Some folks find these small towns in Germany and half expect them to be little more than just your run-of-the-mill suburb. Then they’re most delightfully surprised, as they are in the town of Gerolstein found in the Rhineland-Palatinate.
First off, the countryside is smashing since it’s found within the Vulkaneifel region of the country (which is within the Eifel.
Vulkan, as in volcano, not Star Trek. You’ll see what I’m talking about when you’re following along the Eifelsteig. And know that the area of Gerolstein is more than 50% forested.
It’s amazing how they found those Stone Age Caves though all those trees. ;-)
Gerolstein’s Natural History Museum is an excellent learning experience about the volcanoes, caves, and how the landscape took shape.
What also changed the landscape was created by man. Yes, I’m talking about castles and other buildings.
There are three castles in the area of Gerolstein, one being the ruins of Castle Gerolstein (built around 1100, destroyed 1691). Kasselburg is also considered a ruin (built 1100), but it’s pretty darn impressive for being “ruined,” as its towers stand 37 meters high.
Did I mention that Kasselburg was home to a pack of wolves? Nothing ordinary here in Gerolstein, I assure you. ;-)
If you think Kasselburg is impressive and formidable, wait til you get a look at Burg Lissingen. This medieval stronghold is one of the only castles in Germany never to have been destroyed at any time in its history (the oldest part is its cellar). It’s got an impressive tower and now if you want to stay here all you got to do is whip out your purse — since it’s a meeting facility.
Does Gerolstein sound like just an average place to you? No, me either.
What else you’ll find in Gerolstein is the Juddekirchhof (a Roman/Celtic site of worship) whose temple complex has been dated to around 124 A.D. Also from Roman times is the former Roman Villa that wasn’t uncovered until 1907.
You’ve also got the old Jewish Cemetery to see, a number of Renaissance and Baroque churches to see, and half-timbered houses to photograph.
I’m so glad that you’ve found your way to this page about Gerolstein, and just hope you enjoy it as much. Watch out for the wolves, though! ;-)