Top 20 Lakes around Dreis-Brück
Best lakes around Dreis-Brück are primarily located in the Vulkaneifel district, a region characterized by its unique volcanic landscape. The area features several "Maare," which are volcanic lakes, alongside a local reservoir. These bodies of water provide diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and offer natural features for visitors to explore. The region's natural features make it a destination for those seeking varied aquatic environments.
Best lakes around Dreis-Brück
- The most popular lakes is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a lake that is…
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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Popular around Dreis-Brück
Excellent paths in the Vulkaneifel – Explore the HeimatSpuren
Lava pits & fairytale lakes – hiking through Vulkaneifel in Germany
Hiking around Dreis-Brück
Cycling around Dreis-Brück
MTB Trails around Dreis-Brück
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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 are the best lakes for swimming around Dreis-Brück?
For swimming, the Gemündener Maar is an excellent choice, offering a natural swimming pool, large sunbathing area, and boat rentals. The Schalkenmehrener Maar is also a popular spot for swimming. Additionally, the Pulvermaar features a natural swimming pool suitable for non-swimmers and children, despite being one of Germany's deepest lakes.
Are there family-friendly lakes or activities near Dreis-Brück?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Gemündener Maar offers a natural swimming pool and boat rentals. The Schalkenmehrener Maar has a circular path that's easy to explore. The Pulvermaar also has a natural swimming pool suitable for children. The Dreis-Brück Reservoir (Stausee) is a local spot for relaxation, picnics, and sunbathing, with designated trails for walking.
Where can I find good hiking trails around the lakes?
Many lakes offer excellent hiking opportunities. There's a beautiful circular path around the Schalkenmehrener Maar. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) has a nearly two-kilometer-long path for walking. The Pulvermaar is also known as a hiking paradise. For more options, you can explore various routes in the region, such as the 'HeimatSpur Quellenweg' or the 'Visible Millstone Quarry – Martins Cave loop', which you can find in the Hiking around Dreis-Brück guide.
What unique natural features can I expect to see at the lakes?
The lakes around Dreis-Brück are primarily volcanic lakes, known as 'Maare,' which are often called the 'eyes' of the region due to their striking circular forms. You'll find diverse features like the double maar formation of the Schalkenmehrener Maar, the deep crater of the Pulvermaar, and the tranquil wetland biotope at the upper section of the Dreis-Brück Reservoir.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) is notable for its historic chapel and cemetery, which are still used today by the municipality of Schalkenmehren for burials. The chapel dates back to the 14th century, and the area is steeped in local legends.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Dreis-Brück?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but spring and summer are ideal for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and boat rentals, especially at the Gemündener Maar. Autumn offers stunning foliage, and winter can provide a peaceful, serene experience for hiking, though some facilities might be closed.
Can I find viewpoints with panoramic views of the lakes?
Absolutely. A panoramic bench offers a beautiful view of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar). The Gemündener Maar also provides scenic views, especially from its surrounding trails. The volcanic landscape naturally creates elevated spots for picturesque vistas.
Are there options for cycling near the lakes?
Yes, the region around Dreis-Brück offers various cycling routes. You can find touring bicycle routes like the 'Dreis-Brück Reservoir – Burghof Restaurant & Beer Garden loop' or road cycling routes such as the 'Dreis Castle – Old Cattle Scale Hinterweiler loop'. More details are available in the Cycling around Dreis-Brück guide and the Road Cycling Routes around Dreis-Brück guide.
Are dogs allowed on trails around the lakes?
While many natural areas in the Vulkaneifel are dog-friendly, it's always best to check specific regulations for each lake or trail, especially regarding swimming areas. For example, dogs are generally not allowed in the natural swimming pool area at the Gemündener Maar. Always keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them.
Where can I find refreshments or accommodation near the lakes?
The village of Schalkenmehren, near the Schalkenmehrener Maar, has places to stop for refreshments. The Gemündener Maar features a forest café. For broader options, the district town of Daun, close to the Daun Maars, offers various restaurants, cafes, and accommodation choices.
Is wild swimming permitted in the lakes?
Wild swimming is generally restricted to designated areas. For instance, swimming is explicitly prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) due to its status as a nature reserve. However, the Gemündener Maar and Pulvermaar both offer natural swimming pools where swimming is encouraged and safe.
What is the Dreis-Brück Reservoir (Stausee) known for?
The Stausee in Dreis-Brück is a popular local spot for relaxation and recreation. It's cherished for its tranquility, offering opportunities for picnics, sunbathing, and hiking on designated trails around the reservoir. Anglers also find it particularly appealing, and it features a wetland biotope in its upper section.
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