Bermel – Elz Valley and Hochbermel
Accommodation in Bermel
The landscape of the municipality of Bermel is shaped by the Elz Valley and the 570 m-high Hochbermel. The valley and the heights provide contrasting features and give the town a distinct landscape character. Protected areas and traces of early settlement add to the surroundings. Bermel thus brings together natural landscapes and local history—two themes to guide your holiday planning.
Landscape between the Elz Valley and Hochbermel
The Hochbermel Nature Reserve lies southeast of Bermel, in the nearby area. It covers around 65.7 hectares and was designated in 2001. West of Bermel, the approximately 14-hectare Kleiner Bermel Nature Reserve borders the area around the 500 m-high Kleinbermel; it was placed under protection in 1978. The two areas also differ considerably in size: the Hochbermel reserve is larger, while Kleiner Bermel was protected earlier.
The former basalt quarry on the 570 m-high Hochbermel has been closed since the late 1970s and is now a protected area. In recent years, a rare biotope has developed in the quarry and on the spoil heaps. Numerous different amphibians live there and in the adjoining high beech forest. The landscape around Bermel is therefore shaped both by its former basalt extraction and by the development of a habitat.
Traces of different eras
A settlement already existed in Roman times in the Elz Valley below Bermel. The parish church of St. Dionysius in Bermel offers a different historical reference point: it was built in 1954/55 and consecrated on 14 October 1955. Together, the Roman settlement in the valley and the church, whose construction date is clearly recorded, offer insights into different periods of local history.
The landscape also tells a story of change: after the basalt quarry on Hochbermel closed, it was placed under nature protection; a biotope developed in the quarry and on the spoil heaps. This combination of a history of land use and natural development offers another perspective on Bermel.
Culture and discoveries in the wider Mayen-Koblenz destination
Beyond Bermel, the wider Mayen-Koblenz destination offers other distinct cultural and museum experiences. In Mayen, Genovevaburg is one of the city's landmarks; it was built in 1280 by Heinrich von Finstingen, Archbishop of Trier. Sayn Ironworks is an anchor point on the European Route of Industrial Heritage and the only monument in Rhineland-Palatinate to receive this distinction. Following restoration, its modern exhibitions and multimedia displays invite visitors to explore; guided tours and creative workshops are also available.
Sayn Abbey was founded around 1200, and its abbey church was consecrated in 1202. Its exterior paintings, dating from around 1255, are considered the best-preserved examples of their kind in Germany from the High Middle Ages. In Mendig, meanwhile, the Lava-Dome is the German Volcano Museum. These examples highlight the different themes of Mayen-Koblenz: the history of castles and monasteries, industrial heritage and volcanism.
Choose the right focus for your holiday
When looking for a holiday apartment in Bermel, you could first consider whether you would like to focus your stay primarily on Bermel's landscape and local history. The Elz Valley, Hochbermel, the nature reserves and the parish church offer specific themes to explore. If you would also like to take in the cultural and museum experiences in the wider Mayen-Koblenz destination, include these in your holiday planning too. This lets you choose the balance you want between nature, local history and other cultural discoveries.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Kürrenberg, Virneburg, Nachtsheim, Welschenbach, Lasserg, Langscheid, Kollig, Kruft.
To the wider travel overview: Mayen-Koblenz.
