Best attractions and places to see around Saxler are primarily characterized by the volcanic landscape of the Eifel region. This area features numerous maars, which are volcanic lakes formed by explosive eruptions, alongside prominent viewpoints. The natural environment offers opportunities to explore geological formations and historical sites. Saxler serves as a starting point for discovering these unique natural and man-made landmarks.
Last updated: May 9, 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 area around Saxler is renowned for its unique volcanic landscape, particularly the maars. You can visit the Schalkenmehrener Maar, the largest of the three Dauner Maars, which offers a beautiful circular path. Another notable spot is the Gemündener Maar, where you can swim or rent boats. The Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), a nature reserve with a serene atmosphere, is also a must-see, though swimming is prohibited there.
Yes, the region offers several historical and man-made attractions. The Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg is an 11-meter-high observation tower erected in 1902, offering panoramic views. You can also explore the Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel, an old railway tunnel converted into a cycle path, which is nearly 600 meters long and has historical significance. Additionally, the Weinfelder Maar features a historic chapel and cemetery dating back to the 14th century.
The volcanic Eifel region around Saxler is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking around the maars, such as the circular path at Schalkenmehrener Maar or the MaareGlück circular route near Gemündener Maar. The area also offers extensive opportunities for cycling, including riding through the historic Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel. For more specific routes, explore the Gravel biking around Saxler, Mountain Hikes around Saxler, and MTB Trails around Saxler guides.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Gemündener Maar offers swimming and boating, with a diving platform for older kids. The circular path around Schalkenmehrener Maar is an easy walk for all ages. Cycling through the lit Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel is also a unique and fun experience for families.
For breathtaking panoramic views, head to the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg. From its 11-meter-high observation platform, you can see across the wide volcanic landscape of Eifel, including direct views of the Gemündener Maar and the Weinfelder Maar. The platform also features wooden benches and loungers to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Yes, you can swim in the Gemündener Maar, which also has a diving platform. The Schalkenmehrener Maar also allows swimming. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) as it is a nature reserve.
Absolutely! A highlight for cyclists is riding through the Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel. This nearly 600-meter-long old railway tunnel has been converted into a cycle path and is one of the longest bicycle tunnels in Germany. It's lit, offering a special experience as you pass through without daylight. The tunnel is exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians.
The Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar, is unique for its serene, almost melancholic atmosphere and its rich history. It features a 14th-century chapel and an associated cemetery, which gave it the name 'Totenmaar' (Dead Maar). Legends surround the lake, and its unique flora and fauna are protected, making it a nature reserve where swimming is prohibited. Donkeys and goats have even been introduced to help regulate vegetation.
Visitors particularly appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the volcanic maars and the panoramic views from spots like the Dronke Tower. The opportunity for diverse outdoor activities, from hiking around the lakes to cycling through unique features like the Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel, is also highly valued. The combination of natural wonders and historical sites provides a rich and varied experience.
Yes, near the Gemündener Maar, you'll find a forest café, which is a convenient spot for refreshments. The village of Schalkmehren, located south of the Schalkenmehrener Maar, also offers places to stop for refreshments after exploring the lake.
The area around Saxler offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy circular paths around the maars to more challenging routes. For instance, there's a beautiful circular path around the Schalkenmehrener Maar. A section of the Eifelsteig long-distance hiking trail also runs past the Dauner Maare, offering scenic views of the volcanic past. You can find more detailed hiking options in the Mountain Hikes around Saxler guide.


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