- Müllenbach
Between the three Eifel towns of Müllenbach, Laubach and Leienkaul lies the spectacular Kaulenbach Valley, where quality roofing slate was once mined.
Between the three Eifel towns of Müllenbach, Laubach, and Leienkaul lies the impressive Kaulenbachtal, where high-quality roofing slate was once mined. The circular hiking trail in the slate region of Kaulenbachtal offers the opportunity to start the hiking route in one of the three idyllic Eifel towns, Müllenbach, Laubach, and Leienkaul, along its 14.2 km long path. A highlight of the circular hiking trail is the monastery and pilgrimage church of Maria Martental, whose founding dates back to the year 1140.
The Kaulenbachtal was once one of the most renowned slate mining areas in the left bank of the Rhine slate mountains. Until 1959, high-quality roofing slate was mined in Kaulenbachtal. However, mining was stopped due to a water ingress at the Maria-Schacht Mine. Afterwards, Kaulenbachtal developed into a refuge for rare and endangered animal and plant species. For example, the heat-loving wall lizards now live in the massive spoil heaps under ideal living conditions, and bats find a protected place in the numerous tunnels during the winter months.
Also of interest are the remnants of the old mining facilities; they are testimonies to the history of slate mining in the region. For this reason, Kaulenbachtal was designated a nature reserve in 1988 and declared a protected monument zone in 1993.
Since then, many remains of buildings and dry walls have been secured against decay. Tunnel entrances have been opened, and slate heaps have been cleared, along with the establishment of a circular hiking trail. Information boards with details about slate mining, old photos, and floor plans of mines, as well as old transport wagons (known as Hunte in mining language) that were used to transport Mosel slate, provide small insights. A special highlight is the reconstructed splitting house, inaugurated in 2016!
Take advantage of the opportunity for a guided hike by knowledgeable tour guides from the "Association for the Preservation of Slate Mining History" - registration with Rolf Stoll at 01573-9343224.
Tip: A small detour to the monastery and the Pilgrimage Church of Maria Martental is definitely worthwhile.
On the map
Holzweg
56761 Müllenbach
DE
Phone: +49 2653 6099
E-mail: schieferverein@yahoo.com
Website: www.schieferverein.de
General information
Openings
Directions
Leienkaul:
By car:
Coming from the A48, take the exit "Kaisersesch". Then, continue on the L98 towards "Laubach". After about 1.8 km, turn right onto the L100. After about 1.2 km, turn left onto the L52 towards "Laubach". After about 1.6 km, turn left onto Breitenbruch. Follow the road for about 1.6 km. The parking lot is on the right side.
Arrival by train:
Take the train (RB38: Mayen - Andernach) to the Kaisersesch station. From there, take bus line 733/734 (Kaisersesch - Alflen) to the community center, Leienkaul.
Take the train (RE1/11: Koblenz - Saarbrücken or RB81: Koblenz - Trier) to the Cochem station. From there, take bus line 730 (Cochem - Masburg) to Balduinplatz, Kaisersesch. Then continue with line 733/734 (Kaisersesch - Alflen) to the community center, Leienkaul.
Müllenbach:
By car:
Coming from the A48, take the exit "Laubach". Then, continue on the L99 towards "Laubach" and exit the roundabout at the 3rd exit "Laubach". After about 1 km, continue straight on the L52. After about 2.2 km, turn left onto Holzweg in Müllenbach.
Arrival by train:
Take the train (RB38: Mayen - Andernach) to the Kaisersesch station. From there, take bus line 733/734 (Kaisersesch - Alflen) to Neustraße, Müllenbach (near Mayen).
Please note that bus lines 733/734 only operate from March 29 to November 1.
For more information, visit www.vrminfo.de and www.bahn.de.