The best traffic-free bike rides around Gerolstein

The combination indicated in the highlight name may seem unusual, but it is correct. So, in order: In the early centuries AD, this area was part of the Roman Empire, and excavations on the site of the present-day Erlöserkirche revealed the remains of a Roman Villa Rustica. The foundation walls can be viewed on site, and a museum directly next to the church displays finds from the excavations. More than one and a half millennia after the era of the Villa Rustica, i.e., in the early 20th century (1911 to 1913), the still existing Protestant Erlöserkirche was built here. Its construction dates back to Kaiser Wilhelm and his wife. The rich decoration with mosaic depictions makes this house of worship unique.

For those with time, a visit to the Eagle and Wolf Park is certainly interesting.

In the long-gone days of our grandparents, a central bakehouse was common for the village community. In many places, these were eventually demolished. Here in Bolsdorf, however, it has been preserved and still bears witness to the old days.

Million dollar view of the castle

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.

Great view of Kasselburg Castle near Pelm.... https://youtu.be/PV6yleBZNYU

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The building, the "Old Forge", now serves as a village community center and event location. But as the name suggests, the 19th century building was once used to practice a very old craft that was an essential part of any village at the time. As the craft lost more and more importance in the 20th century, the craft was abandoned and the old building became vacant. In the 1980s, the property was purchased by the town of Hillesheim and extensively renovated in 1981. Since then, it has served as the center of the village for the residents of Bolsdorf.