The best traffic-free bike rides around Gerolstein

Impressive spruce + resting place for a quiet break :)

For those with time, a visit to the Eagle and Wolf Park is certainly interesting.

Two curved benches invite you to take a nap. -:)

In the long-gone days of our grandparents, a central bakehouse was common for the village community. In many places, these were eventually demolished. Here in Bolsdorf, however, it has been preserved and still bears witness to the old days.

Million dollar view of the castle

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The "Auf Hengscheid" nature reserve, also part of the "Gerolstein and Surroundings" landscape conservation area, encompasses valuable areas in the Kyll Valley above Gerolstein. Its name presumably derives from the terrain structure ("Hengscheid" – a part of the municipality or a field name). It typically protects dolomite rocks and karst landscapes, such as those found in the neighboring Gerolstein Dolomites. The special geological formations provide habitat for rare plants (e.g., orchids, nutrient-poor grassland flora) and animals such as bats, lizards, and specialized insects. The area was designated a landscape conservation area in 1983 and has since protected areas southwest of Gerolstein from encroachment. The boundaries are precisely defined on specialist maps, for example, along streams (Hundsbach, Oosbach), roads (L24/L29), and parcel boundaries – typical elements used to delineate such protected areas. Within this area, near-natural farming is permitted, while potentially harmful activities are restricted to protect flora and fauna. For you as a Komoot user, this means: Here you'll find quiet, natural trail sections through diverse Eifel forests with dolomite islands, karst craters, and panoramic views of the Kyll Valley. Walks or bike rides along these environmentally sensitive sections offer both geological insights and relaxation in an undisturbed landscape.

Lissingen Castle near Gerolstein is a fascinating Komoot highlight for cyclists and culture enthusiasts in the Volcanic Eifel region. Perched high above the Kyll River, the upper and lower castles tell a vibrant history, ranging from Roman origins and a medieval moated castle to today's successful restoration and use. Originally founded as a Roman settlement around the 2nd century, the first castle was built between the 10th and 13th centuries. It was first documented in 1212, as the property of the knightly family of Liezingen. The castle was more than just a fortified structure: moats fed by the Kyll and Oosbach rivers made it a true moated castle. In 1559, the property was divided into the lower and upper castles – a situation that continues to this day. In the 17th century, the Lower Castle received its current Baroque-Renaissance manor house and characteristic tithe barn. During the Napoleonic era, the right of lordship was lost, but later both parts of the castle were reunited. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the complex served as an agricultural and dairy center, including its own small power plant from 1906. Today, after extensive restoration, the Lower Castle is a living open-air museum with a castle courtyard, mill (including the court bakery), manor house, barns, mill race, and a historic power plant. Visitors can book guided tours, sample bread baked in a stone oven, or attend events such as weddings and exhibitions. A sculpture trail in the castle meadows completes the experience. The Upper Castle, a private residential and cultural complex, is also privately owned. Guided tours and vacation rentals are available upon request. Lissingen Castle is an ideal stopover for cyclists on the Kyll Valley Cycle Path or Eifel tours: located directly on the trail, with parking nearby and refreshment options. Visitors not only enjoy the picturesque architecture, but also experience the transformation from Roman origins to monastic fiefdom and commercial agricultural operation to today's living cultural heritage. Practical information: The lower castle can be visited regularly almost year-round (please check opening hours and guided tours in advance), the upper castle only by appointment. Food and drink are available at the castle mill/court bakery – perfect for a rest stop while cycling through the Eifel.