The best traffic-free bike rides around Schalkenmehren
4.4
(348)
1,555
riders
20
rides
No traffic touring cycling routes around Schalkenmehren traverse a landscape shaped by ancient volcanic activity, featuring distinctive maars (volcanic lakes), lush forests, and gently rolling hills. The region is characterized by its unique geological formations, including the Schalkenmehrener Maar and other "Eyes of the Eifel." Cyclists can expect varied terrain, from former railway lines converted into cycle paths to routes winding through stream valleys like the Salm and Kleine Kyll. The area offers a network of paths suitable for exploring…
Last updated: July 10, 2026
4.6
(217)
888
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(40)
195
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
5.0
(7)
28
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
12
riders
46.5km
03:39
740m
740m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
12
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Schalkenmehren
E-biking through the Volcanic Eifel
Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trails in the Vulkaneifel
Excellent paths in the Vulkaneifel – Explore the HeimatSpuren
Discover Germany with the Tour in a motorhome and racing bike
Volcanoes, water, forest – the partner trails of the Eifelsteig
4 days of pure geological history — a tour through the Volcanic Eifel
Traffic-free bike rides around Schalkenmehren
Traffic-free bike rides around Schalkenmehren
Other adventures around Schalkenmehren
Tips from the Community
Discovering the historical is always a highlight
0
0
A truly amazing experience for young and old. Turn on the lights – even though the tunnel is lit. And in hot weather, it's like riding through a "refrigerator."
0
0
Motorhome port at the holiday village Pulvermaar
0
0
Unfortunately, it is not possible to cycle directly around the maar.
0
0
"Old Station" Schalkenmehren Passenger service between Daun and Wittlich was discontinued on November 1, 1981. Schalkenmehren. Approaching the Old Station in Schalkenmehren on the former railway line, today's Maare-Mosel cycle path, and seeing the station building, it's hard to believe that it was opened as a fourth-class railway station exactly 100 years ago. But how did it all begin 100 years ago? Surveying for the Daun-Wittlich railway line began as early as 1897. General preparatory work for the single-track line began in 1907. But it would take some time before the Daun-Schalkenmehren-Gillenfeld section opened on December 1, 1909, with the line running over the 28-meter-high Daun viaduct and through the 560-meter-long Schalkenmehren railway tunnel, "Großes Schlitzohr" (Great Sly Fox). The extension from Gillenfeld to Manderscheid to Pantenburg was completed on May 1, 1910, and the extension from Manderscheid-Pantenburg to Wittlich, signifying the completion of the entire line, was completed on July 1, 1910. The completion of the Daun-Wittlich railway line brought rapid development to the village of Schalkenmehren. In the first year of the line's existence (1910), 18,968 tickets were sold in Schalkenmehren, followed by 25,057 in 1913, 27,969 in 1919, and even 30,279 in 1922. In addition, Schalkenmehren station was designed for general cargo traffic and the receipt and dispatch of wagonloads. Text / Source: www.volksfreund.de/ https://www.volksfreund.de/region/vulkaneifel/ein-schmuckstueck-fuer-nostalgiker_aid-5712448
13
0
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
16
0
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic touring cycling routes are available around Schalkenmehren?
There are over 20 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Schalkenmehren, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. These routes are carefully selected to provide a serene cycling experience away from vehicular traffic.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic touring cycling routes?
The routes primarily traverse the unique volcanic landscape of the Vulkaneifel, featuring a mix of gently rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque stream valleys. Many routes utilize former railway lines, such as sections of the Maare-Mosel Cycle Path, which are largely asphalted and offer smooth, consistent surfaces. You'll also encounter paths around the region's distinctive maars (volcanic lakes).
Are there any family-friendly no-traffic cycling routes suitable for beginners?
Yes, several routes are suitable for families and beginners. The region is known for its accessible paths, including sections of the Maare-Mosel Cycle Path, which is largely flat and asphalted. For a moderate option, consider the Pulvermaar – Cycle path on a railroad line loop from Schalkenmehren, which covers 23.3 km with manageable elevation changes.
What natural features and landmarks can I see along these routes?
The routes offer stunning views of the Eifel's volcanic heritage. You can expect to see several maars, including the Schalkenmehrener Maar, Gemündener Maar, and Weinfelder Maar. Panoramic viewpoints like the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg offer expansive vistas. Other notable sights include the Strohner Lava Bomb and the 'Großes Schlitzohr' tunnel, which you can experience on routes like the View of Daun from Daun Viaduct – Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel loop from Schalkenmehren.
Are there any circular no-traffic cycling routes available?
Yes, many of the no-traffic touring cycling routes around Schalkenmehren are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the View of Daun from Daun Viaduct – Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel loop from Schalkenmehren and the Cycle path on a railroad line – View of the Pulvermaar loop from Daun.
What is the best time of year to cycle these routes?
The Vulkaneifel region is beautiful throughout the warmer months, typically from spring to autumn. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while summer offers opportunities for swimming in the maars. Autumn provides stunning foliage. While some routes are accessible year-round, always check local conditions, especially in winter, as paths may be affected by snow or ice.
Can I bring my dog on these no-traffic cycling routes?
Many of the natural paths and cycle routes in the Vulkaneifel are dog-friendly, provided your dog is well-behaved and kept on a leash, especially in nature reserves or near livestock. Always be mindful of other cyclists and pedestrians. It's advisable to carry water for your dog, particularly on longer rides.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Schalkenmehren?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the paths, the stunning volcanic landscapes, and the well-maintained surfaces, especially on former railway lines. The integration of natural wonders like the maars and panoramic viewpoints is also frequently highlighted.
Are there options for longer, more challenging no-traffic touring routes?
Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, there are difficult-rated routes that combine longer distances with significant elevation gains. For instance, the Holzmaar – Cycle path on a railroad line loop from Daun covers over 47 km with more than 700 meters of ascent, offering a demanding yet rewarding experience through diverse terrain.
Where can I park my car to access these no-traffic cycling routes?
Schalkenmehren and nearby towns like Daun offer various parking facilities, often conveniently located near the start points of popular cycle paths. Look for designated parking areas in the town centers or near major trailheads. Many routes, especially those utilizing former railway lines, have accessible parking at their entry points.
Are there cafes or places to rest along the no-traffic cycling routes?
Yes, the Vulkaneifel region is well-equipped with amenities for cyclists. Many routes pass through or near charming villages where you can find cafes, restaurants, and guesthouses. The popular Maare-Mosel Cycle Path, for example, connects several towns, providing ample opportunities for refreshments and breaks. It's always a good idea to check opening hours, especially during off-peak seasons.
Most popular routes around Schalkenmehren
Most popular attractions around Schalkenmehren
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Cycling routes in other regions.
