Top 20 Natural Monuments around Eckfeld
Best natural monuments around Eckfeld are characterized by the unique volcanic landscape of the Vulkaneifel region in Germany. This area is known for its maare, ancient volcanic craters, some of which are dry and others filled with water. The Eckfelder Trockenmaar, a significant paleontological site, offers insights into Earth's distant past. The region provides diverse natural attractions for exploration.
Best natural monuments around Eckfeld
- The most popular natural monuments is Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, a viewpoint that offers…
Last updated: June 24, 2026
Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of the Gemünden maar
Highlight • Lake
Showing Translation
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Schalkenmehrener Maar
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar)
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of Totenmaar from the panoramic bench
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Eckfeld.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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
13
0
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
13
0
Very nice panoramic view
7
0
From the Mäuseberg high above the maars you have a fantastic view in clear weather
8
0
A very worthwhile detour, especially as the donkeys and goats are so friendly.
7
0
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.
10
1
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.
14
0
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.
19
1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most notable natural features to explore around Eckfeld?
The region around Eckfeld is primarily known for its unique volcanic landscape, particularly the maare. These are ancient volcanic craters, some filled with water and others dry. Key features include the Schalkenmehrener Maar, one of the three Dauner Maars, and the Gemündener Maar, which is over 100 meters deep. The Eckfelder Trockenmaar, a dry maar, is also a significant paleontological site.
Are there good viewpoints to appreciate the volcanic landscape?
Yes, several viewpoints offer panoramic vistas of the Eifel's volcanic landscape. The Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg provides a wonderful view over the maars, including the Gemündener Maar. Another excellent spot is the View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), which offers a serene perspective of this historic maar.
What is the significance of the Eckfelder Trockenmaar?
The Eckfelder Trockenmaar is a world-famous paleontological excavation site. Formed about 44 million years ago, it has yielded over 30,000 valuable finds, including the 'Eckfelder Urpferdchen' (Eckfeld ancient horse) and the world's oldest honeybee. These discoveries provide crucial data on Eifel volcanism, climate change, and evolution. While visitors cannot dig for fossils, information boards at the site explain the findings.
Are there family-friendly natural attractions in the Eckfeld area?
Many natural monuments around Eckfeld are suitable for families. The View of the Gemünden maar is noted as family-friendly, offering opportunities for swimming and boating. The Schalkenmehrener Maar and Weinfelder Maar also have circular paths that are pleasant for family walks.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the 'Tümbchen burial mound – Haselhütte loop' or the 'Eckfeld Farm Café – Eckfeld Chapel loop'. For more challenging adventures, there are mountain biking routes such as the 'Lieserpfad Trail – Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg loop'. Road cycling routes are also available, like the 'Mosel-Maare Cycle Path'. You can explore more routes in the easy hikes around Eckfeld, MTB Trails around Eckfeld, and Road Cycling Routes around Eckfeld guides.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Eckfeld?
The Vulkaneifel region, with its maare and volcanic landscapes, is beautiful throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn. During these seasons, the weather is generally pleasant for hiking, cycling, and exploring the outdoor attractions. Spring brings lush greenery, while autumn offers vibrant foliage around the maare.
Are there any historical or cultural sites associated with the natural monuments?
Yes, the Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar, has a rich history. It features a small chapel on its north bank, dedicated to Saint Martin, which was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, abandoned due to the plague in the 16th century. The associated cemetery is still maintained and used today.
Can I swim in any of the maare near Eckfeld?
Yes, you can swim in some of the maare. The Gemündener Maar offers opportunities for swimming and boating, and it even has a diving platform. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar as it is a nature reserve.
What are some other notable maare in the vicinity of Eckfeld besides the Eckfelder Trockenmaar?
Beyond the Eckfelder Trockenmaar, the Vulkaneifel region is home to many other significant maare. Along a tectonic fault line between Gillenfeld and Eckfeld, you'll find the Holzmaar, Hetsche Maar, and Dürres Maar. The Holzmaar is unique as it's the only one in its group still filled with water and is one of the youngest maare, at approximately 40,000 years old.
What do visitors generally enjoy most about the natural monuments around Eckfeld?
Visitors frequently praise the breathtaking panoramic views, especially from spots like the Dronke Tower. The serene beauty of the maare, such as the Schalkenmehrener Maar, and the opportunity for peaceful walks around them are also highly appreciated. The unique volcanic landscape and its geological history make for a memorable experience.
Are there options for parking near the natural monuments?
Yes, parking is generally available. For instance, near the Weinfelder Maar, guests can park along the L64 either at the Maar's parking lot or on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder and Schalkenmehrener Maars. Specific parking details are often provided for individual highlights.
Are the trails around the natural monuments suitable for dogs?
While specific leash rules may vary, many trails in natural areas like the Vulkaneifel are generally dog-friendly. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with wildlife, and to clean up after them. The circular paths around maare like the Schalkenmehrener Maar are popular for walks with pets.
Most popular routes around Eckfeld
Most popular attractions around Eckfeld
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Eckfeld:
