Explore ancient volcanic landscapes in Daun. The town is set in the Vulkan Eifel, a pocket of Germany characterised by unique volcanic landscapes. Adventure awaits in this volcano-shaped region. Summit extinct volcanoes, swim in crater lakes and visit a museum filled with lava fragments.
Things to do in Daun
Discover ancient lava streams and cobalt-blue crater lakes in Volcanic Eifel Nature Park. Trails take you deep into the sun-dappled beech forests. At almost 700 metres high, Ernstberg towers over the park. The challenging summit trail rewards you with panoramic views over the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Cool off at Gemündener Maar, one of three volcanic lakes near Daun. Easy parking and excellent facilities make the lakes popular with local families. The grassy foreshore is the perfect place to sunbathe and enjoy a picnic, while trails loop around the lakes and take you past scenic lookouts.
Find out more about the region’s explosive history at the Volcano Museums. Inside the museum, you’ll find exhibits on the geology of volcanoes and the role of continental drift and tectonic plates. Admire pock-marked fragments of lava and learn about the difference between craters, cinder cones and magma chambers.
Half-timbered houses and flower-filled streets lend plenty of charm to Daun. Soak in the sunshine at a sidewalk café and try local dishes like “saumagen” pork sausages served with mashed potatoes and topped with sauerkraut. Wash down your meal with a glass of Riesling from the world-famous Palatinate winemaking region.
Drive past grazing llamas, emus and wild yak in Wildlife and Adventure Park Daun. The family-friendly zoo is home to hundreds of free-roaming animals. Catch a thrilling falcon show and head to the petting zoo to cuddle farm animals.
Getting around Daun
Daun is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in the Rhineland-Palatinate district, a 1.5-hour drive from Bonn and Cologne. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Daun and explore Rhineland-Palatinate at your own pace. Cologne Bonn Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.