique volcanic landscape. You'll encounter numerous maars (volcanic lakes) like the Gemündener Maar and Weinfelder Maar, as well as distinctive volcanic cones and impressive rock formations such as the Gerolstein Dolomites. Waterfalls, like the Dreimühlen Waterfall, also add to the diverse natural scenery.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Dreimühlen Waterfall is a great option, offering an interesting natural phenomenon. The Gemündener Maar and Schalkenmehrener Maar are also considered family-friendly, providing opportunities for gentle walks and enjoying the lakeside environment.
The natural monuments around Kradenbach are a testament to the region's rich volcanic history. Maars, like the Pulvermaar, Gemündener Maar, and Schalkenmehrener Maar, are formed by explosive steam eruptions, offering a direct glimpse into ancient volcanic activity. Other formations, such as the Gerolstein Dolomites, reveal even older geological periods, having formed from marine sediments over 360 million years ago. The entire area is part of the Vulkaneifel UNESCO Global Geopark.
The Vulkaneifel region offers a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including routes that connect the maars. There are also dedicated running trails and mountain biking routes. For detailed information and route suggestions, you can check out the guides for Hiking around Kradenbach, Running Trails around Kradenbach, and MTB Trails around Kradenbach.
Yes, the Vulkaneifel region is known for its scenic hiking trails that often link several maars. A popular route connects the Gemündener Maar, Weinfelder Maar, and Schalkenmehrener Maar, offering picturesque landscapes and a chance to experience these unique volcanic lakes together. Many of these paths are part of the broader Eifelsteig trail network.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning panoramic views, especially from spots like the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg. The unique geological formations, such as the 'self-growing' Dreimühlen Waterfall, are also a highlight. The tranquility and natural beauty of the maars, like the Schalkenmehrener Maar, are frequently mentioned as enjoyable aspects, providing opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
Swimming is permitted in some maars, such as the Pulvermaar and the Gemündener Maar, which even has a swimming pool and boat rental facilities. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in others, like the Weinfelder Maar, due to its protected status and unique flora and fauna. Always check local regulations at each specific maar.
The Vulkaneifel region is beautiful year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while summer is ideal for swimming and boating in the maars. Autumn offers stunning foliage colors, especially around the volcanic lakes and forests. Even winter can be magical, with a quiet, serene atmosphere, though some paths might be more challenging. The Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg offers rewarding views in any season.
Beyond the maars, the region boasts impressive rock formations like the Gerolstein Dolomites, which are towering limestone and dolomite rocks up to 100 meters high, showcasing ancient marine environments. You can also find volcanic scoria and basalt rocks scattered throughout the landscape, such as those near Lissingen and Hohenfels, which often host unique ecosystems.
While not in the immediate vicinity of Kradenbach, the Teufelsschlucht (Devil's Gorge) is a notable natural monument within the broader Eifel region. It's a striking narrow gorge with high rock faces, representing a 200-million-year-old seabed. It offers a unique hiking experience through ancient geological history and is worth considering for a day trip if you're exploring the wider Eifel area.
Yes, some natural monuments have facilities nearby. For instance, the Gemündener Maar has a forest café. The village of Schalkenmehren, located near the Schalkenmehrener Maar, also offers places to stop for refreshments. It's always a good idea to check specific locations for current offerings.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Kradenbach: