Bad Marienberg - Through the Bacher Lay nature reserve with Pfaffenmal - M4

Description

Nature, water and basalt - this is how you could describe the M4 circular hiking trail. In the idyllic Bacher Lay you can still see the remains of former basalt mining. In the meantime, however, nature has reclaimed its space and shows itself with rare plants, colourful butterflies and lots of green. In winter, a few dead plants and trees left to their own devices create a morbid atmosphere that is only surpassed by the icy basalt wall.

The Pfaffenmal, a natural monument, can be reached via a short detour after leaving the Bacher Lay and climbing the first few metres towards Stockhausen-Illfurth. On a plaque you can read the legend of the dwarves at the Pfaffenmal, who once guarded gold and silver.

Back in Bad Marienberg, you can enjoy free wellness for your feet on the barefoot path in the Park of the Senses. In the adjacent apothecary garden you will find herbs whose effects and uses are explained on display boards.

Approach

- From Cologne: A3 exit Hennef/Sieg via B8 and B414 to Bad Marienberg.

- From Frankfurt: A3 exit Limburg via B54 and B414 to Bad Marienberg

- From Dortmund: A45 exit Haiger/Burbach via B54 and B414 to Bad Marienberg

- From Giessen: A45 exit Herborn via B255 and B414 to Bad Marienberg

- From Koblenz: A48 and A3 exit Montabaur via B255 to Bad Marienberg

Public transport

Nistertal/Bad Marienberg railway station, bus no. 483 or 962 to Bad Marienberg, Neuer Weg bus stop.

The bus only runs Monday-Friday!

www.bahn.de

Parking

Free parking at the Tourist Info, Wilhelmstraße 10, 56470 Bad Marienberg

Directions

Follow the M4 marking up Wilhelmstraße and past the Protestant church. Turn right and follow the path to the Marienquelle spring. After 1 km you reach the Bacher Lay nature reserve, a former basalt quarry with an imposing basalt stone wall.

Then turn right at the first houses and take a detour to visit the Pfaffenmal natural monument 150 m away, an approx. 18 m high basalt dome with pillars in milestone position.

Return briefly, then take the M4 up to the heights past the Stockhausen-Illfurth cemetery, cross the L 295 and return downhill to Bad Marienberg.Finally, the trail leads through the Park of the Senses before ending at the tourist information office.

Safety instructions

Especially in autumn, be aware that leaves lying on the ground can hide bumps, roots, stones or holes in the path.

Path impairments of this kind are to be expected on every hike.

Equipment

Sturdy shoes are recommended, as well as appropriate clothing for the weather, which protects against cold and wet or heat and sun.

Also take enough liquid with you, there are no refreshment stops along the way.

Tips

You should definitely make a photo stop at the impressive basalt wall in the Bacher Lay. Especially beautiful in winter with ice and snow.

Literature

The map "Hiking trails in the Westerwald" of the regions Bad Marienberg, Rennerod and Westerburg is available for € 5.95 at the Tourist Info.

Scale 1:25,000

Destination

At the Tourist Info, Wilhelmstraße 10, 56470 Bad Marienberg

Starting Point

At the Tourist Info, Wilhelmstraße 10, 56470 Bad Marienberg