The municipality of Schalkenmehren lies in the Vulkaneifel, a part of the Eifel known for its volcanic history, geographical and geological features, and even ongoing activity today, including gases that sometimes well up from the earth. It is roughly 4 km southsoutheast of Daun as the crow flies, at the northeast foot of the Hoher List, a stratovolcano which is home to an observatory. Several volcanic lakes, like the Schalkenmehren Maar, the Weinfeld Maar and the Gemünd Maar, lie within the municipality’s limits.