Attractions and places to see around Hörschhausen offer a blend of natural beauty and historical significance within Germany's Vulkaneifel district. The region is characterized by its volcanic origins, shaping a unique landscape with maars and elevated viewpoints. Hörschhausen also holds historical intrigue, with Roman archaeological finds highlighting its deep roots. Visitors can explore diverse natural features, cultural sites, and numerous outdoor activity routes.
Last updated: July 6, 2026
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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
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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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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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A section of the Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail runs right through the Dauner Maare. Very nice path past the witnesses of the volcanic past of the Eifel. https://www.eifelsteig.de/
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The hiking car park and the hiking map with an overview of the various routes are located at the Waldcafe. This is a great place to start your tour and enjoy a coffee at the end.
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Very beautiful Maar, more than 100m deep embedded in the "crater", the smallest of the three Dauner Maare offers a beautiful outdoor pool and the opportunity to explore the volcanic lake by boat. The forest café and the starting point for numerous hikes and tours are also located at the car park.
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The region is rich in natural beauty, shaped by its volcanic origins. You can discover several maars, which are volcanic lakes, including the Gemündener Maar, the Schalkenmehrener Maar, and the Weinfelder Maar. These offer opportunities for walking, and in the case of Gemündener Maar, swimming and boating. The landscape also features elevated points like the Hochkelberg, providing impressive views over the Vulkaneifel.
Hörschhausen has a deep historical background. The Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, built in 1902, serves as a memorial to the founder of the Eifelverein. The St. Apollinaris Chapel, dating back to 1762, holds local historical significance. Additionally, the area is known for Roman archaeological finds, with a trove of coins and settlement remains discovered in the 19th century, highlighting its ancient past.
Many attractions are suitable for families. The Gemündener Maar offers swimming, boat rentals, and a sunbathing area in summer. Exploring the circular paths around the maars, such as the Schalkenmehrener Maar, is also a pleasant activity. The Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel, a converted railway tunnel for cyclists and pedestrians, provides a unique and exciting experience for all ages.
The Vulkaneifel region around Hörschhausen is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. For specific routes, you can explore options like the hiking trails around Hörschhausen, road cycling routes, or MTB trails, which often pass by the maars and other scenic spots.
Yes, the maars are surrounded by well-maintained paths. A footpath circles the Gemündener Maar, allowing you to explore its geology. The Schalkenmehrener Maar also features a beautiful circular path. For the Weinfelder Maar, a nearly two-kilometer-long path allows visitors to discover its unique flora and fauna on foot, though swimming is prohibited to protect the natural monument.
From the 11-meter-high Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over the Vulkaneifel landscape. You can clearly see the surrounding maars, particularly the Gemündener Maar, and the wide volcanic scenery of the Eifel.
Absolutely! The Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel is a former railway tunnel that has been converted into a cycle path. It's nearly 600 meters long and is exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians, offering a unique experience as you ride through it, even though it's lit.
The Schalkenmehrener Maar is notable for being the southernmost and largest of the three Daun Maars. It's also a rare 'double maar,' featuring a lake (Maarsee) and an adjacent dry maar to its east, both formed by volcanic steam explosions around 10,500 years ago.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, especially the panoramic views from the Dronke Tower and the serene atmosphere of the maars. The opportunity for diverse outdoor activities like hiking and cycling through unique volcanic landscapes is also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the well-maintained paths and the chance to connect with nature.
No, swimming is not permitted in all maars. While you can swim and rent boats at the Gemündener Maar, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar. This restriction is in place to protect its unique flora and fauna, as it is a designated nature reserve.
Yes, the region offers routes for various skill levels. For mountain bikers, some paths leading up to the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg are described as beautiful but steep, providing a challenge. The broader Vulkaneifel area includes numerous trails with varying elevations and technical demands, catering to experienced outdoor enthusiasts. You can find more challenging options in the hiking and MTB guides for the area.
The best way to explore the maars and the Vulkaneifel landscape is on foot or by bicycle. There are numerous well-marked hiking and cycling routes that connect the maars and other points of interest. Many routes offer stunning views and allow you to experience the unique geological formations up close. Consider using the hiking or road cycling guides for detailed route suggestions.


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