Karmelenberg, Volcanic summit in Bassenheim, Germany
Karmelenberg is a volcanic summit near Bassenheim rising to 372 meters, forming a forested cinder cone at the southeastern edge of the East Eifel volcanic field. The slopes display distinct layers created by volcanic activity that shaped the region's geology.
The volcanic cone formed between 350,000 and 300,000 years ago through multiple eruption cycles in the ancient East Eifel region. These geological events left a distinctive record preserved in the rock layers visible on the slopes today.
The summit holds a small chapel dedicated to Mary, built in 1688 and named after a sacred site in Israel. This structure reflects how local faith traditions connect to the landscape and its spiritual meaning.
A walking path of about 1.5 kilometers runs from Bassenheim up to the summit and is easy to follow. Information boards along the route help visitors understand the geological features and volcanic history of the area.
The north side displays Devonian bedrock from a much older geological time, while the south side holds deposits from an ancient river that once flowed through the region. Walking around the summit lets visitors observe different chapters of Earth's history side by side.
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