Best lakes around Dockweiler are primarily volcanic lakes, known as maars, situated in the Vulkaneifel region of Germany. This area is characterized by its unique geological origins, offering a distinctive natural landscape for exploration. The maars around Dockweiler provide opportunities for various outdoor activities, from hiking to enjoying the serene waters. These lakes are significant for their unique geological origins and are popular for easy lake hikes.
Last updated: September 27, 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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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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The lakes around Dockweiler are primarily volcanic lakes, known as maars, located in the Vulkaneifel region of Germany. These unique geological formations were created by volcanic activity, offering a distinctive natural landscape for exploration.
Yes, several lakes are family-friendly. For instance, the View of the Gemünden maar offers a swimming pool, boat rentals, and a forest café. Schalkenmehrener Maar also has a beautiful circular path suitable for families, and the village of Schalkmehren nearby provides refreshment options.
The region is excellent for hiking. You can find a very beautiful circular path around Schalkenmehrener Maar. The View of the Gemünden maar is part of the MaareGlück circular route. For more extensive options, explore the Mountain Hikes around Dockweiler guide, which includes routes like the 'View of the Gemündener Maar – Weinfelder Church loop'.
Swimming is permitted in some maars, such as the View of the Gemünden maar, which even features a swimming pool and a diving platform. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in others, like the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), as it is a nature reserve.
The lakes are maars, which are crater lakes formed by volcanic activity. Schalkenmehrener Maar is a rare double maar, consisting of a lake and a dry maar. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is surrounded by a tuff wall and is a protected nature reserve with unique flora and fauna, including donkeys and goats used for vegetation regulation.
Yes, the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is notable for its historical context. Its name, 'Totenmaar' (Dead Maar), comes from the cemetery and a small chapel, some of which dates from the 14th century, located nearby. This was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, which was abandoned due to the plague in the 16th century.
The Vulkaneifel region offers various cycling opportunities. You can find routes for mountain biking in the MTB Trails around Dockweiler guide, including routes like 'View of the Weinfelder Maar – Gemündener Maar loop'. There are also options for gravel biking, detailed in the Gravel biking around Dockweiler guide.
Visitors frequently appreciate the beautiful scenery and the opportunities for circular walks around the maars. The unique volcanic landscape, the serene waters, and the well-maintained paths are often highlighted. Many also enjoy the facilities at places like the Gemünden maar, which offers a forest café and swimming.
Yes, parking is generally available. For example, at the Weinfelder Maar, there is a car park on the road above the maars, and guests can also park along the L64 or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder and Schalkenmehrener Maars.
While specific rules vary by location, many natural areas in Germany are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's advisable to check local signage or specific regulations for each maar, especially in nature reserve areas like the Weinfelder Maar.
The Vulkaneifel region, with its volcanic lakes, is generally pleasant to visit during spring, summer, and early autumn. These seasons offer the best weather for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and enjoying the natural beauty. Autumn also brings vibrant fall foliage.
Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. The View of the Gemünden maar, View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), and View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench are specifically highlighted for their scenic vistas of the volcanic lakes.


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