The best MTB trails around Darscheid

The Kaiserstein near Mehren in the Volcanic Eifel is a regionally well-known memorial located in the heart of the Lehwald forest and commemorating the first German emperor, Wilhelm I. The monument, a basalt stone, was erected in 1897 and marks a memorial service held on the occasion of the emperor's 100th birthday, although Wilhelm I himself had died nine years earlier in 1888. The inscription on the front of the stone reads: W.I. 1797 - 1897 March 22. This ceremony on March 22, 1897, was a significant event attended by royal foresters, the Mehren War Veterans Association, five schools, and numerous residents of the surrounding villages, underscoring the veneration for the emperor at that time. The Kaiserstein is located in the Lehwald forest, west of the path leading from Darscheid to the Weinfelder Maar, also known as the Totenmaar. Today, it is a cultural monument from the Historicist and Art Nouveau periods and is located within the municipality of Mehren. The memorial is integrated into the region's hiking trails, such as the Biodiversity Trail in Darscheid, and serves as a historical reference point in the volcanic landscape of the Eifel.

Wide forest paths lead from the Alfbachtal to the Notkreuz. Here, too, in the Rudebuhrwald forest, an information board informs us that during the war years of 1944-1945, the residents of Darscheid had to seek refuge in the forest to escape the constant air raids. The wooden Notkreuz, erected here, serves to remind future generations of the horrors of war and to call for peace. Wide forest paths lead from the Notkreuz, via the adjacent HeimatSpur valleys and the Höhenweg (Heimat Trail), up to the Thommener Höhe. Here, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the Volcanic Eifel.

Fun fact: when the festivities took place on March 22, 1897, Kaiser Wilhelm had already been dead for nine years. Wilhelm I, whose full name was Wilhelm Friedrich Ludwig of Prussia, had already died in 1888. He had been King of Prussia from 1861 until his death and the first German emperor since the founding of the empire in 1871.

Somewhat unnoticed, surrounded by shrubs and covered in moss, it stands in the heart of the Lehwald forest between Darscheid and Mehren: the Kaiserstein. Many hikers and visitors pass by. Triangular in shape and somewhat forgotten, stands the monument in honor of the first German Emperor, Wilhelm I. It is a basalt stone, erected in 1897 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the emperor's birth, in the presence of royal forest rangers, the Mehren Veterans Association, five schools, and numerous visitors from the two neighboring towns. The inscription engraved on the gray stone reads: "WI, 1797-1897, March 22."

Even in autumn and winter, the Dronketurm offers a stunning view over the Gemündener Maar to the Ernstberg. Hidden away below the Dronketurm (Mouse Tower) is the old Karl Kaufmann Bank.

The Sarmersbach XXL or panoramic bench was built in November 2020 and is the largest bench in Rhineland-Palatinate. At 3.25 meters high and 6.27 meters long, it is unique. Over 6 cubic meters of Douglas fir wood were used. You can easily reach the bench via a wooden walkway – no climbing required! However, enter at your own risk. Anyone who takes a break here will be rewarded with a magnificent view.

The Eifelverein Daun barbecue hut is located at Firmerich in Daun. Surrounded by pristine nature, nestled in a bizarre lava quarry. The club hut has running water, electric lighting, and bathroom facilities for men and women, and is functionally equipped (see below). The barbecue hut can accommodate up to 40 people indoors. It features rustic tables and benches around the barbecue grill, as well as a kitchen with a large refrigerator and water heater. The kitchen also has a large drinks refrigerator. The large outdoor area offers additional barbecue facilities (e.g., for the rotisserie grill) and numerous seating areas, some with tables and bar tables. There are men's and women's restrooms. The hut is equipped with a 220V electrical connection - max. 2000 watts. Reservations: 0160 - 24 90 751

Weinfelder Maar - Impressive Evidence of Explosive Geological History The Weinfelder Maar – also known as Totenmaar – is one of the three so-called Daun Maars. It is located about 2 kilometers from our district town of Daun, near the municipality of Schalkenmehren, between the Gemünden and Schalkenmehren Maars. It has a diameter of approximately 525 meters and a depth of 51 meters, making it the deepest of the three Daun Maars. It is the youngest and, at 487 meters above sea level, the highest of the three closely adjacent maars, which formed between 20,000 and 30,000 years ago. Text / Source: Natur- und Geopark Vulkaneifel GmbH, Mainzer Str. 25, Daun https://www.geopark-vulkaneifel.de/eifel/landschaft/maare-und-kraterseen/weinfelder-maar.html