A ten-metre-high wooden observation tower on Dietzenley, a Middle Devonian sponge reef and golden mosaics in the Church of the Redeemer reveal the different sides of Gerolstein. For your trip, you can choose to focus on nature trails, cycling or cultural history. The following places and routes help bring those options into focus.
Nature and geology around Gerolstein
The Gerolstein Dolomites Nature Reserve covers around 102 hectares and has been protected since 1990. The Gerolstein Dolomites are Germany’s oldest sponge reef, dating back to the Middle Devonian. Buchenloch Cave is also located in the nature reserve; it can be reached on foot via the Gerolstein Rock Trail and the Eifelsteig. Geology and hiking trails here are closely linked to the named landscape features.
The Rock Trail forms the northern section of the Gerolstein Dolomites Eight, a circular route just under eight kilometres long. Heiligenstein is a 750-metre-long natural rock monument, reached via either the Celtic Trail or the Dolomites Eight. This places a circular route and a distinctive rock monument, with two named access routes, side by side as different points of reference.
A ten-metre-high wooden observation tower stands on Dietzenley; below it are the remains of a Celtic ring wall. Munterley is a 482-metre-high peak offering views over Gerolstein. There is a railing at the viewpoint on Auberg. While Munterley opens up views over Gerolstein, Dietzenley combines an observation tower with historic wall remains.
Hiking and cycling
The Gerolstein Forest Nature Trail is a family-friendly circular route through the Gerolstein Forest. Information boards explain trees, forestry, water, ecology and wildlife. The route can therefore also be considered for its educational focus: it draws attention to the connections within the forest, while the Rock Trail and Dolomites Eight are associated with the rocky landscape.
The cycling routes mentioned differ in length and character. The 123-kilometre Kyll Cycle Path passes through Gerolstein and runs between Losheimergraben and Trier. Gerolstein is also connected to the permanent, signposted and GPS-tracked Trailpark Vulkaneifel mountain bike network. It comprises 750 kilometres of trails and 17,500 metres of elevation gain. The Kyll Cycle Path’s stated length refers to its full route; the Trailpark is a separate network.
Culture and planning your visit
The Church of the Redeemer in Gerolstein is a neo-Romanesque central-plan building with golden mosaics and is considered a rare art-historical document of the late German Empire. Visits are possible only as part of a guided tour. Check the visiting arrangements before your visit.
The Villa Sarabodis Museum displays Roman-Celtic artefacts from the Kyll Valley and connects Gerolstein with the region’s Roman heritage. The Gerolsteiner Erlebniswelt offers a different focus: a roughly 90-minute journey through Gerolstein’s history and the world of minerals. Advance registration is required for visitor tours; check the programme and registration requirements before travelling. Church architecture, archaeological finds and the history of minerals thus give the cultural offering a range of themes.
Getting there and choosing what to focus on
Gerolstein can be reached by bus and train. Check the timetables in advance for your travel dates. When looking for a hotel, your planned focus can help guide your choice: hiking trails and viewpoints, cycling routes or cultural history. If the Church of the Redeemer or the Erlebniswelt is part of your plans, also take the guided-tour or registration requirements into account. This helps you match your interests for the stay with the specific visiting arrangements.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Densborn, Neroth, Pelm, Salm, Hohenfels-Essingen, Hinterhausen, MĂĽrlenbach, Kalenborn-Scheuern, Birresborn, Berlingen, Kopp, Rockeskyll, Duppach, Gees, Oos, MĂĽllenborn.
Go to the main travel overview: Vulkaneifel.
