The best traffic-free bike rides around Kopp

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)

The drinking fountain (Dunaris Heilwasserquelle) is, as always, switched off during the winter months until spring. Tip: In the direction of the Daun train station, there is another spring (Hotzendrees), where you can tap and enjoy the healing water all year round ;-)

For those with time, a visit to the Eagle and Wolf Park is certainly interesting.

The cycle path is simply great

Million dollar view of the castle

A really super cycle path with great views and good surface is great to ride

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 Gerolstein Forest Holiday Park, sometimes also known as Camping Eifelblick, is idyllically situated on a wooded hill about 3 km west of Gerolstein in the Hinterhausen district (457 m above sea level) – surrounded by Eifel forests, maare valleys, and hiking trails. The location offers impressive panoramic views over hills and valleys. You can choose between: • Camping pitches (tent, caravan, or mobile cabins, approximately 195 pitches, 100–120 m²) • Ready-made accommodations such as wooden chalets, bungalows for up to 6 people, or shepherd's huts for 2, equipped with a kitchen, living area, terrace, shower, toilet, and 4G Wi-Fi On-site, you'll find a heated indoor pool (70 m²) with a sauna, solarium, internet access, and a small restaurant or café with a terrace. Sports activities continue with mini golf, table tennis, air hockey, outdoor chess and a playground – even a small petting zoo (goats) keeps children entertained.