Top 20 Natural Monuments around Schutz
Natural monuments around Schutz, a municipality in the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, are characterized by their volcanic origins. The region is known for its maars, which are volcanic crater lakes formed by steam explosions. These geological features contribute to a distinctive landscape, offering opportunities for exploration and appreciation of natural history. The area provides a setting for outdoor activities amidst unique natural formations.
Best natural monuments around Schutz
- The most popular natural monuments is Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg
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View of the Gemünden maar
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Schalkenmehrener Maar
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View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar)
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View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore around Schutz?
The area around Schutz is renowned for its volcanic origins, primarily featuring maars, which are volcanic crater lakes. These geological formations create a distinctive landscape. You can explore several maars, including the Schalkenmehrener Maar, the Gemündener Maar, and the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), each offering unique natural beauty and geological insights.
Are there any significant viewpoints to experience the natural beauty near Schutz?
Yes, the region offers several excellent viewpoints. The Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg is an 11-meter high observation tower providing panoramic views over the Eifel's volcanic landscape, including direct views of the Gemündener Maar and Weinfelder Maar. Additionally, there are specific spots like the View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench, offering a serene perspective of the Weinfelder Maar.
What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/104123" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Weinfelder Maar</a>, also known as Totenmaar, and what makes it special?
The Weinfelder Maar, or Totenmaar, is a volcanic crater lake near Daun. It's known for its melancholic atmosphere and rich history. A small chapel dedicated to Saint Martin, once the parish church of the plague-ravaged village of Weinfeld, stands on its north bank. Visitors can ring the bells inside the chapel and make a wish. The associated cemetery is still maintained by the community of Schalkenmehren, giving it the name 'Totenmaar' (Dead Man's Maar). Swimming and other water sports are prohibited to protect its unique flora and fauna, but a nearly two-kilometer-long path allows for wonderful exploration on foot.
What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/189866" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Schalkenmehrener Maar</a>?
The Schalkenmehrener Maar is the southernmost and largest of the three Dauner Maars. It is a rare 'double maar,' consisting of a lake and an eastern dry maar, both formed by volcanic steam explosions about 10,500 years ago. A beautiful circular path surrounds the maar, and the nearby village of Schalkmehren offers places for refreshments.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments or activities around Schutz?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The View of the Gemünden maar is particularly family-friendly, offering opportunities to swim in the maar, rent boats, and visit a forest café. The circular path around the Schalkenmehrener Maar is also a pleasant option for families to walk and explore.
What kind of historical or cultural sites can be found among the natural monuments?
The natural monuments around Schutz often intertwine with local history and culture. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) features a historic chapel and cemetery dating back to the 14th century. The Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, erected in 1902, serves as a memorial to Dr. Adolf Dronke, founder of the Eifel Association, adding a historical layer to the panoramic views.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The region around Schutz offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including sections of the Eifelsteig long-distance trail, which passes through the Dauner Maare. There are also dedicated routes for mountain biking and running. For more detailed information on routes, you can explore the Hiking around Schutz, MTB Trails around Schutz, and Running Trails around Schutz guides.
Are there specific hiking trails around the maars?
Yes, there are several trails. A very beautiful circular path exists around the Schalkenmehrener Maar. The Weinfelder Maar also has a nearly two-kilometer-long path perfect for exploring on foot. The Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail also runs right through the Dauner Maare, offering scenic routes past these volcanic formations.
Where can I find parking when visiting the natural monuments?
For the Weinfelder Maar, guests can park along the L64 at the designated parking lot or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder Maar and the Schalkenmehrener Maar. For other maars and viewpoints, parking is generally available at nearby trailheads or access points, often with information provided locally.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Schutz?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views, especially from the Dronke Tower. The unique geological features of the maars, the tranquil beauty of the lakes, and the opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature are highly appreciated. The historical and cultural elements, such as the chapel at Weinfelder Maar, also add to the enriching experience.
Can I swim in any of the maars near Schutz?
Yes, you can swim in the Gemündener Maar, which also offers boat rentals and a forest café. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) to protect its unique ecosystem.
Are there places to eat or get refreshments near the natural monuments?
Yes, near the Gemündener Maar, you'll find a forest café. The village of Schalkmehren, adjacent to the Schalkenmehrener Maar, also offers places to stop for refreshments.
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