Uersfeld: Mining History and Trails Around the Village

Uersfeld can be explored especially through two themes: the history of mining and trails that take in the village or its surroundings. If you are looking for a hotel in Uersfeld, you can plan your stay around whether you would like to spend more time on culture and historic traces or on cycling and hiking tours.

Mining History at the Nostalgikum and in the Village

The Nostalgikum is housed in the former Uersfeld boys’ school. The building was constructed before 1900. Across around 300 square metres of exhibition space, various scenes have been recreated: a colonial goods shop, a hair salon, a school, a post office, a bathroom, a village pub and craft workshops. Guided events are available for groups, and school classes are welcome. If you are planning a group visit, confirm the programme’s availability in advance.

Another reminder of the area’s mining history is the basalt fountain. It was built in 1985 to commemorate the period of heavy spar mining, which shaped village life until 1967. Its design depicts a headframe, miners underground and mine wagons. Three mine wagons at the exit from Uersfeld towards Kelberg also recall the mining industry: they were installed in 1988 and refer to the former Bergkrone heavy spar mine.

Since closing in 1967, the former De Kaul mine has been used as a water reservoir. Another historic trace is the old quarry on the Uersfelder Bach, which illustrates aspects of life and work in the past. These examples add a range of local historical evidence to the story of mining.

Distinguishing the Circular Trail from the Cycle Route

The “Border, Gallows and History” themed circular trail leads around Uersfeld to several historic sites. It features the basalt fountain as a reminder of the region’s mining era and includes the Dreese Mill, documented since the 17th century. The old quarry on the Uersfelder Bach also illustrates aspects of life and work in the past. This allows you to explore local history both in the museum and through various historical themes.

The Elztal Cycle Path offers a different perspective. The route is around 31 kilometres long and runs from Gunderath via Uersfeld, Lirstal and Oberelz through the Elz Valley to Monreal and Mayen. At Uersfeld, it follows the southern edge of the village. The cycle path also connects with the Oberes Elztal children’s hiking area near Uersfeld. When planning, it helps to think of the circular trail to historic sites and the longer cycle route as two different options.

The Volcanic Eifel as a Wider Regional Setting

The Volcanic Eifel is characterised by volcanic landscapes, maars, forests, streams and sweeping views. So far, 77 maars have been identified in the region. Maars are volcanic crater lakes; swimming is permitted at designated spots at some of them. Permission to swim may vary by location and season, so check the conditions at the specific bathing spot.

The geological figures also relate to the Volcanic Eifel: 350 volcanic centres have been counted there to date, around 270 of them from the more recent period. The Ulmen Maar marks the region’s most recent volcanic eruption, which took place around 10,900 years ago.

For hikes further afield, there are the marked and signposted Volcanic Eifel trails. They include half-day walks, day hikes and multi-day hikes. One specific stage on another route is the eleventh stage of the Eifelsteig: it runs from Daun to Manderscheid and is 23.4 kilometres long. These regional options complement the trails directly connected with Uersfeld.

Discover more destinations: Mosbruch, Retterath, Brücktal, Mannebach, Oberelz, Katzwinkel, Gunderath, Zermüllen

For the wider travel overview: Kelberg.