Top 20 Natural Monuments around Laufeld
Best natural monuments around Laufeld are concentrated in the Bernkastel-Wittlich region of Germany, characterized by its volcanic Eifel landscape. The area features numerous volcanic lakes, known as maars, which are significant geological formations. These natural features offer opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration. The region's landscape is defined by its unique volcanic history and diverse natural environment.
Best natural monuments around Laufeld
- The most popular natural monuments is Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, a viewpoint that offers panoramic views…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of the Gemünden maar
Highlight • Lake
Showing Translation
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
Schalkenmehrener Maar
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar)
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Laufeld.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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
Very nice panoramic view
7
0
From the Mäuseberg high above the maars you have a fantastic view in clear weather
8
0
A very worthwhile detour, especially as the donkeys and goats are so friendly.
7
0
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.
10
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular natural monuments to visit around Laufeld?
Visitors frequently enjoy the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, which offers panoramic views over the maars. Another highly regarded spot is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a unique double maar with a beautiful circular path. The View of the Gemünden maar is also very popular, known for its recreational activities like swimming and boating.
What unique geological features can I explore near Laufeld?
The region around Laufeld is famous for its volcanic lakes, known as maars. These are significant geological formations created by volcanic steam explosions. You can explore the rare double maar at Schalkenmehrener Maar, which is approximately 10,000 years old, or witness the impressive crater lake of Meerfelder Maar, one of the largest in the Eifel.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Laufeld?
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The View of the Gemünden maar offers recreational activities like swimming and boat rentals, making it a fun destination. The circular path around Schalkenmehrener Maar is also pleasant for family walks. Additionally, the View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is family-friendly, offering easy paths and a serene environment.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments near Laufeld?
The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn. In spring, you'll see vibrant flower meadows and blossoming trees, creating a picturesque backdrop. Autumn transforms the landscape into a brilliant display of golden and red hues, offering stunning views, especially around the maars.
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the Eifelsteig or cycling on the Maare-Mosel Cycle Path, which passes through many natural sights. For specific hiking options, explore Easy hikes around Laufeld or more challenging Mountain Hikes around Laufeld. Cyclists can find routes in Road Cycling Routes around Laufeld.
Are there viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the Eifel landscape?
Absolutely. The Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg is a prime location, providing a wonderful panoramic view over the maars, including a direct view of the Gemündener Maar. Another excellent spot is the View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench, offering a serene perspective of the Weinfelder Maar.
Can I swim in any of the maars around Laufeld?
Yes, you can swim in the Gemündener Maar. It features a swimming pool and a sunny bathing area, and you can even rent boats. For the adventurous, there's a diving platform available. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar due to its protected unique flora and fauna.
What kind of trails can I expect when visiting the natural monuments?
You'll find a variety of trails. Paths leading to viewpoints like the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg can be steep and challenging, particularly for mountain bikers. Circular paths are available around maars like Schalkenmehrener Maar, offering easier walks. The Eifelsteig and Maare-Mosel Cycle Path also provide access to many natural sights with varying difficulty levels.
Are there places to eat or stay near the natural monuments?
Yes, for instance, the View of the Gemünden maar has a forest café. The village of Schalkmehren, located south of Schalkenmehrener Maar, also provides refreshment stops. The broader region around Laufeld offers various cafes, pubs, and accommodation options.
What makes the Weinfelder Maar unique?
The Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar, is unique for its melancholic atmosphere and rich legends, including tales of a sunken castle. It features a small chapel on its north bank, which was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, abandoned due to the plague. The associated cemetery is still maintained, giving it the name 'Totenmaar'.
How can I explore multiple maars in one trip?
Many hiking and cycling routes in the region connect the maars. For example, a section of the Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail runs right through the Dauner Maare, allowing you to visit several volcanic lakes. You can also find circular routes that encompass multiple maars, such as the MaareGlück circular route which passes the Gemündener Maar.
What do visitors appreciate most about the natural monuments around Laufeld?
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning panoramic views from spots like the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg. The unique geological formations of the maars, such as the rare double maar at Schalkenmehrener Maar, are also highly valued. The combination of natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and swimming in places like the Gemündener Maar makes the region a favorite.
Most popular routes around Laufeld
Most popular attractions around Laufeld
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Laufeld:
