Vulkaneifel · Kirchweiler · Daun
Holiday with Your Dog
in the Vulkan Eifel
The best hiking trails, swimming lakes and day trip destinations for you and your four-legged companion – around Kirchweiler and Daun.
Why the Vulkan Eifel is Ideal for a Dog Holiday
The Vulkan Eifel is a paradise for dogs and their owners. Vast forests, quiet hiking trails and dog-friendly attractions make the region an ideal destination.
Dogs can roam freely here: the hiking trails are well signposted, lightly trafficked and lead through varied landscapes – from volcanic lake shores through dense beech forests to open meadows and the Lieser valley. Natural water sources can be found along many routes.
On this page you will find the best day trip destinations, swimming lakes and hiking routes for dogs in the Vulkan Eifel – with specific information about distances, leash requirements and special features.
Lakes for Dogs
approx. 25 km from Kirchweiler
Freilinger See near Blankenheim
Freilinger See near Blankenheim has a designated dog area where dogs are allowed to swim freely. The car park is within walking distance. Ideal on weekdays and in the early morning hours – the lake is still quiet then and the paths are most pleasant for four-legged friends. On summer weekends it can get busier.
Designated dog area · Leash recommended on the way to the lake
Daun Lakes from Kirchweiler approx. 15 km (19 min by car)
Maare of the Vulkan Eifel
The Daun Lakes – Gemündener, Schalkenmehrener and Weinfelder Maar – can be visited with dogs. Dogs must be kept on a leash on the banks as these are nature reserves. The swimming ban in the maars applies equally to dogs and humans. The circular hiking trails around the maars are excellent for quiet walks.
Leash required on the banks · Entry to the nature reserve zone prohibited
Hiking Trails with Dogs
approx. 8 km · easy
Circular Walk Daun Lakes
The Maare circular walk passes all three Daun Lakes. Shady woodland sections alternate with open meadow paths. Dogs should be kept on a leash at the lake shores. Water available along the way at the maars.
74 km total, stages of 15–20 km · moderate
Lieser Path – Daun Stage
The Lieser Path runs 74 km along the Lieser from Daun to Wittlich. Particularly attractive for dog owners: the river provides natural water sources along the way. Dogs should be kept on a leash. The stages between Daun and Manderscheid are scenically beautiful and lightly frequented.
variable, 3–10 km · easy
Forest Paths around Kirchweiler
Directly from Kirchweiler, field paths and forest trails lead into the surrounding Eifel landscape. Little traffic, wide forestry roads and quiet meadows – ideal for daily walks without driving. The region is sparsely populated and the paths are accessible even outside the season.
Burgenstieg approx. 6.6 km · easy to moderate
Manderscheid – Lieser Valley
The Manderscheid Burgenstieg leads through the Lieser valley past both castle ruins. The path along the Lieser is dog-friendly, quiet and offers natural water sources. Leash recommended throughout. Drive from Kirchweiler approx. 15 km.
approx. 5–8 km · easy
Gerolstein – Gerolsteiner Dolomites
The rock formations around Gerolstein offer short, impressive walking paths. Dogs are allowed on the main paths. The Kasselburg is less suitable for dogs – the rock path there is steep and narrow. Drive from Kirchweiler approx. 15 km.
Kleiner Dauner 8.5 km, Großer Dauner approx. 14 km · easy to moderate
HeimatSpuren Daun
The certified HeimatSpuren circular hiking routes around Daun are well signposted and offer various lengths. The MaareGlück trail runs along the maars. The Struthrundweg through the Lieser valley is particularly quiet and well suited to dogs.
Practical Tips
Leash Rules in Nature Reserves
In Rhineland-Palatinate, dogs must be kept on a leash in designated nature reserves. The maars of the Vulkan Eifel are nature reserves – please always keep dogs on a leash. Outside protected areas, the regulations of the respective municipality apply.
Tick Protection
The Eifel is not a TBE risk area, but ticks are active from March to November. Suitable tick protection for dog and human is recommended. After every forest walk, check both your dog and yourself.
Water and Rest Breaks
Bring enough water for your dog on longer hikes. Natural drinking spots can be found at the Lieser and in forest streams – but don't forget your own water, especially in summer.
Best Time to Travel
Spring (April/May) and autumn (September/October) are ideal for dog hikes in the Vulkan Eifel: pleasant temperatures, dry paths, few tourists. In summer, start early in the morning.
Vet in the Region
Veterinary care is available in Daun (approx. 6 km). Research the nearest emergency vet clinic in advance for out-of-hours emergencies.
Dog-Friendly Dining
Many restaurants and cafés in the Vulkan Eifel are dog-friendly. When in doubt, call ahead. Terraces and beer gardens generally welcome dogs.
Holiday Apartment with Dog in the Vulkan Eifel
Those planning a dog holiday in the Vulkan Eifel will find one of the most dog-friendly regions in Germany around Daun and Kirchweiler. The combination of a quiet location, extensive woodland areas and manageable tourist density makes the area particularly attractive for dog owners who want a holiday away from overcrowded holiday destinations.
The dog beach at Freilinger See near Blankenheim (approx. 25 km) is one of the few designated dog beach areas in the region. For daily walks, the forest paths around Kirchweiler offer an ideal base – right on the doorstep, no driving needed. The Lieser Path with its 74 kilometres along the Lieser is suitable for multi-day hikes with dogs.
Dog-friendly accommodation in Daun and surroundings – the choice is growing. Those looking for a quiet, nature-close base for their dog holiday in the Eifel will find an ideal starting point for all the destinations mentioned in Kirchweiler.
Kirchweiler · Vulkaneifel
Dogs are warmly welcome in our holiday apartment.
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