Are you interested in mysterious caves? Then Gerolsteiner Land is just the place for you. The region's ice and millstone caves are dark, sometimes eerie and definitely adventurous.
The caves were formed by the centuries-long extraction of basalt, which was used to make millstones in the volcanic Eifel. This led to the formation of impressive cave labyrinths, in which impressive icicles still form in particularly cold winters.
All caves are freely accessible, although some are temporarily closed in winter to protect hibernating bats. We recommend that you wear sturdy shoes, a flashlight and a helmet when exploring the caves.
Until far into the 19th century millstone were carved out in the caves. But the caves also were used as natural "refrigerators". In the winter time they were equipped with ice and snow so that cooling conditions kept the cold far into the summer.
The Buchenlochhöhle is located in the nature reserve of the Gerolstein Dolomites. The cave was washed out of the rock millions of years ago by the dissolving power of groundwater and is open all year round.
The three caves are located at Mühlenberg, north of Hohenfels-Essingen.
The millstone caves are located northwest of Gerolstein, between the districts Müllenborn and Roth. For those who want to get really deep insights into the interior of the volcano Eifel, a visit to the Mühlstein caves is a must.