Naturfreibad Meerfelder Maar

Naturfreibad Meerfelder Maar offers a variety of opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Besides fishing, swimming is allowed in designated areas on the northern shore, providing a welcome refreshment after a walk through the impressive landscape. The maar basin, formed by a volcanic explosion about 80,000 years ago, is a geological highlight. Volcanic activity shaped the slopes of the basin and left visible traces such as olivine bombs—rounded rock fragments made of the mineral olivine. The picturesque village of Meerfeld lies to the south of the maar and is surrounded by steep slopes. During the eruption, the Meerbach stream carried loose material into the area, pushing water toward the northern part and creating the maar. In the 19th century, the basin was partially drained to gain agricultural land. Today, the lake sits 335 meters above sea level, covers 24.8 hectares of water surface, and is around 18 meters deep. Visitors can explore the unique flora and fauna, including rare wader species and wet meadows, on guided walks through the protected area. A wide reed belt in the south provides a habitat for numerous animals.