Weinfelder Maar: Deepest of the 'Eyes of the Eifel'
Just 30 km (28 minutes) from Ferienhaus Auf Pötsch lies the stunning Weinfelder Maar - also known as Totenmaar (Lake of the Dead) - the deepest and most dramatic of the three famous Daun Maars, collectively called the "Eyes of the Eifel."
A Window into Volcanic History
The Weinfelder Maar is impressive evidence of Earth's explosive history. Formed between 20,000-30,000 years ago during violent volcanic eruptions, this crater lake represents the youngest and highest of the three closely adjacent Daun Maars.
Impressive Statistics
- Elevation: 487 meters above sea level (highest of the three)
- Crater Diameter: 700 meters
- Crater Depth: 90 meters from rim to bottom
- Lake Diameter: 492 m (North-South), 396 m (West-East)
- Lake Depth: 51 meters - making it the deepest of the three Daun Maars
- Age: 20,000-30,000 years
- Location: 2 km from Daun, between Gemünden and Schalkenmehren Maars
The Totenmaar: A Name with History
The alternative name "Totenmaar" (Lake of the Dead) isn't as ominous as it sounds. It derives from the nearby cemetery and St. Martin's Chapel dating from the 14th century. This chapel was once the parish church of the village of Weinfeld, which tragically fell victim to a plague epidemic in the 16th century.
Today, the historic cemetery is still used by the municipality of Schalkenmehren, creating a poignant connection between the volcanic landscape and human history.
Dronke Observation Tower: Panoramic Views
Don't miss the Dronke Tower on the maar's edge! This observation platform offers:
- Spectacular 360° views over the Volcanic Eifel
- Sight lines to all three Daun Maars
- Understanding of the volcanic crater formation
- Perfect photography opportunities
- Views extending across the vast Eifel plateau
On clear days, you can see the entire volcanic landscape that makes this region so unique.
The Circular Hiking Trail
Maar Circuit Trail
- Distance: ~2 km around the lake
- Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour
- Difficulty: Easy, mostly level path
- Surface: Mix of paved and natural trail
- Highlights:
- Weinfelder Chapel and historic cemetery
- Dronke Tower viewpoint
- Coarse-grained lava path (volcanic evidence)
- Protected flora and fauna zones
- Multiple photo vantage points
What Makes This Trail Special
Every step on this trail is a walk through geological time. The path itself is composed of coarse-grained volcanic lava, providing a tactile reminder of the explosive forces that created this landscape millennia ago.
Protected Natural Paradise
Important: Unlike its two neighboring Dauner Maars (Gemündener Maar and Schalkenmehrener Maar), swimming is PROHIBITED in Weinfelder Maar. The lake and its immediate surroundings are a protected nature reserve.
This protection preserves:
- Unique volcanic geology
- Rare aquatic ecosystems
- Special plant communities adapted to volcanic soil
- Pristine water quality
- Historical and scientific value
Winter Activities
In winter, the steep terrain near the Dronke Tower transforms into a popular spot for:
- Skiing on natural snow
- Sledding and tobogganing
- Winter hiking in snow-covered volcanic landscape
- Photography of frost-covered maar
The Three Daun Maars
Weinfelder Maar is part of the famous trio:
-
Weinfelder Maar (Totenmaar):
- Deepest (51m)
- Highest elevation (487m)
- Youngest
- No swimming
-
Gemündener Maar:
- 38 meters deep
- Swimming permitted
- Popular recreation area
-
Schalkenmehrener Maar:
- 21 meters deep
- Swimming permitted
- Beach and camping facilities
Pro Tip: Visit all three maars in one day! They're within 5 km of each other, making for an excellent geological tour.
Practical Information
Getting There from Ferienhaus Auf Pötsch
- Distance: 30 km
- Drive Time: 28 minutes
- Route: Via L34 toward Daun, then follow signs to Weinfelder Maar
- Parking: Free parking lots near the maar
GPS Coordinates
- 50°10'35"N / 06°50'01"E
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April-June): Wildflowers, fresh green, fewer crowds
- Summer (July-August): Warm weather, perfect for hiking all three maars
- Autumn (September-October): Stunning fall colors reflected in the water
- Winter (December-February): Snow activities, winter wonderland atmosphere
Facilities
- Free parking
- Hiking trails (well-maintained)
- Observation tower (Dronke Tower)
- No restaurants at the maar itself (nearby in Schalkenmehren and Daun)
- No swimming or water activities
What to Bring
✓ Comfortable walking shoes - for the circular trail ✓ Camera - exceptional landscape photography ✓ Binoculars - for viewing distant volcanic features ✓ Picnic supplies - benches along the trail ✓ Jacket - can be windy at the observation tower ✓ Curiosity - about volcanic geology and local history
Nearby Attractions
Within 5 km:
- Gemündener Maar (3 km) - swimming permitted
- Schalkenmehrener Maar (4 km) - beach and recreation
- Daun Town (2 km) - shopping, restaurants, Eifel Volcano Museum
Within 20 km:
- Eifel Volcano Museum in Daun - must-visit for geology enthusiasts
- Daun Wildlife Park - family-friendly
- Manderscheid Castles (14 km)
- Windsborn Crater Lake (12 km)
Educational Value
The Weinfelder Maar offers exceptional learning opportunities:
Geology: Understand maar formation through violent volcanic explosions Ecology: Observe protected ecosystems in volcanic crater History: Connect human settlements with geological events Geography: Study unique Volcanic Eifel landscape formation
Photography Tips
- Golden Hour: Sunrise (east side) or sunset (west side) for dramatic lighting
- Tower Shots: Climb Dronke Tower for elevated panoramic compositions
- Chapel: Historic Weinfelder Chapel makes excellent foreground
- Reflections: Still water creates perfect mirror images (early morning)
- Seasons: Each season offers different color palettes
- Wide-Angle: Capture the full crater from the tower
- Telephoto: Details of the opposite shore and volcanic rock formations
Suggested Full-Day Itinerary
Morning (9:00 AM):
- Drive from Ferienhaus Auf Pötsch to Weinfelder Maar (28 min)
- Hike the circular trail (1 hour)
- Climb Dronke Tower for views (15 min)
Mid-Morning (11:00 AM):
- Drive to Gemündener Maar (5 min)
- Walk the Gemündener Maar trail (45 min)
Lunch (12:30 PM):
- Lunch in Daun town (5 min drive)
- Or picnic at Schalkenmehrener Maar
Afternoon (2:00 PM):
- Visit Schalkenmehrener Maar
- Optional: Eifel Volcano Museum in Daun
Return (4:00 PM):
- Relaxed drive back to Ferienhaus Auf Pötsch
- Stop at viewpoints along the way
Perfect For
- Geology Enthusiasts: Study maar formation and volcanic landscape
- Hikers: Easy, scenic circular trails
- Photographers: Dramatic crater lake compositions
- Families: Educational yet accessible natural wonder
- History Buffs: Connection between geology and human settlement
- Nature Lovers: Protected ecosystem with unique flora
- Winter Sports: Skiing and sledding in season
Conservation & Respect
Please help preserve this natural wonder:
- Stay on marked trails
- No swimming or water activities
- No littering - pack out everything you bring
- Respect the protected status
- Keep dogs on leash
- Don't disturb wildlife or vegetation
- Support local conservation efforts
Why Visit from Auf Pötsch?
The Weinfelder Maar offers a perfect day trip destination that combines:
- Spectacular natural beauty - deepest maar in the region
- Educational value - understand volcanic Eifel geology
- Easy accessibility - short, family-friendly trails
- Historic significance - 14th-century chapel and cemetery
- Photography opportunities - some of the best in the Eifel
- Combination potential - visit all three Daun Maars in one day
At just 28 minutes from your holiday home, it's an easy excursion that delivers maximum impact.
The Scientific Significance
The Weinfelder Maar represents a textbook example of maar formation:
- Volcanic explosion when rising magma met groundwater
- Crater formation from the explosive interaction
- Water accumulation creating the deep lake
- Ecosystem development over 20,000+ years
- Ongoing geological processes visible today
This makes it invaluable for scientific research and geological education.
After your volcanic exploration, return to the comfort of Ferienhaus Auf Pötsch with a deeper appreciation for the dramatic forces that shaped the Volcanic Eifel landscape surrounding your holiday retreat.
Book your stay at Ferienhaus Auf Pötsch and discover the spectacular 'Eyes of the Eifel' - where Earth's explosive past created serene natural beauty.
