Visit the Roman mine at Meurin
Explore the 2000 year old Roman mine

The Roman mine at Meurin near Kretz is the biggest Roman underground tuff stone mining area north of the Alps. The several meter thick tuff layer, which has been mined for over 2000 years, is a result of the Laacher See Volcano eruption. A small part – 55 x 45 meters of the old excavation site has been protected by means of a futuristic cantilever construction made of steel, glass and plastic. With its chambers, shafts and stairways, the mine offers you a glimpse into long forgotten underground working environments.

The underground Roman mines are vividly depicted using illuminated pictures and interactive computer animation. You can tour the Roman mine either with an audio guide or book a guided tour.

Stone excavation in modern times

At the location of the Ettringer Lay 200,000 years ago there used to be a small valley, when the Bellerberg volcano erupted this was almost completely filled with lava. In the 19th and 20th centuries the basalt was extracted in separate lots. After the last hammer drill fell silent a scenic quarry landscape remained. The circular route, “Volcanic walkway”, signposted with the red volcano symbol, begins and ends at the Ettringer Lay parking area.

Visit the late Roman fortification Katzenberg

Via Mayen, Mendig, and Kruft a road leads to “Antunnacum”, today known as Andernach. This road passes through the most significant Roman stone extraction region north of the Alps. Therefore it is not surprising that the people of Mayen built a strong fortress here. The fortress looks like a medieval castle, with slate roofed towers and a defensive wall. The population of Mayen used the fortress as a refuge from aggressors.

Our tip: Visit the town of Mayen

Mayen lies right in the centre of the volcanic East Eifel. The town is the cultural and economical centre of the region. It lies in the scenic Nette valley, surrounded by the Eifel forests, which are typical of the volcanic landscape.

The friendly atmosphere within the car free city centre invites you go for a shopping expedition.

Further information about opening times can be found here.