The best walks and hikes around Büdesheim

The chapel in Müllenborn is locked, a sign next to the door gives an address nearby where the key can be picked up. However, no one was home when we tried, so unfortunately an interior visit was not possible. Hopefully others will have more luck. „Almighty, eternal God, you have given your Church a powerful herald of the true faith and a helper in need in Saint Anthony of Padua. Grant that, following his example, we may lead a Christian life and experience your help in all our needs.“ (Daily prayer of the Catholic Church on the feast day of Saint ANTHONY of PADUA, June 13th)

To us, such a mill pond, as it presents itself to the viewer here on site – at the Müllenborn hiking parking lot – may seem very ordinary, but in the fantasy world of, for example, Otfried Preußler (1923 to 2013), who became famous for the children's books he wrote, it looks completely different: It is also the habitat of a water sprite family, and his book, still popular today, "The Little Water Sprite" tells of the adventures that the young family members experience in the mill pond. The "Stiftung Lesen" (Reading Foundation) reviews: "The water sprite has invited twenty-seven relatives – and twenty-six have come. Twelve water sprites with their wives, a well sprite and the bridge maiden from the Sankt Nepomuk Bridge! And they have all accepted the invitation because they want to see the little water sprite, of whom the water sprite dad is so proud. And he can be – because the cheeky little rascal can swim as soon as he is born. And he learns everything else faster than his worried parents would like. Sometimes his friend, the thoughtful carp Cyprinus, can only wiggle his fins ... The 1956 children's book classic has already enchanted generations of readers, who, alongside the fantastic adventures of the little water sprite, can also pass on their own childhood memories when reading aloud to children from approx. 5 years of age." (Source: Stiftung Lesen)

Lake Müllenborn – often called Müllenborner Weiher – is picturesquely located in the Müllenborn district north of Gerolstein and is a real insider tip for Komoot tours. The idyllic expanse of water, surrounded by cool forests, invites you to stroll, picnic, and enjoy mindful moments by the water. A beautiful, approximately 6km circular trail leads around the lake, past the historic millstone ruins and along the Oosbach stream – ideal for quiet explorations away from the hustle and bustle. Around Müllenborn, you'll learn firsthand about the region's volcanic history: Oversized basalt blocks from the former Rother Kopf dominate the forest landscape, and you'll repeatedly encounter springs, small bridges, and the remains of old mills – hence the name "Mühlenborn" (Millsborn). The village itself, with its chapel and baroque houses on the shore, provides a charming, historic setting for the lake. The lake is not open for swimming, but in summer, you'll often find locals cooling off or fishing here; provided you have a valid license. A visit to the Müllenborn Lake Festival in July is particularly atmospheric – with brass bands, a festival tent, and a convivial village atmosphere. Just a few hundred meters away is the comfortable Landhaus Müllenborn, a 4-star country hotel with a spa, sauna, and sauna terrace – perfect for relaxing after the circular hike. The Eifelsteig trail runs nearby, and cyclists can also find connections to regional routes such as the Eifel-Ardennes Cycle Route.

The Dreesbach Hut is a small, idyllically situated refuge near Gerolstein, on the edge of the forest south of the village of Müllenborn. It is located not far from the Dreesbach stream – a small stream typical of the Eifel region – and serves as a rest stop for hikers and cyclists on numerous local trails. The hut itself is simple, with benches and a covered shelter, nestled in tranquil nature. In the immediate vicinity are forest paths, small springs, and the starting point for various circular hikes, including those towards Lissingen and the Blutkreuz (Blood Cross). For Komoot users, the Dreesbach Hut offers a lovely opportunity to take a quiet break or plan a family-friendly short hike as an intermediate destination.

Cooling

From here you have a wonderful view of the town, the wide Büdesheim valley and the neighboring town of Oos.

At this point wild-romantic with rest area

The iron ore mining here was particularly abundant with a thickness of 40 m and was mined in tunnels.