Top 20 Lakes around Wallenborn
Best lakes around Wallenborn are found within the Volcanic Eifel region, known for its unique geological features. While Wallenborn itself is famous for the Wallender Born cold-water geyser, the surrounding area is characterized by numerous volcanic crater lakes, locally known as Maare. These natural formations offer diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities. The region's volcanic past has created a distinctive environment with water-filled craters and rich biodiversity.
Best lakes around Wallenborn
- The most popular lakes is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a lake that is the largest of the Daun Maare and a double maar. It features a circular path and permits swimming and boating.
- Another must-see spot is View of the Gemünden maar, a lake that is the smallest of the three Daun Maare. Visitors can find an outdoor pool, boat rentals, and opportunities for swimming.
- Visitors also love View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), a lake known for its natural beauty and a 14th-century chapel. This Maar is a nature reserve with a nearly 2-kilometer hiking trail around its perimeter.
- Wallenborn is known for volcanic crater lakes (Maare), including those suitable for swimming and others designated as nature reserves. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, each with distinct characteristics.
- The lakes around Wallenborn are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3500 upvotes and over 790 photos shared.
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 makes the lakes in the Volcanic Eifel region unique?
The lakes around Wallenborn are primarily volcanic crater lakes, known as Maare. These are distinctive circular, water-filled craters formed by volcanic steam explosions, often referred to as the 'eyes of the Eifel'. They offer a unique geological landscape and are precious natural monuments.
Which lakes are best for swimming and water activities?
For swimming and water activities, the Gemündener Maar and Schalkenmehrener Maar are excellent choices. Gemündener Maar features a natural outdoor pool, sunbathing area, and boat rentals. Schalkenmehrener Maar also permits swimming and boating in its clear waters. The Pulvermaar near Gillenfeld is another popular spot, considered one of Germany's deepest lakes, offering a natural outdoor pool with a slide and diving tower.
Are there hiking trails around the lakes near Wallenborn?
Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities. For example, the Weinfelder Maar has a nearly two-kilometer hiking trail around its perimeter. You can also find a beautiful circular path around the Schalkenmehrener Maar. For more extensive hiking, consider routes like the 'View of the Gemündener Maar – Weinfelder Church loop from Schalkenmehren' which is a moderate 8.3 km hike, or explore other options in the Mountain Hikes around Wallenborn guide.
Is the Wallender Born geyser a lake, and can I visit it?
The Wallender Born, or 'Brubbel,' is not a lake but a unique cold-water geyser located in Wallenborn. It erupts approximately every 35 minutes, spewing water 2-4 meters high. You can visit this natural phenomenon for a small fee, which supports its maintenance. There's also a 3.5-kilometer 'bubbling path' for hiking around the area. More information can be found on Wikipedia.
Which lakes are suitable for families with children?
Many of the Maare are family-friendly. The Gemündener Maar is ideal with its outdoor pool, sunbathing area, and boat rentals. The Pulvermaar also offers a natural outdoor pool with a slide, diving tower, and children's pool. Easy walking paths around lakes like Schalkenmehrener Maar make them pleasant for family strolls.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the Weinfelder Maar, also known as Totenmaar, is notable for a 14th-century chapel dedicated to St. Martin located on its northern end. This chapel and its associated cemetery add a mystic charm and historical context to the natural beauty of the Maar. The area is also rich in legends, including one about a sunken castle.
What is the best time of year to visit the Maare around Wallenborn?
The Maare are beautiful year-round, but the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (June to September) are ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying the outdoor pools. During these months, the surrounding forests are lush, and hiking conditions are generally pleasant. Autumn offers vibrant foliage, while winter can provide a serene, quiet experience, though some facilities might be closed.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
While many outdoor areas in the Volcanic Eifel are dog-friendly, specific rules can apply, especially in nature reserves. The Weinfelder Maar, for instance, is a nature reserve where flora and fauna are protected, and specific restrictions might be in place. It's always best to check local signage or official park regulations for each specific Maar regarding dog access and leash requirements.
Are there cycling routes near the lakes?
Yes, the region offers various cycling opportunities. You can find gravel biking routes around Wallenborn, such as the 'Hillesheim City Wall – Kerpen Castle loop from Steinborn' or the 'View of Salm – View of Bertrada Castle loop from Gerolstein'. For mountain biking, consider routes like the 'New Bridge Over the Kyll – Wallender Born Geyser loop from Wallenborn'. More details are available in the Gravel biking around Wallenborn and MTB Trails around Wallenborn guides.
Are there places to eat or drink near the lakes?
Yes, some of the more popular Maare have facilities nearby. For instance, the Gemündener Maar has a forest café. The village of Schalkmehren, located near the Schalkenmehrener Maar, also offers places to stop for refreshments. The Pulvermaar has a vacation village with a campsite and bungalows on its crater rim, which likely includes dining options.
What is the 'Totenmaar' and why is it called that?
The 'Totenmaar' is another name for the Weinfelder Maar. It earned this name, meaning 'Maar of the Dead,' due to the centuries-old cemetery and a 14th-century chapel located on its northern bank. This chapel was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, which was abandoned in the 16th century due to the plague. The cemetery is still maintained and used by the local community today.
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