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Daun

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City
—°96
Daun (Germany)
ℹ️

Practical info — Daun

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the Daun Maars early in the morning to enjoy the water reflections in calm light.
  • Taste the fresh mineral water directly from one of the many 'Drees' (springs) in the area.
  • Hike up to the Daun castle ruins for the best panoramic view of the town.
  • Look out for the settings of the famous Eifel crime novels found throughout the town.
  • For families, the Wildlife Park Daun gives a peaceful 8 km drive-through route among animal enclosures.

🍽 Food

🍽
Döppekooche

A traditional Eifel potato cake with bacon and onions, often served in regional inns.

🍽
Eifel Game Dishes

Fresh venison from local forests, especially recommended at the 'Wirtshaus zu den Maaren'.

🍽
Dunaris Mineral Water

The town's famous healing water, which you can taste directly in the spa gardens.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Weekly Market

Visit the market square for fresh regional products like Eifel honey and cheeses.

🛍
Eifel-Glück

A welcoming shop for regional souvenirs and handmade gift items.

🛍
InKult

A local store in the center for trendy fashion and streetwear.

🧘
Weinfelder Maar

Also known as the 'Maar of the Dead'; a place of silence with a small, lonely chapel on the shore.

🧘
Spa Gardens (Kurpark)

Well-maintained green area with paths along the springs, handy for a quiet stroll.

🧘
Hotzendrees

A lesser-known mineral spring in the forest, well-suited for a peaceful break in nature.

Daun is the administrative center of the Vulkaneifel district in Rhineland-Palatinate and stands as a premier destination for geo-tourism in Germany. The town is globally renowned for the Daun Maars, three circular volcanic crater lakes (Gemündener, Weinfelder, and Schalkenmehrener Maar) created by ancient steam explosions. Often called the 'Eyes of the Eifel', these lakes are central to the region's identity and offer diverse recreational activities. Daun is also a state-recognized Kneipp spa resort, famous for its therapeutic mineral springs and high-quality clinics. Its history is marked by the powerful Lords of Daun, whose medieval castle ruins still overlook the town. Geographically, it sits in a rugged mid-mountain range, attracting hikers and cyclists to trails like the famous Maare-Mosel cycle path. The economy is robust, fueled by a combination of healthcare services, specialized manufacturing, and a year-round tourism sector focused on the unique volcanic landscape.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C01481216181814951
Rain mm655555467270707555616474

Geography

Population
8,523
Coordinates
50.19860, 6.83190

Facts

  • Elevation of approximately 410 meters
  • Built on volcanic ground
  • Home to the Eifel Volcano Museum
  • Granted city rights in 1346
  • Source of 'Dauner Sprudel' mineral water
  • Connected to the Maare-Mosel cycle path

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Daun (9)

Daun Maars

The famous 'Eyes of the Eifel' are three deep blue crater lakes that offer good conditions for hiking.

Eifel Volcano Museum

The interactive museum clearly explains the origin of the maars and the volcanic history of the Eifel.

🕒 Tu-Su,PH 11:00-16:30💶

Daun Castle

The medieval castle complex towers over the city and today houses a modern youth hostel.

Wildlife Park Daun

A spacious area where visitors can observe wild animals in their natural environment.

Daun Viaduct

The historic railway bridge is an impressive engineering structure and part of the Maar-Mosel cycle path.

Laurentiusbad👨‍👩‍👧 family

A modern water park in Daun featuring various swimming pools and wellness facilities.

Wild- & Erlebnispark Daun👨‍👩‍👧 family

A spacious wildlife park in the Eifel region showcasing native animal species in large outdoor enclosures.

Dronketurm🌿 nature

An 11-metre-high observation tower on the Mäuseberg mountain with panoramic views of the Daun Maars.

🆓

Naturfreibad Schalkenmehrener Maar👨‍👩‍👧 family

The nature pool Schalkenmehrener Maar in Daun allows for swimming fun in a natural crater lake. A lovely place for families to enjoy nature.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Dauner Maare?
These are three volcanic crater lakes (Gemündener, Weinfelder, and Schalkenmehrener Maar), known as the 'Eyes of the Eifel'.
Can you swim in the Maars?
Swimming is possible in the Gemündener Maar and Schalkenmehrener Maar at designated natural pools during the summer season.
Where is the Wildlife Park Daun located?
The park is located right on the B421 south of Daun; it features a drive-through safari and a large Barbary macaque enclosure.
Which long-distance hiking trail passes through Daun?
The famous Eifelsteig trail (Aachen-Trier) leads directly through Daun and connects the town with the volcanic lakes.
Is there a museum about volcanism?
Yes, the Eifel Volcano Museum in Daun interactively explains the formation of the Maars and the volcanic history of the region.
Daun: where is it located?
Daun is located in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.
Daun: what is there to see?
Highlights include Daun Maars, Eifel Volcano Museum, Daun Castle.
Daun: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Daun: why is it worth visiting?
Daun is the administrative center of the Vulkaneifel district in Rhineland-Palatinate and stands as a premier destination for geo-tourism in Germany.
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