Top 20 Lakes around Wollmerath
Lakes around Wollmerath are primarily volcanic lakes, known as Maare, situated in the Vulkaneifel region. These unique geological formations are explosion craters that have filled with water, creating distinctive natural attractions. The area offers a combination of natural beauty, geological significance, and various recreational activities. Visitors can explore these ancient volcanic landscapes and their surrounding natural features.
Best lakes around Wollmerath
- The most popular lakes is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a lake that is the southernmost and largest of the three…
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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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Weinfelder Maar viewpoint
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes around Wollmerath unique?
The lakes around Wollmerath are primarily volcanic lakes, known as Maare, located in the Vulkaneifel region. These are explosion craters that have filled with water, creating distinctive natural attractions. They offer a combination of natural beauty, geological significance, and various recreational activities. For example, the Schalkenmehrener Maar is a rare double maar, and the Ulmener Maar is the site of Germany's last volcanic eruption.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Wollmerath?
The Vulkaneifel region, including its maars, is beautiful year-round. For hiking and water activities like swimming and boating, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are ideal. During autumn, the changing foliage offers stunning scenic views. Winter can also be picturesque for quiet walks, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Can I swim in the lakes near Wollmerath?
Yes, swimming is permitted in some of the maars. For instance, the Pulvermaar is known for its exceptionally high water quality and is a popular spot for swimming and diving. The Gemündener Maar also has a swimming pool and allows swimming. However, swimming is strictly prohibited in others, such as the Ulmener Maar and the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), due to their status as nature and water protection areas.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Wollmerath?
Absolutely. The Vulkaneifel region is excellent for hiking. Many maars, like the Schalkenmehrener Maar and the Meerfelder Maar, have well-maintained circular paths. The Weinfelder Maar also offers a nearly two-kilometer-long path for exploration. You can find numerous routes, including easy lake walks and more challenging trails, by exploring the Hiking around Wollmerath guide.
What family-friendly activities are available at the lakes?
Many lakes offer activities suitable for families. The Pulvermaar has large sunbathing areas, a 3-meter diving tower, and boat rentals. The Gemündener Maar features a forest café and a swimming pool, with opportunities to rent boats. Exploring the historic tunnel at Ulmener Maar can also be an engaging discovery tour for all ages. Several highlights, such as the Schalkenmehrener Maar, are categorized as family-friendly.
Are the lakes and trails around Wollmerath dog-friendly?
While specific regulations can vary, many hiking trails around the Vulkaneifel maars are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. It's always advisable to check local signage at each specific maar for any restrictions, especially in nature reserve areas. Ensure you bring water for your dog, especially on longer walks.
What outdoor activities are available near the lakes around Wollmerath?
Beyond hiking, the region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy road cycling with routes like the Road Cycling Routes around Wollmerath, or gravel biking with options found in the Gravel biking around Wollmerath guide. Fishing is also popular in lakes like Ulmener Maar and Meerfelder Maar. Boating is available at Pulvermaar and Gemündener Maar.
Is parking available at the lakes?
Yes, parking is generally available at or near the popular maars. For example, there is parking along the L64 at the Weinfelder Maar or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder and Schalkenmehrener Maars. The Gemündener Maar also has parking near its forest café.
Are there facilities like cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, several maars have amenities nearby. The Gemündener Maar features a forest café. The village of Schalkmehren, located south of the Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers places to stop for refreshments. The Pulvermaar area also has nearby restaurants and cafes, providing a relaxed atmosphere for visitors.
What historical or geological points of interest can I find at the lakes?
The maars themselves are significant geological formations. The Ulmener Maar, for instance, is the youngest maar in the Eifel and features a well-preserved tuff wall and a historic tunnel connecting it to Jungferweiher. The Meerfelder Maar is notable for being within the largest maar crater in the Eifel and holds geological importance for defining the boundary between the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs. Additionally, the Ulmener Maar is overlooked by the medieval castle ruins of Ulmen Castle, adding a historical dimension to the natural landscape. The Ulmener Maar page on Wikipedia provides more details.
Which lake is considered the best-preserved maar in the Eifel?
The Pulvermaar, near Gillenfeld, is widely considered the best-preserved maar in the Eifel region. It is also one of Germany's deepest lakes, reaching over 70 meters, and is known for its exceptionally high water quality.
Can I access the lakes by public transport?
While direct public transport to every single maar might be limited, regional bus services connect some of the larger towns in the Vulkaneifel. From these towns, you may be able to reach certain maars by local bus or by walking. Planning your route in advance using local transport schedules is recommended.
Most popular attractions around Wollmerath
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