Discover Leienkaul: Nature and Slate-Mining History

Leienkaul is a possible starting point if you would like to discover the slate-mining history of the Kaulenbach Valley and its natural environment. The 14.2-kilometre Kaulenbach Valley Slate Region circular hiking trail can begin in Leienkaul. In the valley, traces of former slate mining sit alongside protected habitats. A trip to the region therefore brings you face to face with two closely connected perspectives: the history of working in the slate mines and the nature that finds a habitat among the mining traces.

Nature Conservation and Mining History

The Kaulenbach Valley lies between Leienkaul, Laubach and Müllenbach. Once an area of slate mining, it became a nature reserve in 1988 and a protected monument zone in 1993. Spoil heaps and tunnels are more than relics of mining: they provide habitats for rare species, including wall lizards and bats, which spend the winter there. The protected status and wildlife offer a second perspective on the same landscape, whose visible traces also tell the story of its industrial past.

Experience Slate Mining on Site

The slate-mining experience in the Kaulenbach Valley includes preserved mining remains, information panels, historic mine carts and a reconstructed slate-splitting house. The combination of relics, explanatory panels and a reconstructed facility brings the history of mining vividly to life. Guided walks through the slate-mining landscape are also offered by an association dedicated to preserving the history of slate mining. If you are interested in this guided option, check local arrangements before your trip.

Maria Martental and Getting There

Another highlight of the route is Maria Martental. The monastery and pilgrimage church date back to 1140. This means the route’s scope extends beyond industrial and natural history to include religious tradition.

You can reach the visitor route in the Kaulenbach Valley by car from the A48 via the Kaisersesch exit. From there, follow the L98, L100 and L52, then Breitenbruch, to a car park. Check the access route before setting out, particularly if roadworks or traffic restrictions affect the route.

Accommodation and Trip Planning

If you want the circular hiking trail to be the focus of your stay, you can select Leienkaul as your preferred search location: the 14.2-kilometre route can start here. Also consider whether the trail is the main reason for your visit or one of several experiences. This will help you tailor your accommodation search to your planned itinerary.

Cochem-Zell as a Broader Travel Theme

The wider destination of Cochem-Zell offers additional themes of its own. The medieval Imperial Castle of Cochem was restored and rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style by Louis Ravené in the 19th century, as part of the Romantic revival of castles. Rooms open to visitors include the Knights’ Hall, dining hall, hunting room and ladies’ chamber. Another nature highlight is the Jungferweiher in Cochem-Zell: it is an important breeding and resting ground for numerous bird species, especially during the spring and autumn migrations. You can compare different areas of interest: slate mining and the habitats around spoil heaps and tunnels shape the landscape of the Kaulenbach Valley; in Cochem, the focus is on castle architecture and historic interiors; at the Jungferweiher, it is on birdlife.

Many tourist attractions in Cochem-Zell are well connected to the public transport network. A visitor programme published in July 2025 lists the relevant bus or train service for each destination. Check connections for your travel dates, as specific routes may change.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Laubach, Kaifenheim, Landkern, Illerich, Müllenbach.

Return to the broader travel overview: Kaisersesch.