The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Daun
Best mountain peaks around Daun are characterized by a unique volcanic landscape, featuring numerous maars and volcanic cones. This region in Germany offers natural beauty and recreational opportunities centered around its geological formations. The area is known for its water-filled maars, which are volcanic craters, and prominent volcanic peaks. These features provide diverse terrain for exploration and offer expansive views of the Eifel landscape.
Best mountain peaks around Daun
- The most popular mountain peaks is Freudenkoppe Castle Ruins, a castle located on a 610-meter high basalt cone. The ruins include a well-preserved keep and parts of the castle house, built around 1340.
- Another must-see spot is Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, a viewpoint and watchtower. This 11-meter high observation tower provides panoramic views of the volcanic Eifel landscape and the Gemündener Maar.
- Visitors also love Windsborn Crater summit, a stratovolcano with a crater lake. Formed approximately 30,000 years ago, the summit offers views down to the shallow crater lake.
- Daun is known for its volcanic cones, maars, and historical castle ruins on elevated points. The region offers a variety of mountain peaks and elevated viewpoints to see and explore.
- The mountain peaks around Daun are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3500 upvotes and over 2300 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg
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View of Gerolstein from the Munterley
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Millstone Cave at Nerother Kopf
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The millstone cave consists of lava boards and is an artificial cave in the Vulkaneifel, Rhineland-Palatinate. It was created by the production of millstones from a volcanic rock wall.
The Millstone Cave is located in the summit area of Nerother Head, a wooded hill of volcanic origin just east of Neroth. The entrance is located just below the castle ruin Freudenkoppe at an altitude of about 640 m and is accessible via a hiking trail. The cave is 18 meters deep and its vault up to ten meters high. It is walkable but unlit (flashlight required).
The Nerother head turned out early because of its steep vertical walls of lava panels as a suitable mining site for millstones. The date of commencement of quarrying is unknown, but probably lies before the castle was built around 1340. The millstones were broken out of the rock with a hammer and a chisel and finished on the spot. Unfinished blanks of these stones can still be found on the walls of the cave today. Outside the cave remains of broken millstones can be found. However, the lava rock was not only mined for millstone production, but was also used in the construction of Burg Freudenkoppe use. Even in later times millstones were recovered here again, the last testimony dates back to 1788. Presumably, the cave was larger at this time and also included a side exit, slipping earth but moved a part of the cave. According to a legend, the cave was even part of an underground corridor to other castles, which is also in the popular poem Op the Nerother Kopp / there sits the Deuwel drob / drives under the ground through / to the Altburg is expressed.
In the cave members of Wandervogel e met on December 31, 1919. V. to found the Nerother Wandervogel.
Since 1980, the cave is under protection as a cultural monument
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Windsborn Crater summit
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Maarkreuz — View of the Schalkenmehren Maar
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Tips from the Community
You just have to go up to this summit cross, it's a pity that there is no summit book.
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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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Very nice place and viewing point at the Maarkreuz above the Schalkenmehrener Maar. With its inscription "You are called the Maar Cross, for the salvation of us and this country. Emergency year 1932", the cross commemorates severe thunderstorms and the resulting damage and crop failures.
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"With an area of approx. 102 hectares, the area around the Gerolsteiner Dolomites has been a nature reserve since 1990. + occurring animal species: bat + occurring plant species: juniper, orchids, character plants calcareous grassland, grove rush-beech forest, woodruff-beech forest, orchid-limestone-beech forest Around 380 million years ago there was a warm, subtropical shallow sea here, in which mighty reefs of stromatopores - relatives of sponges - and corals formed. After the dolomitization, sinking and folding of the rocks, the Devonian deposits were lifted out again. Today's Gerolsteiner Dolomites were formed, which rise steeply above the Kylltal north of the center of Gerolstein. The rocks "Hustley", "Munterley", "Drohende Ley", "Große Kanzel" and "Auberg" characterize the cityscape from afar and form the landmark of Gerolstein. The most famous summit of the Gerolsteiner Dolomites is the "Munterley" - with a height of 482 meters - and offers a breathtaking view over Gerolstein, the Kylltal and far into the Vulkaneifel. Stone Age people, who settled here 30,000 years ago, obviously enjoyed this view, as evidenced by stone tools and bones found at the nearby Buchenloch Cave. Visiting the Gerolsteiner Dolomites can be perfectly combined with hiking the Felsenpfad - the northern part of the "Gerolsteiner Dolomiten Acht". The almost eight-kilometer round tour offers many magical places and geological traces." https://www.eifel.info/a-gerolsteiner-dolomites
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The Nerother Kopf is an extinct volcano of recent date. It was formed about 15,000 years ago when the earth broke up here and glowing magma welled up from the depths of the earth. At that time, a fracture zone formed in the earth rock, which formed the origin of the volcanic chain "West Eifel". https://www.neroth.de/tourismus/nerother-kopf
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The Millstone Cave is located at the summit of the Neroth Head, a wooded hill of volcanic origin east of Neroth. The entrance is just below the Freudenkoppe castle ruins at an altitude of about 640 m and can be reached via a hiking trail. The cave is 18 meters deep and its vault up to 10 meters high. It is walkable, but unlit (torch required). Wikipedia
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Millstones were mined in the 18 meter deep cave at the top of the Nerother Kopf until the 18th century. The lava stone was not only mined for the production of millstones, but was also used to build the immediately adjacent Freudenkoppe Castle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most notable mountain peaks and volcanic features around Daun?
The region around Daun is characterized by its unique volcanic landscape. Key features include the Pulvermaar, a well-preserved water-filled maar, and Ernstberg, the highest of the West Eifel volcanoes. The three Daun Maars – Gemündener, Weinfelder, and Schalkenmehrener – are also prominent, often called the 'eyes of the Eifel'. While not directly in Daun, the Hohe Acht is the highest mountain in the Eifel region and a significant landmark.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks on the peaks around Daun?
Yes, several peaks and elevated points feature historical sites. The Freudenkoppe Castle Ruins, located on a 610-meter high basalt cone, offers a glimpse into medieval history with its well-preserved keep. Nearby, the Millstone Cave at Nerother Kopf is an artificial cave created by millstone production, with a history dating back before the castle's construction.
Where can I find the best panoramic views of the volcanic Eifel landscape?
For expansive views, visit the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg. This 11-meter high observation tower provides stunning panoramic vistas of the volcanic Eifel and the Gemündener Maar. Another excellent spot is the View of Gerolstein from the Munterley, offering fantastic views over Gerolstein and the Kylltal.
What unique natural features can I explore on the peaks near Daun?
The region is rich in unique natural features. The Windsborn Crater summit is a stratovolcano with a shallow crater lake, formed approximately 30,000 years ago. The Pulvermaar is a deep, water-filled maar surrounded by a high tuff ridge, offering clear waters for swimming and boating. The Ernstberg, the highest West Eifel volcano, features pyroclastic rocks and a cave below its summit.
Are there family-friendly activities or trails around the Daun peaks?
Yes, the Daun Maars area is particularly family-friendly. You can enjoy swimming and boating at the Gemündener Maar and Pulvermaar. The circular paths around the maars are generally accessible and offer beautiful scenery. The View of Gerolstein from the Munterley is also noted as family-friendly, providing a rewarding view after a hike.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain peaks around Daun?
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. For cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel – Cycle path on a railroad line loop from Rengen' or the 'Cycle path on a railroad line – View of the Pulvermaar loop from Gemünden'. Find more options on the Cycling around Daun guide. For running, try the 'Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg – Gemündener Maar loop from Daun'. More running trails are available in the Running Trails around Daun guide.
Are there hiking trails near these mountain peaks, and what are their difficulty levels?
Yes, numerous hiking trails traverse the volcanic landscape. For mountain hikes, you can find routes like the 'Keep of Oberburg Castle loop from Manderscheid' or the 'View of the Gemündener Maar – Weinfelder Church loop from Schalkenmehren'. These range from moderate to difficult. Explore more options in the Mountain Hikes around Daun guide. Some paths, like those leading to the Dronke Tower, can be steep and challenging.
What is the best time to visit the mountain peaks and maars in the Daun region?
The Daun region is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage or blooming landscapes. Summer is ideal for water activities at the maars like Pulvermaar and Gemündener Maar. In winter, Ernstberg provides conditions for winter sports, including cross-country skiing and tobogganing.
Can I find circular walks around the maars and peaks near Daun?
Yes, the Daun Maars are particularly well-suited for circular walks. Paths like the 'HeimatSpur MaareGlück' connect the Gemündener, Weinfelder, and Schalkenmehrener Maars, offering stunning viewpoints. The Pulvermaar also has a popular circular path around its crater rim.
What makes the Volcanic Eifel region, where Daun is located, unique?
The Volcanic Eifel region is unique due to its geological history, characterized by approximately 350 volcanoes, maars, and lava flows. This creates a diverse landscape of forests, valleys, and streams. The maars, which are water-filled volcanic craters, are a defining feature, making the area a recognized UNESCO Global Geopark. This geological heritage offers a distinct natural beauty not found in many other places.
Is the Hohe Acht accessible for hiking, and what can I expect?
The Hohe Acht, as the highest mountain in the Eifel, is very accessible for hiking and cycling. Various routes lead to its summit. From the top, you can expect panoramic views over the Eifel landscape. It's a significant landmark, often associated with the nearby Nürburgring, and offers a rewarding experience for those seeking a higher elevation challenge.
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