The best cycling routes around Laufeld
4.4
(1831)
8,935
riders
241
rides
Touring cycling around Laufeld is situated within the Eifel region, characterized by its volcanic origins, maars, and diverse geological formations. The terrain features rolling hills, dense woodlands, and clear streams, offering varied landscapes for cyclists. Many routes utilize disused railway lines, which have been converted into fully tarmacked cycling paths, providing smooth rides across viaducts, bridges, and through tunnels. This region offers a mix of ascents and scenic routes, with hills under 200m providing panoramic views.
Best touring cycling routes around Laufeld
- The most popular touring cycling route is Dronketurm Tower Viewpoint – Manderscheid Lower Castle loop from Laufeld, a 28.4 miles (45.8 km) trail that takes 3 hours 46 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain and panoramic views over the maars.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Holzmaar Viewing Platform – Cycle path on a railroad line loop from Eckfeld, a moderate 12.6 miles (20.2 km) path. This route offers views of volcanic lakes and follows sections of former railway lines.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Maare-Mosel Cycle Path – Former Hasborn Train Station loop from Pantenburg, a 12.1 miles (19.4 km) trail leading through the Eifel's characteristic volcanic landscape, often completed in about 1 hour 9 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Laufeld is defined by volcanic landscapes, maars, and converted railway lines. The network offers options for easy rides on dedicated paths as well as more challenging routes with significant elevation gain.
- The routes in Laufeld are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 1,600 reviews. More than 8,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Laufeld's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
4.5
(24)
120
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
80
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(8)
67
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(12)
43
riders
26.2km
01:42
310m
310m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
24
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Tips from the Community
During our visit today, the platform was closed... it looks very dilapidated!
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Unfortunately, it is not possible to cycle directly around the maar.
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Beautiful scenery, but the condition of the wooden figures is slowly becoming critical and needs renovation. This also applies to the closed viewing platform at the Holzmaar itself. Overall, a beautiful hiking trail with three maars.
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Maare-Mosel Cycle Route Family time on a bike tour along a disused railway line Almost no inclines, but plenty of adventure spots along the way – this Eifel bike tour from Daun to Bernkastel-Kues (58.5 km) is perfect for a family outing. Everyone cycles along at a leisurely pace, and even children can manage the route. The Maare-Mosel Cycle Route runs along a former railway line. Who'll be first to the top? A short race at the beginning leads up to the viaduct near Daun – the first and only challenge is mastered. With a stunning panoramic view of the Eifel, the little ones can catch their breath for a bit, then the next adventure awaits. There's great cheering at the "Großes Schlitzohr" (Great Slacker), as it's the second-longest bike tunnel in Germany – so turn on the lights and off we go. The bike tour continues at a relaxed pace through beech forests and past glittering maars. No car noise, just the gentle rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, and the laughter of children. From Bernkastel-Kues, a bike bus takes you back to the starting point. The return trip can be booked in advance. Text / Source: Eifel Tourismus (ET) GmbH, Kalvarienbergstraße, D-54595 Prüm https://www.eifel.info/a-maare-mosel-radweg
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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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Weinfelder Maar - Impressive Evidence of Explosive Geological History The Weinfelder Maar – also known as Totenmaar – is one of the three so-called Daun Maars. It is located about 2 kilometers from our district town of Daun, near the municipality of Schalkenmehren, between the Gemünden and Schalkenmehren Maars. It has a diameter of approximately 525 meters and a depth of 51 meters, making it the deepest of the three Daun Maars. It is the youngest and, at 487 meters above sea level, the highest of the three closely adjacent maars, which formed between 20,000 and 30,000 years ago. Text / Source: Natur- und Geopark Vulkaneifel GmbH, Mainzer Str. 25, Daun https://www.geopark-vulkaneifel.de/eifel/landschaft/maare-und-kraterseen/weinfelder-maar.html
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Laufeld?
There are over 200 touring cycling routes around Laufeld, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored more than 11,000 of these routes.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in Laufeld?
Laufeld is situated within the Eifel region, characterized by its unique volcanic origins. You can expect a diverse landscape featuring rolling hills, dense woodlands, and clear streams. Many routes utilize disused railway lines, which have been converted into fully tarmacked cycling paths, providing smooth rides across high viaducts, numerous bridges, and through tunnels. This offers a mix of ascents and scenic routes, often with panoramic views.
Are there easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Laufeld offers a good selection of easy touring cycling routes. There are 45 routes classified as easy, many of which follow converted railway lines, providing smooth and traffic-minimized paths. An example is the Maare-Mosel Cycle Path – Old Hasborn Station loop from Pantenburg, which is 12.1 miles (19.4 km) long and leads through the Eifel's characteristic volcanic landscape.
What are some scenic viewpoints or natural attractions I can visit while cycling around Laufeld?
The region's volcanic landscape offers several scenic viewpoints and natural attractions. You can find stunning views from the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg. The Eifel is also known for its maars (volcanic lakes), such as the picturesque Gemündener Maar, which you can view from the View of the Gemünden maar highlight. Other notable maars include the Schalkenmehrener Maar and the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar).
Are there any challenging routes for experienced touring cyclists?
Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, there are 110 difficult routes around Laufeld. These routes often feature significant elevation gain and more demanding climbs. An example is the Pleiner Tunnel – Grünewald Viaduct loop from Eckfeld, a 27.2 miles (43.8 km) trail with nearly 500 meters of elevation gain, incorporating sections of converted railway lines, tunnels, and viaducts.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in Laufeld?
Yes, many touring cycling routes around Laufeld are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Sangweiher Bird Sanctuary – Cycle path on a railroad line loop from Oberöfflingen is a moderate 18.4 miles (29.6 km) circular path that follows a former railroad line, offering a smooth ride through varied scenery.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy the most about cycling in Laufeld?
The touring cycling routes around Laufeld are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2,300 reviews. Reviewers often praise the unique volcanic landscapes, the well-maintained paths, especially those on converted railway lines, and the diverse scenery that includes dense woodlands and clear streams.
Are there any routes that combine cycling with visits to local landmarks or points of interest?
Many routes offer opportunities to explore local landmarks. For example, the difficult Dronketurm Tower Viewpoint – View of the Manderscheid Castles loop from Laufeld, starting from Laufeld, takes you past the Dronketurm Tower, which offers wonderful views over the maars, and provides views of the Manderscheid Castles.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in the Laufeld region?
The Eifel region, where Laufeld is located, is generally very accommodating for cycling. While specific seasonal recommendations are not detailed, the presence of dense woodlands and clear streams suggests pleasant conditions during spring, summer, and early autumn. The converted railway lines offer smooth rides that are enjoyable in various weather conditions, though checking local weather forecasts is always advisable.
Are there any routes that highlight the volcanic features of the Eifel region?
Yes, the volcanic origins are a defining characteristic of the Eifel. Routes like the Strohner Lava Bomb – Schutzalf Memorial Bell Tower loop from Pantenburg specifically highlight geological features such as the Strohner Lava Bomb, offering a direct experience of the region's volcanic past.
Is public transport available to access cycling routes around Laufeld?
While specific public transport connections directly to trailheads are not detailed, the Eifel region is generally well-connected. For broader information about Laufeld, you can consult resources like Wikipedia, which may provide insights into local transport options to help plan your cycling trip.
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