Best lakes around Neichen are situated in the Vulkaneifel district, a region known for its unique volcanic lakes, locally called maars. These geological formations are the result of ancient volcanic activity where rising magma interacted with groundwater, creating distinct, water-filled depressions. The area offers a natural landscape characterized by these crater lakes framed by wooded slopes.
Last updated: June 23, 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 Neichen are unique volcanic lakes known as maars. These are funnel-shaped depressions formed by phreatomagmatic eruptions where rising magma encountered groundwater, creating distinct, water-filled craters. They are often referred to as the 'eyes of the Eifel' due to their picturesque appearance.
The Gemündener Maar is a popular spot where swimming is permitted, featuring an outdoor pool and a large sunbathing area. The Pulvermaar, known for its depth, also has a natural swimming pool suitable for non-swimmers and children. Additionally, the Ulmener Maar allows swimming in its cool, deep blue waters.
Yes, the Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar, is notable for its historical significance. A 14th-century chapel and a cemetery are located on its bank, which led to its alternate name, 'Lake of the Dead.' Many legends also surround this tranquil Eifel eye.
You'll find numerous hiking opportunities around the lakes. For instance, a beautiful circular path surrounds the Schalkenmehrener Maar. The Gemündener Maar also serves as a starting point for many hikes. For more detailed routes, you can explore the hiking guide for Neichen, which includes trails like the 'XXL Bench, Vulkaneifel – View from Auf Schloscheid loop from Neichen'.
Many of the lakes are family-friendly. The Gemündener Maar offers swimming and boat rentals, while the Pulvermaar has a natural swimming pool suitable for children. Circular paths around maars like the Schalkenmehrener Maar are also great for family walks.
Yes, boat rentals are available at the Gemündener Maar, allowing you to explore its waters. The Ulmener Maar also offers relaxing boat trips on its surface.
Excellent viewpoints include the View of the Gemünden maar, which offers a scenic perspective of the smallest Dauner Maar. The View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) and the View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench provide stunning vistas of this deep, historic lake.
The region offers various cycling routes. For gravel biking, you can find trails like the 'View of the Schalkenmehrener Maar – Weinfelder Maar loop from Daun' in the gravel biking guide for Neichen. Road cycling routes are also available, such as the 'Kyll Cycle Path near Lissingen – Daun Viaduct loop from Boxberg' in the road cycling guide.
Yes, for the Weinfelder Maar, guests can park along the L64 either in the parking lot at the maar or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder and Schalkenmehrener Maars.
The Pulvermaar is known for having the greatest depth in the Eifel region, making it one of Germany's deepest lakes. The Weinfelder Maar is also notably deep, reaching 51 meters.
Yes, the village of Schalkmehren, located south of the Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers places to stop for refreshments. The Gemündener Maar also has a forest café nearby.
The Ulmener Maar is considered the youngest among the Eifel maars, having been formed around 10,900 years ago from Germany's last volcanic eruption.


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