Best lakes around Manderscheid are primarily volcanic lakes, known locally as Maare, situated in the Eifel region of Germany. This area is characterized by its unique geological formations, offering both scientific interest and recreational opportunities. The landscape around Manderscheid features several such lakes, each with distinct characteristics. These natural features contribute to the region's appeal for outdoor activities and geological exploration.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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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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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 encounters 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 Schalkenmehrener 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 Dauner 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 quiet 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 struck by the plague in the 16th century. Anyone who makes the bells inside ring 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 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: Visitors 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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The Manderscheid region is known for its unique volcanic lakes, called Maare. Some of the most notable include Schalkenmehrener Maar, the largest of the Dauner Maare with a circular path, and Gemündener Maar, popular for swimming and boating. Another significant one is Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), surrounded by a nature reserve and known for its historic chapel.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. At Gemündener Maar, families can enjoy swimming, boat rentals, and a diving platform. Schalkenmehrener Maar also provides opportunities for swimming and boating, along with a beautiful circular path. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) features a child-friendly path, almost 2 kilometers long, perfect for exploring the natural beauty.
Yes, swimming is permitted in some of the Maare. The Gemündener Maar has a designated swimming area with a sunbathing lawn and a diving platform. The Schalkenmehrener Maar also offers a natural lido for swimming. However, swimming is prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar due to its protected status.
The lakes around Manderscheid offer a variety of hiking trails. You can find circular paths around several maars, such as the very beautiful one around Schalkenmehrener Maar. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) also has a nearly two-kilometer-long path suitable for exploration. For more extensive options, consider routes like the 'View of the Gemündener Maar – Weinfelder Church loop from Schalkenmehren' which is a moderate mountain hike, or explore other options in the Mountain Hikes around Manderscheid guide.
Yes, at the Gemündener Maar, there is a forest café available. Additionally, the village of Schalkmehren, adjacent to Schalkenmehrener Maar, provides places for refreshments after your activities.
The lakes around Manderscheid, known as Maare, are volcanic crater lakes formed by steam explosions. They are geologically significant, with some, like the Meerfelder Maar, designated as regional type localities for defining geological boundaries. The Maarmuseum Manderscheid offers extensive information and guided tours about their origins, showcasing ancient fossils and a walkable maar model.
The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is notable for its small chapel and cemetery, some parts dating back to the 14th century. This was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, abandoned in the 16th century due to the plague. The cemetery is still used today by the community of Schalkenmehren.
Yes, boat rentals are available at both Gemündener Maar and Schalkenmehrener Maar, allowing visitors to enjoy the water from a different perspective.
The Maare and their surrounding nature reserves are home to diverse flora and fauna. The Hitsche Maar, for instance, is a vital wetland habitat for various creatures, particularly frogs and toads. The protected areas, like that around Weinfelder Maar, support unique ecosystems, and donkeys and goats have been introduced there to regulate vegetation.
Yes, the Manderscheid region offers several mountain biking trails that incorporate views of the lakes. You can find routes like the 'Himmerod Abbey – Meerfelder Maar loop from Manderscheid' or the 'View of Niederburg Castle – Windsborn Crater summit loop from Manderscheid'. More options are available in the MTB Trails around Manderscheid guide.
The Meerfelder Maar, located near Manderscheid, is known for its idyllic tranquility and being nestled within the Eifel's largest maar crater. It holds significant scientific importance, having been designated by the International Union of Geosciences as a regional type locality for defining the Pleistocene/Holocene boundary, with sediment cores documenting 25,000 years of climate history.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the best conditions for outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and hiking. Autumn provides stunning foliage, while winter can offer a serene, quiet experience, though some facilities might be closed.


Still not found your perfect lake around Manderscheid? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.