Mühlsteinhöhle, Cave entrance near Gerolstein, Germany
Mühlsteinhöhle is a cave system carved into volcanic rock with passages and chambers throughout. The interior contains unfinished millstones scattered along the mining areas and walls marked by centuries of extraction work.
Millstone extraction began in the 13th century using wooden wedges and hand tools to split the volcanic rock. The operation continued as a major local industry for several hundred years before activity gradually ceased.
The quarry remains a visible reminder of the region's craft heritage tied to millstone production. Walking through, you can see how this work shaped the local economy for centuries.
Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, as paths can be uneven and slippery in spots. A flashlight is helpful for exploring darker areas and makes navigating through passages safer and more comfortable.
The volcanic rock naturally maintains sharp edges as mineral weathering continuously exposes fresh, rough surfaces. This property made it perfect for millstones that needed to stay sharp for grinding grain.
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