Origin
A family adventure becomes a lifelong mission
Origin
A family adventure becomes a lifelong mission
Origin
A family adventure becomes a lifelong mission
How it all began
In 1984, Karola and Dieter Koch discovered the campsite Harfenmühle in the Hunsrück near Idar-Oberstein while on vacation with their three children. The site, idyllically located between woods and a creek, was up for sale – and even during the vacation, the dream of a new life emerged: Camping Adventure. Back in Krefeld, the family made a bold decision: Their own installation and sanitation company was sold, and together with Karola's brother Günther Müller, they developed a fresh concept for the campsite.
Back home, they sold their plumbing and installation company in Krefeld and together with Karola's brother Günther Müller, developed a new concept for the site.
The entry into the para-hospitality sector began in the same year – with a lot of courage, energy, and passion.
Thus, the campsite became a place where hospitality, connection to nature, and family closeness are still palpable today.
How it all began
In 1984, Karola and Dieter Koch discovered the campsite Harfenmühle in the Hunsrück near Idar-Oberstein while on vacation with their three children. The site, idyllically located between woods and a creek, was up for sale – and even during the vacation, the dream of a new life emerged: Camping Adventure. Back in Krefeld, the family made a bold decision: Their own installation and sanitation company was sold, and together with Karola's brother Günther Müller, they developed a fresh concept for the campsite.
In 1984, Karola and Dieter Koch discovered the campsite Harfenmühle in the Hunsrück near Idar-Oberstein while on vacation with their three children. The site, idyllically located between woods and a creek, was up for sale – and even during the vacation, the dream of a new life emerged: Camping Adventure. Back in Krefeld, the family made a bold decision: Their own installation and sanitation company was sold, and together with Karola's brother Günther Müller, they developed a fresh concept for the campsite.
How it all began
In 1984, Karola and Dieter Koch discovered the campsite Harfenmühle in the Hunsrück near Idar-Oberstein while on vacation with their three children. The site, idyllically located between woods and a creek, was up for sale – and even during the vacation, the dream of a new life emerged: Camping Adventure. Back in Krefeld, the family made a bold decision: Their own installation and sanitation company was sold, and together with Karola's brother Günther Müller, they developed a fresh concept for the campsite.
Back home, they sold their plumbing and installation company in Krefeld and together with Karola's brother Günther Müller, developed a new concept for the site.
The entry into the para-hospitality sector began in the same year – with a lot of courage, energy, and passion.
Thus, the campsite became a place where hospitality, connection to nature, and family closeness are still palpable today.
Sparkling fascination
The Harfenmühle is located in the middle of the EdelSteinLand, a region that has been known for centuries for its unique agates, amethysts, and rock crystals. In the past, the wealth of gemstones shaped the lives of the people around Idar-Oberstein – and even today they exert a very special fascination.
For us, this regional treasure is naturally part of the holiday experience. Therefore, gem searching in the stream directly at the campsite is an essential part of the stay – especially for children, it's a real highlight! And many little treasures bring shining eyes and unforgettable holiday moments.
Sparkling fascination
The Harfenmühle is located in the middle of the EdelSteinLand, a region that has been known for centuries for its unique agates, amethysts, and rock crystals. In the past, the wealth of gemstones shaped the lives of the people around Idar-Oberstein – and even today they exert a very special fascination.
The Harfenmühle is located in the middle of the EdelSteinLand, a region that has been known for centuries for its unique agates, amethysts, and rock crystals. In the past, the wealth of gemstones shaped the lives of the people around Idar-Oberstein – and even today they exert a very special fascination.
Sparkling fascination
The Harfenmühle is located in the middle of the EdelSteinLand, a region that has been known for centuries for its unique agates, amethysts, and rock crystals. In the past, the wealth of gemstones shaped the lives of the people around Idar-Oberstein – and even today they exert a very special fascination.
For us, this regional treasure is naturally part of the holiday experience. Therefore, gem searching in the stream directly at the campsite is an essential part of the stay – especially for children, it's a real highlight! And many little treasures bring shining eyes and unforgettable holiday moments.
Family path with a view
1999 the next generation follows in the footsteps of Karola and Dieter Koch: son Marco and his wife Carina take on responsibility – initially with the establishment of their own catering business. Shortly thereafter, daughter Tanja with her husband Benjamin as well as Timo, who returns as a trained cook after his wandering years. The family grows together – and so does the space.
For over ten years, the family ran an excellent gourmet restaurant that gained recognition far beyond the region. However, a joint decision was eventually made: The energy belongs to the place. Today, all generations are pooling their strengths in the further development of Camping Harfenmühle – with heart, experience, and a focus on what matters: the guest experience in the midst of nature.
Family path with a view
1999 the next generation follows in the footsteps of Karola and Dieter Koch: son Marco and his wife Carina take on responsibility – initially with the establishment of their own catering business. Shortly thereafter, daughter Tanja with her husband Benjamin as well as Timo, who returns as a trained cook after his wandering years. The family grows together – and so does the space.
1999 the next generation follows in the footsteps of Karola and Dieter Koch: son Marco and his wife Carina take on responsibility – initially with the establishment of their own catering business. Shortly thereafter, daughter Tanja with her husband Benjamin as well as Timo, who returns as a trained cook after his wandering years. The family grows together – and so does the space.
Family path with a view
1999 the next generation follows in the footsteps of Karola and Dieter Koch: son Marco and his wife Carina take on responsibility – initially with the establishment of their own catering business. Shortly thereafter, daughter Tanja with her husband Benjamin as well as Timo, who returns as a trained cook after his wandering years. The family grows together – and so does the space.
For over ten years, the family ran an excellent gourmet restaurant that gained recognition far beyond the region. However, a joint decision was eventually made: The energy belongs to the place. Today, all generations are pooling their strengths in the further development of Camping Harfenmühle – with heart, experience, and a focus on what matters: the guest experience in the midst of nature.
Where nature writes history
2009 was awarded as the most beautiful long-distance hiking trail in Germany – a milestone for the hiking region around the Harfenmühle. The trail leads through impressive low mountain landscapes between Moselle, Nahe and Rhine, over forested ridges, along quiet valleys and rustic rock paths – and just a few kilometers away, the next adventure begins.
With the opening of the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park in 2015, the natural environment around the campsite was additionally enhanced. Block piles, Rossel heaps, hanging moors, and ancient beech forests shape the landscape. Those who hike here today feel: Nature tells its own story – of geological power, wild beauty, and the quiet protection of rare animal and plant species.
Where nature writes history
2009 was awarded as the most beautiful long-distance hiking trail in Germany – a milestone for the hiking region around the Harfenmühle. The trail leads through impressive low mountain landscapes between Moselle, Nahe and Rhine, over forested ridges, along quiet valleys and rustic rock paths – and just a few kilometers away, the next adventure begins.
2009 was awarded as the most beautiful long-distance hiking trail in Germany – a milestone for the hiking region around the Harfenmühle. The trail leads through impressive low mountain landscapes between Moselle, Nahe and Rhine, over forested ridges, along quiet valleys and rustic rock paths – and just a few kilometers away, the next adventure begins.
Where nature writes history
2009 was awarded as the most beautiful long-distance hiking trail in Germany – a milestone for the hiking region around the Harfenmühle. The trail leads through impressive low mountain landscapes between Moselle, Nahe and Rhine, over forested ridges, along quiet valleys and rustic rock paths – and just a few kilometers away, the next adventure begins.
With the opening of the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park in 2015, the natural environment around the campsite was additionally enhanced. Block piles, Rossel heaps, hanging moors, and ancient beech forests shape the landscape. Those who hike here today feel: Nature tells its own story – of geological power, wild beauty, and the quiet protection of rare animal and plant species.
The next generation is growing up with
Over the years, not only does the campsite grow, but so does the family. Dieter and Karola are happy about three grandchildren:
Lea, Claire, and Alice – the next generation, curious and enthusiastic to be part of family life at the Harfenmühle.
The next generation is growing up with
Over the years, not only does the campsite grow, but so does the family. Dieter and Karola are happy about three grandchildren:
Over the years, not only does the campsite grow, but so does the family. Dieter and Karola are happy about three grandchildren:
The next generation is growing up with
Over the years, not only does the campsite grow, but so does the family. Dieter and Karola are happy about three grandchildren:
Lea, Claire, and Alice – the next generation, curious and enthusiastic to be part of family life at the Harfenmühle.
Quality is not a state – but a path.
The Harfenmühle is continuously developing - with a clear goal: high quality and reliable service for our guests.
This claim has also been recognized: 2006 the place received four stars from the German Tourism Association, and 2015 saw the upgrade to five stars.
Whether modernized parking spaces, comfortable rental accommodations, new leisure activities for all generations, or sustainable energy technology – we continuously invest in the further development of our site.
Because: Stagnation is not an option for us. Every step is discussed together – as a family, with the team, and with an open ear for the wishes of our guests.
Quality is not a state – but a path.
The Harfenmühle is continuously developing - with a clear goal: high quality and reliable service for our guests.
This claim has also been recognized: 2006 the place received four stars from the German Tourism Association, and 2015 saw the upgrade to five stars.
The Harfenmühle is continuously developing - with a clear goal: high quality and reliable service for our guests.
This claim has also been recognized: 2006 the place received four stars from the German Tourism Association, and 2015 saw the upgrade to five stars.
Quality is not a state – but a path.
The Harfenmühle is continuously developing - with a clear goal: high quality and reliable service for our guests.
This claim has also been recognized: 2006 the place received four stars from the German Tourism Association, and 2015 saw the upgrade to five stars.
Whether modernized parking spaces, comfortable rental accommodations, new leisure activities for all generations, or sustainable energy technology – we continuously invest in the further development of our site.
Because: Stagnation is not an option for us. Every step is discussed together – as a family, with the team, and with an open ear for the wishes of our guests.
