In Kottenheim’s Winfeld, climbing routes wind through a landscape shaped by the history of basalt quarrying. Distinctive basalt rocks, a rock maze, and traces of former quarries give the area its distinctive character. At the same time, its history of use stretches far back: basalt lava was already being extracted here in the Neolithic period; large-scale quarrying continued to shape Winfeld until the 1960s.

Winfeld: Basalt Rocks and Climbing

Kottenheim’s Winfeld is a former quarrying area within the municipality. It is located in a wooded area between Ettringen and Kottenheim. The Traumpfad Vulkanpfad trail passes through Winfeld’s rock maze, which is characterized by distinctive basalt rocks. Along the route, you’ll encounter a landscape closely connected with quarrying in the past.

Winfeld has climbing routes of varying difficulty. Climbers use some of its steep rocks. If you’re planning to climb, check the conditions before your visit. The information about the different levels of difficulty provides guidance, while some of the rocks themselves are steep.

A Long History of Basalt Quarrying

Winfeld’s history of use dates back to the Neolithic period, when basalt lava was quarried there to make grinding stones. A much later chapter began in the 1850s. Large-scale basalt quarrying continued until the 1960s. These periods mark different phases in the area’s history as a source of raw materials: the prehistoric extraction of basalt lava for grinding stones and large-scale quarrying in the former quarrying area. Both are part of the history of the same area.

The Siewe Stuwe at Kottenheimer Büden

The Siewe Stuwe caves at Kottenheimer Büden also tell of the site’s historical use. During the Second World War, they served as air-raid shelters and were equipped with camp beds, shelves, and stoves. Current access conditions are important when planning a visit: the caves are currently inaccessible due to rockfalls. They should therefore be regarded as a historical feature, not as a site that can be explored on foot.

Cultural History in the Wider Destination of Mayen-Koblenz

The wider destination of Mayen-Koblenz offers additional cultural and historical attractions. Genovevaburg Castle in Mayen was built in 1280 by Heinrich von Finstingen, Archbishop of Trier, and is one of the town’s landmarks. Sayner Hütte offers a different connection to industrial history: it is an anchor point on the European Route of Industrial Heritage and the only monument in Rhineland-Palatinate to receive this distinction. Following restoration, modern exhibitions and multimedia presentations invite visitors to explore; guided tours and creative workshops are also available.

Sayn Abbey adds its own historical note. It was founded around 1200, and its abbey church was consecrated in 1202. The exterior paintings from around 1255 are considered the best-preserved examples from the High Middle Ages in Germany. For another look at the volcanic landscape, the Lava Dome in Mendig is the German Volcano Museum. These examples put the local history of basalt into the context of the wider destination’s diverse cultural and industrial heritage.

Discover more destinations: Polch, Kollig, Bassenheim, Kerben, Urmitz, Wierschem, Siebenbach, Vordereifel.

Go to the main travel overview: Mayen-Koblenz.