Best lakes around Ulmen are primarily volcanic crater lakes, known as maars, situated in the Eifel region. This area is characterized by its unique geological history, including the formation of Central Europe's most recent volcano, the Ulmener Maar. The landscape offers a combination of geological significance and natural features. Visitors can explore the remnants of explosive volcanic activity and observe the distinctive deep blue waters framed by wooded slopes.
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 lakes around Ulmen are primarily volcanic crater lakes, known as maars, formed by explosive volcanic activity. The most notable is the Ulmener Maar, Central Europe's most recent volcano, formed around 10,900 years ago. Its impressive tuff wall and role in understanding phreatomagmatic eruptions have led to its designation as a geological heritage site by the IUGS. You can learn more about its significance on the IUGS Geoheritage website.
Yes, several lakes offer family-friendly activities. The View of the Gemünden maar, for instance, has a forest café and a swimming pool where you can swim and rent boats. Many maars also feature circular paths suitable for walks with children, such as the path around the Schalkenmehrener Maar.
The region around Ulmen's lakes is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on numerous trails, including easy walks like the "Ulmener Entdeckertour" or more challenging routes. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like the "Ulmener Maar – Ulmener Maar Tunnel loop." For more details on routes, you can explore the easy hikes around Ulmen, general hiking around Ulmen, or gravel biking around Ulmen guides.
Swimming is possible in some lakes, but not all. For example, the View of the Gemünden maar offers a swimming pool and opportunities to swim in the maar itself. However, swimming is strictly prohibited in the Ulmener Maar to preserve its status as a nature and water protection area. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) also prohibits swimming and other water sports to protect its unique flora and fauna.
Yes, the region combines natural beauty with historical significance. Overlooking the Ulmener Maar are the medieval ruins of Ulmen Castle, dating back to the 11th century, offering elevated views of the maar. Near the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), you'll find a small chapel and cemetery, some parts dating from the 14th century, which contribute to its unique atmosphere and its nickname 'Totenmaar' (Dead Maar).
Many maars offer stunning panoramic views. The crater rim of the Ulmener Maar provides breathtaking vistas of the deep blue waters and surrounding Eifel landscape. For the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), there's a dedicated viewpoint and a panoramic bench offering excellent perspectives of the lake and its chapel.
The Eifel region, including the lakes around Ulmen, is beautiful throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn. Spring brings blooming nature, while summer allows for swimming and boating where permitted. Autumn offers vibrant foliage, making it ideal for hiking. Winter hiking is also possible, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Absolutely. Many maars have circular paths that are suitable for easy walks. For example, a nearly two-kilometer-long path encircles the Weinfelder Maar, and the Schalkenmehrener Maar also has a very beautiful circular path. The "Ulmener Entdeckertour" is another easy option, covering about 3.3 km.
The lakes and surrounding areas are rich in wildlife. The Jungferweiher, though largely silted up, serves as a valuable bird sanctuary. The unique flora and fauna of maars like the Weinfelder Maar are protected, and donkeys and goats have been introduced there to regulate vegetation. The Ulmener Maar is known for fishing pike and carp in its tranquil waters.
Parking is generally available near the popular maars. For instance, guests can park along the L64 either at the parking lot directly at the Weinfelder Maar or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder and Schalkenmehrener Maar. Specific parking information is often provided at the starting points of popular trails.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, the unique volcanic landscape, and the peaceful atmosphere. Many enjoy the well-maintained circular paths around the maars, the opportunities for hiking and exploring, and the combination of natural wonders with historical sites like Ulmen Castle. The chance to swim or boat in certain maars, like the Gemünden maar, is also a highlight for many.


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