Geopark Vulkaneifel

The Vulkaneifel is littered with rocks and rock faces. Many are of natural origin and many were also created through rock mining.

Depending on the geological subsoil, special biotopes can be found in the landscape:

• Limestone and dolomite rocks (for example Gerolstein Dolomites, Hippelsteinchen near Gönnersdorf)
• volcanic scoria rocks (for example Wöllersberg near Lissingen, Gyppenberg near Rockeskyll)
• Basalt rocks (e.g. Mühlenberg near Hohenfels, Steineberger Ley)
• Buntsandstone rocks (for example Birgeler Hardt)
• Greywacke rocks (for example in Liesertal)

If these special biotopes are large and high enough, then they are naturally forest-free. If they are smaller, they have often been overgrown by the surrounding trees. Exposed rocks facing south in particular are extreme climatic locations: they only have minimal ground support on ledges of rock, are characterized by extreme dryness and show strong temperature differences with high daily maximum temperatures.

Living space for the frugal

Only specialists in the animal and plant world who have adapted to such conditions can survive here. Numerous mosses and lichens can be found here. For example, the Wöllersberg near Lissingen is one of the most important lichen biotopes in Rhineland-Palatinate. Bird species such as eagle owls and kestrels use the exposed location as a breeding and perching place. Bats find secluded summer and winter quarters in rock crevices and crevices.

Gerolstein Dolomites - a defining feature of the region

The rocky outcrops of Hustley, Munterley, Drohender Ley and Auberg are among the landmarks of the town of Gerolstein and welcome visitors from afar. They give Gerolstein its special scenic charm and are an integral part of the cityscape. The dolomite rocks, which protrude up to 100 meters from the Kylltal, need not shy away from comparison with the “real” Dolomites. The history and shape of the rocks correspond to those of the Alps. Here, 360 million years ago, calcareous sediments were deposited in the warm Devon Sea and formed a reef from corals and stromatopores. During later land uplifts, the soft limestone rocks hardened as magnesium washed in.