Mendig: Lava Cellars and the History of Basalt Quarrying

Mendig combines underground lava cellars with a visible history of stone quarrying. Trails and exhibitions explore work with basalt as well as the volcanic landscape. This makes it possible to discover the town from different perspectives: through historical working methods, sculptures, and tours through forests and valleys.

Lava Cellars and Stonework

A network of lava cellars extends beneath the town of Mendig at a depth of 32 metres, covering nearly three square kilometres. They were created by quarrying basalt lava, which formed in the Late Middle Ages and was used as building stone. The cellars and the history of basalt quarrying provide an unusual starting point for exploring how the rock has been used in the region.

The Museumslay, an open-air museum on the site of a former quarry in Mendig, offers another way to explore the history of stone. On display are a faithfully reconstructed horse-powered winding engine and the Schläsch-Express, an old quarry railway with mine carts. Visitors can also learn about historical working methods, such as the individual steps involved in splitting a basalt stone.

The nine-kilometre Sculpture Trail also begins at the Museumslay. It passes through both districts of Mendig and connects more than 40 objects that bear witness to the history of stonemasons and the people of Lay. The route thus combines a walk through the town with the theme that is also central to the open-air museum.

Trails Through the Landscape

The Vier-Berge-Tour is a circular hiking trail that starts in Mendig and covers a total of 12.9 kilometres. It leads through idyllic valleys and dense forests, and over hilltops offering far-reaching views across the Pellenz. The Mühlsteinwanderweg offers a different perspective: it connects the production and quarrying sites of the millstone district between Mayen and Mendig.

The distances can also help you choose: at nine kilometres, the Sculpture Trail is shorter than the Vier-Berge-Tour, which is 12.9 kilometres long. The former focuses on the history of stonemasons and the people of Lay, with more than 40 objects, while the latter highlights valleys, forests, and hilltops.

At the German Volcano Museum “Lava-Dome,” the Volcano Workshop introduces visitors to volcanism at ten interactive stations featuring games and experiments. Simulated volcanic eruptions show how the region around Mendig has been shaped over the centuries. If you plan your stay around your interests, you can combine the themes of stonework and volcanism with one of the different trails.

The Wingertsbergwand, which is up to 50 metres high, lies near Mendig. An information trail explains how the landscape was formed; however, access to the Wingertsbergwand is currently not possible. Check the current access status before planning a visit.

Culture in the wider Mayen-Koblenz destination

The wider Mayen-Koblenz destination also offers further points of interest for those interested in cultural history. In Mayen, Archbishop Heinrich von Finstingen of Trier had Genoveva Castle built in 1280; it is one of the town’s landmarks. In Bendorf, Sayn Foundry is an anchor point on the European Route of Industrial Heritage and the only monument in Rhineland-Palatinate to receive this distinction. Restored areas, modern exhibitions, and multimedia presentations are dedicated to the industrial monument. These regional examples complement Mendig’s own highlights without equating them with the town’s attractions.

Your choice depends on which experiences you want to prioritise during your stay.

You can also discover Bell and Rieden as additional destinations: Bell, Rieden.

Discover more destinations: Gering, Andernach, Rhens, Alken, Weißenthurm, Dieblich.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Mayen-Koblenz.