The best cycling routes around Fleringen

To us, such a mill pond, as it presents itself to the viewer here on site – at the Müllenborn hiking parking lot – may seem very ordinary, but in the fantasy world of, for example, Otfried Preußler (1923 to 2013), who became famous for the children's books he wrote, it looks completely different: It is also the habitat of a water sprite family, and his book, still popular today, "The Little Water Sprite" tells of the adventures that the young family members experience in the mill pond. The "Stiftung Lesen" (Reading Foundation) reviews: "The water sprite has invited twenty-seven relatives – and twenty-six have come. Twelve water sprites with their wives, a well sprite and the bridge maiden from the Sankt Nepomuk Bridge! And they have all accepted the invitation because they want to see the little water sprite, of whom the water sprite dad is so proud. And he can be – because the cheeky little rascal can swim as soon as he is born. And he learns everything else faster than his worried parents would like. Sometimes his friend, the thoughtful carp Cyprinus, can only wiggle his fins ... The 1956 children's book classic has already enchanted generations of readers, who, alongside the fantastic adventures of the little water sprite, can also pass on their own childhood memories when reading aloud to children from approx. 5 years of age." (Source: Stiftung Lesen)

The blooming trees are a real eye-catcher in April

At Café Namik there is sooo delicious homemade cake

The first parts of the new Gerolstein-Prüm cycle path. Like many, on the old railway embankment...

Lake Müllenborn – often called Müllenborner Weiher – is picturesquely located in the Müllenborn district north of Gerolstein and is a real insider tip for Komoot tours. The idyllic expanse of water, surrounded by cool forests, invites you to stroll, picnic, and enjoy mindful moments by the water. A beautiful, approximately 6km circular trail leads around the lake, past the historic millstone ruins and along the Oosbach stream – ideal for quiet explorations away from the hustle and bustle. Around Müllenborn, you'll learn firsthand about the region's volcanic history: Oversized basalt blocks from the former Rother Kopf dominate the forest landscape, and you'll repeatedly encounter springs, small bridges, and the remains of old mills – hence the name "Mühlenborn" (Millsborn). The village itself, with its chapel and baroque houses on the shore, provides a charming, historic setting for the lake. The lake is not open for swimming, but in summer, you'll often find locals cooling off or fishing here; provided you have a valid license. A visit to the Müllenborn Lake Festival in July is particularly atmospheric – with brass bands, a festival tent, and a convivial village atmosphere. Just a few hundred meters away is the comfortable Landhaus Müllenborn, a 4-star country hotel with a spa, sauna, and sauna terrace – perfect for relaxing after the circular hike. The Eifelsteig trail runs nearby, and cyclists can also find connections to regional routes such as the Eifel-Ardennes Cycle Route.

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.

Small but idyllic reservoir with some seating to relax

Schönecken Castle is the ruin of a hilltop castle at 467 m above sea level above the municipality of the same name, Schönecken, in the Nimstal in the western Eifel (Eifel district of Bitburg-Prüm) in Rhineland-Palatinate. The castle stood on the lowest ridge in the middle of a valley. The complex is protected by higher mountains on all sides. The Schönecken castle ruins are also called "Bella Costa" or "Clara Costa". Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Sch%C3%B6necken