Best natural monuments around Udler are found in Germany's volcanic Eifel region, known for its unique geological formations called maars. These broad, low-relief volcanic craters often fill with water, creating distinctive lakes. The area's varied landscape, shaped by volcanic eruptions, offers numerous natural features and well-marked hiking trails for exploration.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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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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The natural monuments around Udler are primarily maars, which are broad, low-relief volcanic craters. These unique formations were created by phreatomagmatic eruptions, where groundwater interacted with hot magma, causing explosions. Over time, these craters filled with water, forming picturesque lakes. The region's volcanic history, spanning over 20,000 years, has shaped this distinctive landscape.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The View of the Gemünden maar is particularly family-friendly, offering swimming, boat rentals, and a sunbathing area. The Schalkenmehrener Maar and View of the Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar) also feature easy circular paths that are enjoyable for all ages.
Yes, you can swim and rent boats at the View of the Gemünden maar. It even has a diving platform for those seeking more adventure. However, swimming and other water sports are prohibited in the Weinfelder Maar, as it is a nature reserve.
The region offers a network of well-marked hiking trails. You can find scenic circular paths around the Schalkenmehrener Maar and the Weinfelder Maar. For more options, explore the Running Trails around Udler, which include routes like the 'View of the Schalkenmehrener Maar – Schalkenmehrener Maar loop from Udler'.
Absolutely. The Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg provides exceptional panoramic views over the surrounding maars, including a direct view of the Gemündener Maar. There's also a panoramic bench offering a view of Totenmaar (Weinfelder Maar).
Many of the trails around the maars are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the scenic paths with your canine companion. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and respect local regulations, especially in nature reserve areas like the Weinfelder Maar.
The natural monuments around Udler are beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and vibrant colors, while summer is ideal for water activities at the Gemündener Maar. Even winter hiking can be rewarding, offering a serene and unique perspective of the Eifel landscape.
Yes, the area around Udler is suitable for mountain biking. The paths leading up to the Dronke Tower on the Mäuseberg are described as beautiful but steep, making them very suitable for mountain bikers seeking a challenge. You can find more routes in the MTB Trails around Udler guide.
You can find refreshments near several maars. The village of Schalkenmehren, located south of the Schalkenmehrener Maar, offers places to stop. The Gemündener Maar also has a forest café available for visitors.
The Weinfelder Maar, also called Totenmaar (Dead Maar), was formed by volcanic activity around 10,500 years ago. Its somber name comes from the cemetery and a small chapel, dating partly from the 14th century, located in its immediate vicinity. 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.
Yes, circular paths are a popular way to experience the maars. A very beautiful circular path surrounds the Schalkenmehrener Maar. The Weinfelder Maar also has a nearly two-kilometer-long path perfect for exploring on foot.
The maars and surrounding forests are home to diverse flora and fauna. The Weinfelder Maar, being a nature reserve, has a protected unique ecosystem. Donkeys and goats have even been introduced there to help regulate vegetation. While specific wildlife sightings vary, the serene landscapes provide habitats for various bird species and other local animals.


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