Kopp

Here, in the west of the Nature Park Volcanic Eifel, one of the most interesting geological regions in Germany awaits. 25 miles of signposted hiking paths will lead you to the Fischbachtal valley or the Eigelbacher Dry Maar with the district Eigelbach, which is part of Kopp. The funnel-shaped hollow is several hundreds of thousands of years old and up to 130 yards deep. The 3.5-mile long Geo circular trail will take you along 400-million-year-old sandstone from the lower Devonian.

Right in front of the village chapel Saint Matthias, the landmark of Kopp awaits. With a trunk diameter of more than 19 feet and more than 66 feet in height, the century-old Stilt Oak towers into the sky. Its trunk is split above the ground so that children were able to walk through the trunk until it was surgically repaired in 1978.

While on your city trip to Kopp, dive into the cold world of the Birresborner Ice Caves. These protected caves were created as part of millstone mining which took place here from Roman times until the 19th century. In winter time, it serves as home to bats. The volcanic rocks of the Eifel region and the elevated position of the cave entrances support the formation of icicles and ice columns in winter. As the cave temperature lies constantly between -1 °C and +4 °C, they are preserved in some cases far beyond the end of winter.

Above the Kylltal valley lies a village where the streets have no names. The artist colony Weissenseifen was founded by artists, painters and sculptors during the 1950s. One of its key figures was the artist, photographer and art educator Albrecht Klauer-Simonis who died here in 2002. Marvel at the art objects and get to know Weissenseifen and the sculpture garden with a booked tour.

Kasselburg castle was built in the 12th century and sits atop a 1500-foot-high basalt head. The double tower was once a gate tower and residential tower and still stands 120 feet tall today. The castle ruin is a central part of the surrounding Eagle and Wolf Park Kasselburg. Flight shows with various birds of prey as well as a pack of wolves with public feeding times are just some of the adventures that await during your short trip. Eagles, falcons, wild boars and goats inhabit the natural enclosures and the aviaries are fully integrated into the park and the castle ruin.