Meerfeld – Maar Landscape, Nature and Hiking Trails

Meerfeld combines a distinctive crater landscape with the Meerfelder Maar, protected wetland habitats and a wide range of hiking options. Swimming is permitted in the marked area, and fishing is also possible. More than 40 kilometres of signposted trails offer a variety of hikes. You can tailor your stay to focus on nature, time on the water or getting active.

Crater Landscape and Protected Wetlands

The maar lake covers only part of the 1,700-metre-long crater, the largest maar crater in the Eifel. Meerfeld lies on the steep southern slopes of the section of the crater not occupied by water. Around the maar, wet meadows, sedge beds and a wide belt of reeds to the south provide protected habitats for many animals. The Meerfelder Maar and its surroundings are protected as a nature reserve. Together, the water, slopes and wetlands shape the landscape.

Swimming and Fishing at the Maar

Swimming in the Meerfelder Maar is permitted only in the marked area. Follow the signs on site for the current swimming rules. There is a car park near the bathing area. Fishing is also possible at the Meerfelder Maar. If swimming is part of your plans, you can use the marked area and local information to help you find your way around.

Hiking Trails and Routes

The local hiking options range from short, easy routes to long, challenging ones. This range is useful when planning together: those looking for a shorter, easier hike can distinguish it from a longer, more challenging one. Meerfeld also offers guided hikes and mountain biking.

One route with specific figures is the first stage of the VulkaMaar Trail. It runs from Manderscheid via Bettenfeld to Meerfeld and ends at the Meerfelder Maar next to Meerfeld. The stage is 12.2 kilometres long and is listed as taking 5.5 hours. As route conditions can change, check the latest trail information before setting out.

More Hiking Options in Bernkastel-Wittlich

In the wider destination of Bernkastel-Wittlich, the 816-metre-high Erbeskopf is a great place for hiking and offers a variety of winter sports. Another hike with specific figures is the Manderscheid Castle Trail: this moderately difficult circular route goes around the castles of Manderscheid, covers 5.4 kilometres and has a stated duration of two hours. By comparison, the first stage of the VulkaMaar Trail is considerably longer, at 12.2 kilometres and 5.5 hours. You can compare the two hikes using their stated distances and durations.

Find Accommodation to Match Your Travel Focus

When choosing where to search, consider whether your stay will focus mainly on Meerfeld’s maar landscape and local activities, or whether you would like to include other places in the wider destination of Bernkastel-Wittlich. If Meerfeld is your main focus, search specifically for accommodation in Meerfeld; for a broader travel plan, you can search across the wider destination.

Discover more destinations: Karl, Großlittgen, Eckfeld, Niederscheidweiler, Pantenburg, Hasborn, Laufeld, Oberscheidweiler.

Back to the wider travel overview: Manderscheid.