スタインボーンの天然記念物・トップ20

The enchanting Meerfelder Maar lies in the middle of the largest Maar funnel in the Eifel. This maar is at least 30,000 years old and takes up about half the space of the maar funnel. The idyllic village of Meerfeld nestles against the steep southern slopes of the other half.

The observation tower on the Moseberg is worthwhile for its beautiful view and for protection from the sun and rain.

Well done, everyone can find out a lot about the Eifel and volcanism here in a simple and clear way. But you have to take some time for this.

You just have to go up to this summit cross, it's a pity that there is no summit book.

"... For geologists, the Vulkanererlebnispark Moseberg is really an experience. Mining on the Moseberg uncovered chimneys, lava layers of different grain sizes and slag - this is how the large cross-section through the volcanic cone became visible. Geological outcrops are windows into the history of the earth, they tell us exciting stories about the formation and development of rocks. Even from afar, the densely wooded Moseberg massif looks like a world of its own enthroned above the landscape. It is part of a three-kilometre-long volcanic ensemble between Bettenfeld, Meerfeld and Manderscheid, which, with maars, bizarre basalt column walls and gorges, is one of the eighty best geotopes in Germany. The Moseberg near Bettenfeld is not a single volcano, but a whole group of five cinder cones. One of them is the Windsborn, the only real crater lake north of the Alps. The small lake is only up to 1.50 meters deep and gradually silts up. Rare plants, insects and waterfowl have settled in the shore zones of the still waters - a strictly protected biotope. It is surrounded by a protective ring wall made of sweat slag, up to thirty meters high and equipped with a summit cross. This is joined by the Hinkelsmaar and the Meerfelder Maar, forming the unique Moseberg volcanic system. ..." https://www.geopark-vulkaneifel.de/eifel/landschaft/ausfluege-in-die-erdgeschichte/vulkanerlebnispark-mosenberg.html

When you enter the Birresborn Ice Caves, the cold comes first. For centuries the so-called "ice caves" were used as ice storage facilities, even in hot summers the temperature does not rise above 7 degrees. Just one of many possible uses over time. The history of the caves as a mining site for coveted millstones is still recognizable today. The millstones were used nationwide to grind oak bark, which was then used as a tannin in leather processing. From quarry to refuge, the caves became a haven during World War II and other times of need. Today bats use the caves as winter quarters, so for nature conservation reasons the ice caves in Birresborn are only open from April to October. Tip: sturdy shoes and a flashlight are recommended for visiting the caves. https://www.gerolsteiner-land.de/a-birresborner-eishoehlen-1

The ice caves were not created naturally, but rather through the mining of millstones. That is why they are also known as "millstone caves" and have been a listed building since 1938. The temperature inside the caves is constantly between -1 ° C and + 4 ° C, so that the icicles and columns of the winter months often persist into summer. The ice caves serve as winter quarters for numerous bats. According to Section 39 of the Federal Nature Conservation Act, the bat protection period begins on October 1st and ends on March 31st. During this period, bats are legally prohibited from entering caves, grottos, bunkers, tunnels and other potential hibernation dwellings. That is why the ice caves are closed in winter. If you want to go a little deeper into the caves, you should definitely bring a flashlight. It is worth it!

The circular route around the Mosenberg is definitely worthwhile here. This crater is the only crater lake north of the Alps.