4.6
(42095)
165,940
hikers
20
hikes
Volcano hiking trails in Cochem-Zell are primarily found within the Eifel low mountain range, a region shaped by ancient volcanic activity, featuring distinctive maars (volcanic lakes) and elevated viewpoints. The landscape is further defined by the winding Moselle River Valley, characterized by steep vineyards and dense forests. This diverse terrain offers a range of hiking experiences, from gentle paths along riverbanks to more challenging ascents through volcanic landscapes.
Last updated: May 18, 2026
4.8
(628)
2,253
hikers
11.4km
03:18
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(36)
142
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(5)
31
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
27
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(13)
41
hikers
7.03km
02:00
170m
170m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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very nice view of Schalkenmehren and its Maar
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Be sure to climb the tower!
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at this point now well hidden behind trees
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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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From the church without a village, you have a wonderful view.
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Komoot offers over 20 volcano hiking trails in the Cochem-Zell region. These routes range in difficulty, ensuring there's a suitable option for every hiker, from easy strolls around volcanic lakes to more challenging ascents.
The Cochem-Zell region, particularly its proximity to the Eifel, is renowned for its unique volcanic landscape. You'll encounter impressive geological formations, most notably the 'Maare' – circular volcanic lakes formed in explosion craters. Trails like the HeimatSpur MaareGlück – GesundLand Vulkaneifel offer excellent opportunities to explore these natural wonders.
Yes, there are several easy volcano hikes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg – View of the Weinfelder Maar loop from Schalkenmehren is a great option, offering scenic views with a manageable distance and elevation. Another accessible choice is the View of Schalkenmehren – Hermes Wayside Cross loop from Schalkenmehren.
The best time for volcano hiking in Cochem-Zell is typically from spring to autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, making for comfortable hiking conditions. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage around the Maare and forests.
Many of the volcano hiking trails in Cochem-Zell are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the unique volcanic landscapes with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially near wildlife or in agricultural areas, and to carry water for both yourself and your pet.
The region offers numerous scenic viewpoints. While hiking around the volcanic Maare, you'll often find elevated spots providing panoramic views of these unique lakes. Beyond the immediate volcanic features, you can also find stunning vistas like the View of the Moselle Loop from Calmont Summit Cross or the Pinnerkreuz Viewpoint, offering breathtaking perspectives of the wider Moselle valley landscape.
Yes, many of the volcano hiking trails in Cochem-Zell are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point without needing to retrace your steps. Examples include the Schalkenmehrener Maar – Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg loop from Schalkenmehren and the View of the Weinfelder Maar – Schalkenmehrener Maar loop from Schalkenmehren, which offer comprehensive experiences of the volcanic lakes.
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience in Cochem-Zell, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40,000 ratings. Reviewers often praise the unique geological formations of the Maare, the tranquility of the Eifel forests, and the well-maintained trails that offer a blend of natural beauty and accessible adventure.
While some trailheads are accessible by public transport, especially those closer to larger towns, many of the more remote volcano hikes in the Eifel region might require a car. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider regional taxi services for specific starting points, particularly if you plan to visit the smaller villages surrounding the Maare.
Yes, many of the villages nestled around the volcanic Maare and along the hiking routes offer charming cafes, traditional pubs, and guesthouses. These provide excellent opportunities to refuel with local specialties and refreshments after your hike, often with views of the unique landscape.
The volcano hikes in Cochem-Zell offer a range of difficulties. You'll find easy, relatively flat walks around the Maare, moderate trails with gentle ascents and descents, and some more challenging routes that involve greater elevation changes. Out of 21 available routes, 9 are easy, 7 are moderate, and 5 are considered difficult, ensuring options for all fitness levels.


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