Daun Lakes
The three Daun Maare – Schalkenmehrener Maar, Gemündener Maar and Weinfelder Maar – are the heart of the Vulkan Eifel and among Germany's most beautiful natural monuments. They were formed around 20,000 to 30,000 years ago by enormous volcanic eruptions.
© Eifel Tourismus GmbH, D. Ketz
The Three Lakes at a Glance
Schalkenmehrener Maar
The largest and most famous of the three lakes. A swimming lake in summer, an ice-skating paradise when frozen in winter. Right next to MaarZeit – reachable on foot in 10 minutes.
✦ Swimming (beach), pedal boats, beach bistro
Gemündener Maar
The deepest and wildest of the Daun Lakes. Nature reserve – no swimming allowed. But magnificent birdwatching and quiet hiking trails.
✦ Nature reserve, birdwatching, angler's paradise
Weinfelder Maar
The deepest lake with the most mystical atmosphere – also known as the "Totenmaar" (Lake of the Dead). At its edge stands the medieval St. Thomas Chapel, a unique sight.
✦ St. Thomas Chapel, deepest of all Eifel maare
Practical Information
Getting There & Parking
- 🅿️ Car park at Schalkenmehrener Maar (paid, summer)
- 🅿️ Large hiking car park at Gemündener Maar (free)
- 🚶 From MaarZeit to Schalkenmehrener Maar: 10 min on foot
- 🚴 By bike: all three lakes in one loop (approx. 12 km)
Best Time to Visit
- 🌸 Spring: Quiet trails, blooming shores
- ☀️ Summer: Swimming at Schalkenmehrener Maar
- 🍂 Autumn: Spectacular morning mist panoramas
- ❄️ Winter: Ice skating when frozen, atmospheric stillness