Gerolstein (Verbandsgemeinde)
Gerolstein is a Verbandsgemeinde (collective municipality) in the Vulkaneifel district of Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. A Verbandsgemeinde is a type of administrative division unique to some states in Germany, essentially a collective municipality that handles administrative tasks for a group of smaller, independent municipalities.
The Verbandsgemeinde of Gerolstein is located in the heart of the Volcanic Eifel region. Its seat is in the town of Gerolstein, which is also one of the constituent municipalities.
The Verbandsgemeinde is responsible for various administrative functions, including but not limited to:
- Infrastructure (roads, water supply, sewage treatment)
- Schools
- Fire and rescue services
- Social services
- Land-use planning
The Verbandsgemeinde of Gerolstein consists of the following municipalities (Ortsgemeinden):
- Basberg
- Berlingen
- Birresborn
- Densborn
- Dohm-Lammersdorf
- Gerolstein
- Gees
- Hillesheim
- Jünkerath
- Kalenborn-Scheuern
- Kerpen (Eifel)
- Kopp
- Mürlenbach
- Neroth
- Nohn
- Oberbettingen
- Oberehe-Stroheich
- Rockeskyll
- Salm
- Scheid
- Schüller
- Steffeln
The local council (Verbandsgemeinderat) is the main governing body of the Verbandsgemeinde. Its members are elected by the citizens of the constituent municipalities. The head of the Verbandsgemeinde is the Bürgermeister (mayor), who is directly elected.
The region is known for its volcanic landscape, including maars (volcanic crater lakes) and other geological features. Tourism is an important part of the local economy, with hiking and cycling being popular activities. The Gerolsteiner Brunnen mineral water company is also a significant employer in the area.