Attractions and Places To See around Gillenfeld - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Gillenfeld include a variety of natural and historical sites within Germany's Volcanic Eifel region. The area is characterized by its unique volcanic crater lakes, known as maars, and a landscape suitable for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore deep natural lakes, historical structures, and extensive hiking and cycling paths. Gillenfeld offers a diverse range of attractions for those interested in geology, nature, and active exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Gillenfeld
- The…
Last updated: May 26, 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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Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel
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At the end of the first decade of the 20th century, the railway tunnel was driven 560 meters through the mountain. 80 years …
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Old Railway Tunnel "Großes Schlitzohr" near Daun At the end of the first decade of the 20th century, the railway tunnel was driven 560 meters through the mountain. 80 years later, it was converted into a cycle path. The tunnel contains several niches with rounded arches, through which the water seeping in above is drained. The sound of this water has been a part of this place for almost 100 years. Text / Source: Institut Denkunternehmung, Hörscheider Straße 20, 54552 Darscheid https://denkunternehmung.de/alter-eisenbahntunnel-grosses-schlitzohr-bei-daun
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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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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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A section of the Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail runs right through the Dauner Maare. Very nice path past the witnesses of the volcanic past of the Eifel. https://www.eifelsteig.de/
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The hiking car park and the hiking map with an overview of the various routes are located at the Waldcafe. This is a great place to start your tour and enjoy a coffee at the end.
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Very beautiful Maar, more than 100m deep embedded in the "crater", the smallest of the three Dauner Maare offers a beautiful outdoor pool and the opportunity to explore the volcanic lake by boat. The forest café and the starting point for numerous hikes and tours are also located at the car park.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural attractions can I explore around Gillenfeld?
The region is famous for its unique volcanic crater lakes, known as maars. You can visit Schalkenmehrener Maar, the southernmost and largest of the Dauner Maars, which features a beautiful circular path. Another highlight is the View of the Gemünden maar, known for its beauty and recreational opportunities like swimming and boat rentals. Pulvermaar, one of Germany's deepest natural lakes, is also popular for swimming, boating, and hiking. For a more tranquil experience, explore Holzmaar, a protected nature reserve ideal for walks and fishing.
Are there any historical landmarks or cultural sites to visit in Gillenfeld?
Yes, you can visit the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, an observation tower built in 1902 offering panoramic views of the maars and the Eifel landscape. Another unique site is the Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel, a former railway tunnel now converted into a cycle path, known for its distinctive atmosphere. The Steipen-Heiligenhäuschen, a renovated chapel, and the Grotte am Kirchberg, an imitation of the Lourdes pilgrimage grotto, also offer cultural insights.
What are the best hiking trails around Gillenfeld?
Gillenfeld is a paradise for hikers with numerous well-signposted routes. A recommended option is the 'Three Maars Tour,' an 11-kilometer hike exploring the Gemünden Maar, Weinfelder Maar, and Schalkenmehren Maar. Other popular trails include the Lavaweg, a 20.5 km route with varied landscapes, and the Antonius Route, an 11.8 km path offering serene nature experiences. You can find more detailed running trails around Gillenfeld on komoot's guide page: Running Trails around Gillenfeld.
What cycling opportunities are available near Gillenfeld?
The region is excellent for cyclists. The Maare-Mosel Cycle Path, which follows a former railway track, is a popular route connecting the Volcanic Eifel with the Mosel. The Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel is part of this path, offering a unique cycling experience. For more options, explore komoot's guides for various cycling activities: MTB Trails around Gillenfeld and Road Cycling Routes around Gillenfeld.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Gillenfeld?
Yes, Gillenfeld offers several family-friendly options. Many hiking trails include rest areas and playgrounds. The 'Märchen-Naturwaldpfad' (Fairy Tale Natural Forest Path) around Holzmaar is particularly engaging for children. The View of the Gemünden maar provides a swimming pool and boat rentals, while Pulvermaar also offers swimming and boating, making them great for a family day out. The nearby Wildlife and Adventure Park Daun is also a popular family destination.
What is the best time of year to visit the maars around Gillenfeld?
The maars and surrounding volcanic landscape are beautiful year-round. However, late spring through early autumn (May to October) generally offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports. During these months, the forest cafés and swimming facilities at maars like Gemündener Maar are typically open.
Where can I find panoramic views of the Volcanic Eifel landscape?
For magnificent panoramic views, head to the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg. Standing on the 560-meter-high Mouse Mountain, this observation tower provides extensive vistas over the maars and the surrounding Eifel region. The platform around the tower is also ideal for enjoying the scenery.
Can I swim in the maars near Gillenfeld?
Yes, swimming is permitted in some of the maars. Pulvermaar offers an outdoor pool and opportunities for swimming. The View of the Gemünden maar also has a swimming pool and allows swimming in the maar itself, complete with a diving platform. However, swimming is prohibited in protected nature reserves like Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) to preserve its unique flora and fauna.
Are there any unique geological features to observe?
The entire region is a testament to its dramatic volcanic past. Beyond the maars themselves, which are volcanic crater lakes, you can observe the distinct geological formations created by ancient volcanic activity. The Schalkenmehrener Maar is notable as a rare double maar, showcasing different stages of volcanic formation. The surrounding landscape, with its tuff walls and varied terrain, tells the story of the Eifel's geological history.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Gillenfeld?
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the maars and the panoramic views from spots like the Dronke Tower. The diverse hiking and cycling opportunities, including unique experiences like cycling through the Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel, are also highly rated. The combination of active exploration and serene natural landscapes, often with family-friendly amenities, makes the area a popular destination.
Are there any smaller, lesser-known maars worth visiting?
Beyond the more prominent maars, you can explore Dürre Maar and Hitsche Maar, located west of the Alf valley. Hitsche Maar is particularly notable as potentially the smallest maar in Europe, offering a unique, intimate natural experience within the volcanic landscape.
Are there options for water sports other than swimming?
Yes, beyond swimming, Pulvermaar offers opportunities for various water sports, including boating. At the View of the Gemünden maar, you can also rent boats to explore the lake, adding another dimension to your visit.
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