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Draft:Mülbach, Rhineland-Palatinate

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Mülbach's residential area
Mülbach
Municipality
Mulbach
Official seal of Mülbach
Map
Coordinates: 49°58′7″N 6°24′14″E / 49.96861°N 6.40389°E / 49.96861; 6.40389
CountryGermany
StateRhineland-Palatinate
CountyBitburg-Prüm
Area
 • Total
1.550 km2 (0.598 sq mi)
Elevation
270 m (890 ft)
Population
 (2022)
 • Total
102
 • Density65.81/km2 (170.4/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (Central European Time)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (Central European Summer Time)
Postal code
54636
Local dialing code06527

Mülbach is a municipality in the district of Bitburg-Prüm, in Rhineland-Palatinate, western Germany. It borders the South Eifel (German: Südeifel) nature park. The village covers an area of 155 hectares, including 10 hectares of forest.[1] It is a small village with around 100 inhabitants. A stream running through the village is called ‘Mühlbach’ here, while in neighbouring Oberweis it is called "Niersbach".[2]

Location

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The village of Mülbach is located along the eponymous Mülbach stream in a valley running north-south at approximately 270 meters above the sea level on the western edge of the Bitburger Gutland. A village renewal concept has been in place since 1992.

Geography

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The topography around Mülbach consists of rolling hills and valleys hosting diverse vegetation, ranging from mixed woodlands to agricultural landscapes.[3]

The landscapes are characterized by their volcanic origins and rich geological history. They have been shaped by extensive volcanic activity over milennia, leaving behind a unique terrain of maar lakes, basalt formations, and fertile soils. The territory's volcanic history is evident in the sediment deposits that provide a detailed record of enviormental and climatic changes spanning over 60,000 years.[4]

Agriculture, forestry, and renewable energy

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The district is heavily agricultural. The current regional development plan assigns Mülbach the special function of agriculture. It can be observed here that agricultural use has intensified significantly in recent years in accessible locations and has become more extensive in non-accessible locations. There are no longer any farms in the village. As a result, the focus of use in the village has shifted from agriculture and housing to purely residential use.

Mülbach’s total area is 155 hectares, of which approximately 80% is used for agricultural purposes, and a relatively small portion (about 5%) is forested, according to the State Statistical Office (as of December 31, 2018). Structural change in agriculture is well advanced in Mülbach. There are currently no full-time or part-time farmers in the village, and most agricultural land is leased to farms in neighboring communities. The cultivation of maize for feed and biogas production has increased significantly in recent years.

Buildings use

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The buildings in the old village center of Mülbach consist mainly of former farmsteads and two former mills, which have been converted into purely residential buildings in recent decades. The Kapellenhof with its eponymous chapel is particularly characteristic of the village. To the north-east of the village there is still a farm (Deltenhof). Starting in the 1950s, only residential buildings were built in Neustraße. Some of the existing gaps between buildings were filled with residential buildings in the 1970s and 1980s. The development in the area is loosened up. There are no problematic densities. In the village center, the former cold store was converted into a village community center in the early 1980s. This building is used by clubs and residents.

Services and supplies

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The nearest train station is in Erdorf, 16 km away. Public transportation is provided by the Moselbahn AG. There are buses in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening, which are mainly used to transport schoolchildren. A carpooling bench at the bus stop is seen as a useful addition to the mobility offer in Mülbach.

There are no basic supply facilities in Mülbach. The mobile supply of food deliveries and pharmacies is sufficient in the municipality. Older residents in particular are supported and relieved by this mobile supply.

The range of services in Mülbach is limited to a hairdressing salon. This is supplemented by petrol stations, bakeries, butchers and banks in the neighboring village of Oberweis and in Baustert. A full range of services is therefore ensured within a radius of 10 km through Bitburg and Mettendorf. Mülbach is currently poorly connected by public transport. Alternative mobility concepts need to be developed or offered here.

Climate

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Mülbach climate chart[5]

Mülbach has a temperate oceanic climate typical of the Rhineland-Palatinate region. Winters are generally cold, with average temperatures around 0°C (32°F), while summers are mild, averaging between 20–25°C (68–77°F). The area receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, supporting the region's agricultural activities and natural ecosystems.

The influence of the nearby Eifel Mountains results in lower summer temperatures and slightly higher rainfall than in other areas of Rhineland-Palatinate.

The temperate oceanic climate of Mülbach supports various agricultural activities, particularly pasture and small-scale forestry. The region's moderate annual rainfall aids local farmers in maintaining productive land throughout the seasons. The climate also fosters diverse ecosystems within the  South Eifel Nature Park, supporting wildlife conservation efforts and local biodiversity.

History

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Early history and Roman influences

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The first written mention of the village is documented from the year 1177, when it was known as "Molbach". Extensive ruins from Roman times can be found in the Tempelhof area. The village belonged to the Luxembourg subprovince until 1325 and then administered by the noble households of Bettingen and Neuerburg.[1]

Political affiliation until the 19th century

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Mülbach was part of the Holy Roman Empire and was under the control of the duchy of Luxembourg until the early part of the 19th century when after the French Revolution,the Napoleonic Wars, the Dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire and finally the Congress of Vienna partitioned Luxembourg in 1815 with the 2nd partitioning of Luxembourg the hole Rhineland which includes Mülbach was ceded to Prussia.

Archeological studies suggest that the Eifel region, including Mülbach, was part of the Roman Empire's extensive road network. Evidence of Roman settlements in the nearby areas, particularly around Bitburg, points to the presence of early agricultural and trading hubs that likely influenced Mülbach. Volcanic soils in the region, enriched by past eruptions, provided fertile land that encouraged early human settlement and farming activities.[3]

Wars, occupation and post-war period

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After World War I ,the Treaty of Versailles and the Armistice of 11 November 1918 the hole Rhineland, (which was one of the most industrialized region in the world)[6] [7] and because Germany was unable to repay War reparations to the allied nations, was occupied,including Mülbach, by a coaltion of French,American,English and Belgian troops which ended in 1930 and after the Remilitarisation of the Rhineland and the start of World War II the area became a Theater of war and the near city of Bitburg was heavly damaged during allied Strategic bombing raids[8]

After the surrender of Germany and the Potsdam Conference, Germany was divided in four occupation zones and Mülbach and the southwest of Germany were under a French occupation.

Politics

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Mülbach complies to the Rhineland-Palatinate's legal and political system which acts within a framework of a federal parliamentary representative democratic republic, in which the Federal Government of Germany governs with certain powers reserved to the states of Germany including Rhineland-Palatinate. The state has a pluralistic party system where the two main parties the and the center-left Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Rhineland-Palatinate is the only German federal state to have a cabinet minister for winegrowing (ministry of agriculture, economy, traffic and winegrowing).[9][10]

Municipial council

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The Mülbach municipal council is made up of the following members: Stephan Koch as local mayor, Rainer Hermes, Tobias Müller, Günter Hammling, Ingrid Hammling and Christoph Kinnisch as councillors. Christoph Kinnisch also holds the office of first deputy, while Stefan Hühn is second deputy.[11]

Population

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Culture

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Coat of arms

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The coat of arms of Mülbach depicts the town in the form of symbolic representations. The Mühlenbach stream, which flows through the area, is symbolised by blue wavy bars. A red temple stands on a yellow background, which establishes the connection to the Knights Templar who once lived here and at the same time reflects the colours of the county of Manderscheid. A silver field with a blue mill wheel also recalls the old mills and refers to the colours of neighbouring Luxembourg.[12]

Cultural places

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There is a private chapel in Mülbach. The initials of Dieter Diesburg, who built the chapel in 1876, can be recognised on the door arch.[1] There is a community centre in the centre of the village, which also houses the fire station and serves as a meeting place for the village community. In the neighbouring municipality of Baustert is the church of St. Maximin, which belongs to the South Eifel parish of St. Matthias.[2]

Demographics

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Population development and age structure

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Over the past 30 years, the population has fluctuated within a range of about 10% up or down, remaining relatively stable. However, since 2016, the population has temporarily fallen below 100 for the first time in a long while due to deaths and emigration.[13]

According to population records, Mülbach had 102 inhabitants in 1990 increasing to 121 in 2001 and remaining at 121 in 2011. The 2022 census revealed a slight decline, bringing the number of inhabitants down to 107 inhabitants.[14]

The majority of the inhabitants of Mülbach belong to the Catholic faith. Most of the residents work in the nearby town of Bitburg or commute to Luxembourg.[2]

Mülbach religion chart[14]
Mülbach age groups chart[14]
Mülbach gender chart[14]
Mülbach citizenship chart[14]
As of the 2022 census, Mülbach’s population stands at 107, showing a slight decrease in recent years. The village has a predominantly Chatolic population, and many residents commute to Luxembourg for work, reflecting the economic ties between the regions. This cross-border commuting trend is common in smaller German villages near Luxembourg.[15]

Tourism

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Malberg Gastle

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The Malberg Castle (page in german), which is within reach of Mülbach is situated in Malberg, is a baroque castle founded on the headland of a hill on the Kyll, it can be visited on Saturdays from April until October.[16]

Eifelpark Gondorf

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Eifelpark Gondorf, close to Bitburg and Spangdahlem, offers an outing destination, offers both, an amusement park and a zoo within its 100-football-field area. It has over 60 attractions and more than 200 species of animals.[17]

Attractions

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  • Booster top dog: A new 50 meters looping carousel with suspended gondolas for a spin.
  • Wildlife crossing: An interactive ride with user-controlled vehicles.
  • Pirate island Log Flume: A 360 meters water ride featuring a 14 meters drop.
  • Eifel-Coaster: A 1.000 meters alpine coaster that speeds down hills at up to 40 kilometers per hour.

Additional rides include Captain Jack's Wild Mouse rollercoaster, a family free fall tower, and a range of toddler-friendly attractions.[17]

Wildlife and interactive fun

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The park houses deer, lynx, meerkats, kangaroos, and bears in widely structured enclosures. There are live animal feedings and dog shows featuring trainer Sandro. The park has also recently added alpacas for guest interaction.[17]

Play areas and themed experiences

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Wolsfelder AvD Bergrennen
LocationWolsfed, Germany
Coordinates49°54′30″N 6°27′29″E / 49.90833°N 6.45806°E / 49.90833; 6.45806
Opened1964
Major eventsHill climbing race
Websitehttps://emsc-bitburg.de/bergrennen/#toggle-id-4
Length1,640 km (1,019 miles)
Turns14
Race lap record1.00.90 (Herbert Stenger, Stenger BMW CN, 2004, racing cars)
Race lap record1.01.891 (Bruno Ianniello, Lancia Delta S4, 2010, touring car)

There are several themed play areas, including a climbing garden and western areas. The interactive digging playground allows children to operate mini excavators to dig and play.[17]

Special events

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On weekends and public holidays, there is a comedy shop show in the forest theatre, as well as a barefoot trail and activities such as milking competitions.[17]

Wolsfeld mountain race

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The day of the race is traditionally celebrated on Pentecost Monday. This event features a true sprint trial, which is the shortest mountain running course in Germany. The narrow, slanted slope does not forgive any driving mistakes, and high speeds are not achievable in this challenging environment. Drivers of less powerful vehicles can often gain significant advantages through their driving skills. In 2008, touring car driver Bruno Ianniello achieved overall victory for the fourth time, demonstrating that outsmarting race cars is possible at Wolsfeld. Every year, on the night of Pentecost Sunday, the "Bit Summer Night Festival" takes place under a big tent, adding to the festivities of the weekend.[18]

The difficulty of the race lies in the braking points and bumps that drivers must commit to memory. Every inch of the track can mean the difference between fractions of a second and victory. A mistake is often severely punished, as escape routes are nonexistent; trees, guardrails, and embankments define the course. The driver must maintain utmost concentration from the start, with the opponent being the stopwatch.

In a mountain race, the rider has three practice laps to familiarize themselves with the course. They must memorize all the turns to navigate the track flawlessly during the official race laps.[19]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Ortsgemeinde Mülbach". Verbandsgemeinde Bitburger Land (in German). Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  2. ^ a b c "Mülbach - Infrastruktur". Verbandsgemeinde Bitburger Land (in German). Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  3. ^ a b Veres, D. (2016). Die Eifelregion: Eine geologische Geschichte [The Eifel Region: A Geological History] (in German). Bonn, Germany: Eifel Geological Society. ISBN 978-3-946071-00-3. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  4. ^ Sirocko, Frank (2016). "The ELSA-Vegetation-Stack: Reconstruction of Landscape Evolution Zones (LEZ) from laminated Eifel maar sediments of the last 60,000 years". Global and Planetary Change. 142: 108–135. doi:10.1016/j.gloplacha.2016.03.005.
  5. ^ "Climate & Weather Averages in Mülbach, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany". www.timeanddate.com. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
  6. ^ Schenk, Joep. "Coal, iron ore and the rise of the Rotterdam-Ruhr relationship, 1850–1914." Transnational Regions in Historical Perspective. Routledge, 2019. 57-102.
  7. ^ Kisch, Herbert. "The textile industries in Silesia and the Rhineland: a comparative study in industrialization." The Journal of Economic History 19.4 (1959): 541-564.
  8. ^ Netchev, S. (2024, April 03). Allied Strategic Bombing of Germany, 1940 - 1945. World History Encyclopedia. from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18762/allied-strategic-bombing-of-germany-1940---1945/ Retrieved 2024-11-15 16:38
  9. ^ "Welcome to Rhineland-Palatinate . Internetportal des Landes Rheinland-Pfalz". www.rlp.de. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
  10. ^ "Wahlkreise - Die Bundeswahlleiterin (German, non-English Site)". www.bundeswahlleiterin.de. Retrieved 2024-11-13.
  11. ^ "Mülbach - Gemeinderat". Verbandsgemeinde Bitburger Land (in German). Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  12. ^ "Mülbach - Wappen/Literatur". Verbandsgemeinde Bitburger Land (in German). Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  13. ^ Informations taken directly from the Mayor of the town
  14. ^ a b c d e "Mülbach (Bitburg-Prüm, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany) - Population Statistics, Charts, Map, Location, Weather and Web Information". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  15. ^ "Mülbach Population Statistics". City Population. 2022. Retrieved 2024-11-12.
  16. ^ "Schloss Malberg & Gärten".
  17. ^ a b c d e "The amusement park / theme park tip for a vacation in Germany in the Eifel". Eifelpark Gondorf | Amusementpark | Themepark Germany. Retrieved 2024-11-08.
  18. ^ Bubel, Thomas (2010-03-27). "Wolsfelder AvD Hill Climb". Bergrennen in Deutschland. Archived from the original on 2015-11-18.
  19. ^ Betzen, Mario. "Wolsfelder Bergrennen". emsc-bitburg. Retrieved 2024-11-19.
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