Top 20 Lakes around Gerolstein
Lakes around Gerolstein are primarily known for their volcanic crater lakes, called Maare, which are a defining feature of the Eifel region. This area offers a diverse landscape with various water bodies, including scenic lakes and fishing opportunities. These geological formations provide unique natural beauty and support a range of outdoor activities. The region's lakes are valued for their significance and recreational potential.
Best lakes around Gerolstein
- The most popular lakes is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a lake that is the southernmost and largest of the three Dauner Maars. It is encircled by a circular path and is one of the rare double maars, formed approximately 10,000 years ago.
- Another must-see spot is View of the Gemünden maar, a lake offering opportunities for swimming, boat rentals, and a sunbathing area. It also features a forest café and a diving platform.
- Visitors also love Meerfelder Maar, a lake unique for its semi-circular shape with a village located within the maar itself. A scenic trail runs along its northern shore beneath a steep, over 150-meter-high slope.
- Gerolstein is known for its volcanic crater lakes (Maare) and other scenic lakes, including fishing parks and reservoirs. The region offers a variety of water bodies to explore, each with distinct features.
- The lakes around Gerolstein are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3500 upvotes and over 790 photos shared across 3 highlights.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg
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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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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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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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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.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular lakes around Gerolstein for visitors?
Visitors frequently enjoy the volcanic crater lakes, known as Maare. Among them, Schalkenmehrener Maar is the largest of the three Dauner Maars, offering a beautiful circular path. The Gemündener Maar is popular for swimming and boating, while Meerfelder Maar is unique with a village located within its semi-circular basin.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Gerolstein region?
Yes, several lakes are well-suited for families. The Gemündener Maar offers swimming, boat rentals, and a sunbathing area. Both Schalkenmehrener Maar and Meerfelder Maar are also considered family-friendly, providing scenic paths for walks and opportunities to enjoy nature.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see at the lakes around Gerolstein?
The region is famous for its volcanic crater lakes, or 'Maare,' which are unique geological formations. You'll find deep, often circular lakes nestled in volcanic craters, surrounded by lush Eifel landscapes. Some maars, like Schalkenmehrener Maar, are 'double maars' with distinct geological histories. Others, like Meerfelder Maar, feature steep slopes and unique shapes.
Can I swim in the lakes near Gerolstein?
Swimming is possible in some lakes. The Gemündener Maar is a popular spot for swimming, offering a designated area and even a diving platform. The Meerfelder Maar also allows for refreshing swims. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar to protect its unique flora and fauna.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. Many lakes feature beautiful circular paths. The Schalkenmehrener Maar has a very scenic circular path, and the Gemündener Maar is part of the 'MaareGlück circular route.' The Weinfelder Maar offers a nearly two-kilometer-long path for exploration. For more extensive hiking options, you can explore various trails in the region, including those found in the Running Trails around Gerolstein guide.
Where can I find places to eat or stay near the lakes?
You'll find options for refreshments and accommodation near several lakes. The Gemündener Maar has a forest café. Near the Schalkenmehrener Maar, the village of Schalkmehren offers places to stop for refreshments. For a unique stay, the Angelpark Oosbachtal, a fishing park near Gerolstein, provides cabins directly by the water.
What is the 'Totenmaar' and why is it called that?
The 'Totenmaar' is another name for the Weinfelder Maar. It earned this name due to the historic cemetery and small chapel located in its immediate vicinity. This chapel, dating back to the 14th century, was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, which was abandoned in the 16th century after the plague. The cemetery is still maintained and used by the local community today.
Are there opportunities for fishing in the Gerolstein area?
Yes, the region offers good fishing opportunities beyond the Maare. The Angelpark Oosbachtal near Gerolstein features three lakes ideal for trout fishing. Wirft Lake in Stadtkyll is another reservoir where you can fish for various species, including rainbow trout, carp, and pike.
What outdoor activities, besides hiking, can I do near the lakes?
Beyond hiking, the region around Gerolstein offers various outdoor activities. You can explore numerous cycling routes, from moderate to difficult, as detailed in the Cycling around Gerolstein guide. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like those found in the Gravel biking around Gerolstein guide.
Is there parking available at the lakes?
Parking is generally available at the more popular lakes. For instance, at the Weinfelder Maar, there is a car park conveniently located on the road above the maar, as well as on the Maarsattel between the Weinfelder and Schalkenmehrener Maars.
What makes the Meerfelder Maar unique?
The Meerfelder Maar is unique for its semi-circular shape, as the southern part of the maar is not filled with water. Instead, the small village of Meerfeld is situated within the maar itself. Its northern side is bordered by a steep, over 150-meter-high slope, with a particularly scenic trail running directly along the northern shore.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Gerolstein?
Visitors highly value the unique natural beauty and geological significance of the volcanic Maare. They appreciate the diverse outdoor activities available, from swimming and boating at Gemündener Maar to scenic circular hikes around lakes like Schalkenmehrener Maar. The tranquil atmosphere and the opportunity to connect with nature are frequently mentioned highlights.
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