Top 20 Lakes around Filz
Best lakes around Filz are primarily the volcanic crater lakes, known as Maare, found in the surrounding Eifel region. Filz is a municipality in the Cochem-Zell district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, situated in the South Eifel. This area is characterized by its volcanic past, which has created numerous maars popular for recreation and their natural features. The lakes offer diverse opportunities for outdoor activities within this unique landscape.
Best lakes around Filz
- The most popular lakes is Schalkenmehrener Maar, a lake that is the southernmost and largest of the three Dauner Maars. It is a double maar, featuring a circular path for hiking.
- Another must-see spot is Pulvermaar, a lake known for being the deepest maar in the Eifel. It offers swimming opportunities and a circular route of almost 2.5 kilometers.
- Visitors also love View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar), a lake also called Totenmaar. This maar was formed by volcanic activity and is now a nature reserve, with a path making it suitable for exploration on foot.
- Filz is known for its volcanic crater lakes (Maare) and other bodies of water. The Eifel region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore.
- The lakes around Filz are appreciated by the komoot community, with 490 photos and 2667 upvotes from visitors.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg
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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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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lakes can I expect to find around Filz?
The lakes around Filz are primarily the unique volcanic crater lakes, known as Maare, located in the surrounding Eifel region. These lakes are remnants of volcanic activity, offering distinct natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Filz?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. For instance, the Schalkenmehrener Maar has a beautiful circular path that is easy to walk. The Pulvermaar also offers a circular route of about 2.5 kilometers, which is manageable with children, and features swimming opportunities in summer.
Which lakes are best for swimming near Filz?
The Pulvermaar is a popular natural swimming pool, known for being the deepest maar in the Eifel. The Schalkenmehrener Maar is also ideal for swimming, and the Gemündener Maar offers a natural swimming pool, boat rentals, and even a diving platform.
Are there good hiking trails around the lakes?
Absolutely. Many Maare feature beautiful circular paths. The Schalkenmehrener Maar has a lovely circular route, and the Pulvermaar is a hiking paradise with a 2.5 km circuit. The Weinfelder Maar also has a nearly two-kilometer-long path for exploration. For more extensive routes, you can explore the cycling routes around Filz which often pass by these lakes.
What is the best time to visit the lakes near Filz?
The lakes are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the changing scenery. Summer is ideal for swimming and water activities, while winter can provide serene, picturesque views, especially for walks around the frozen or misty maars.
Can I bring my dog to the lakes?
Many of the natural areas and hiking trails around the Eifel Maare are dog-friendly. However, specific rules regarding dogs in swimming areas or nature reserves may vary. It's always best to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
Yes, the Weinfelder Maar, also known as 'Totenmaar' (Dead Maar), has a rich history. It features a small chapel and cemetery, some parts dating back to the 14th century, which was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld. The Laacher See, though a bit further, is home to the magnificent Maria Laach Benedictine monastery complex, blending natural beauty with significant cultural heritage.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these lakes besides hiking?
Beyond hiking, the region offers excellent opportunities for cycling and mountain biking. You can find various road cycling routes, MTB trails, and general cycling tours around Filz that often incorporate views of the Maare and the surrounding Eifel landscape.
Are there any cafes or refreshment stops near the lakes?
Yes, some lakes have facilities nearby. For example, the Schalkenmehrener Maar is located near the village of Schalkmehren, which offers places to stop for refreshments. The Gemündener Maar also features a forest café. Many towns and villages in the Eifel region surrounding the Maare provide dining options.
What makes the Ulmener Maar unique?
The Ulmener Maar is considered the youngest of the Eifel maars, formed approximately 10,900 years ago from Germany's last volcanic eruption. It is also notable for supplying the entire town of Ulmen with drinking water.
What is the Meerfelder Maar known for?
The Meerfelder Maar is nestled within the Eifel region's largest maar crater. In summer, it's a popular spot for swimming and fishing, offering a tranquil natural setting.
Are there any protected natural areas among the lakes?
Yes, the Weinfelder Maar is a designated nature reserve, protecting its unique flora and fauna. Swimming and other water sports are prohibited there to preserve its natural state. The Dürres Maar, part of the Holzmaar group, is also a remarkable moorland landscape and has been a protected area since 1979.
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