Druidensteig - Stage 1 From Freusburg to Herdorf

Description

The 1 to 20 million year old namesake of this quality hiking trail, the legendary Druidenstein (National Geotope), welcomes us on this first stage in its extremely powerful form and, as a natural monument, is at the same time "the geological highlight" of our hike. From the Freusburg, which towers high above the Siegtal, the hiking tour runs in the Druiden.Hexen.SiegerLand of the Verbandsgemeinde Kirchen (Sieg) first to the Kahlberg with a unique view from the Ottoturm (GeoBlick) into the Siegtal and the Westerwald. In addition to the Freusburger Mühle, above Kirchen-Herkersdorf, we experience an even artistically designed historical Way of the Cross from the 1920s. In the stage destination Herdorf-Sassenroth, it is essential to plan a visit to the mining museum of the Altenkirchen district. This is a mining world for young and old. A complete mine was built in the basement of the museum based on the original locations in the region.

Approach

Arriving by car

You can get here by car via the B 62 federal road to Freusburg (between Kirchen and Siegen). Here you leave the main road and follow the signs towards the Freusburg Youth Hostel as far as Kapellenweg in Alt-Freusburg.

Public transport

Arrival by public transport

The journey takes place as far as the Freusburg-Siedlung train stop. The stop is served by the Westerwald-Sieg-Bahn (RB90) and the Rothaar-Bahn (RB93), which also connect the stations in Kirchen, Betzdorf and Siegen.

Timetable information at www.dreilaenderbahn.de

An approximately 2 km long marked access path (yellow Druidensteig sign) connects the Freusburg-Siedlung train stop with the stage start in the center of Freusburg, Kapellenweg. You can download the corresponding access at https://www.druiden-steig.de/cms/index.php/downloads/gpx-tracks.

Back to the start of the stage

There is a train stop in Herdorf-Sassenroth. From here the Hellertalbahn (RB96) also runs to Betzdorf on Sundays and public holidays. At Betzdorf station, you can change to the Westerwald-Sieg-Bahn (RB90) or the Rothaar-Bahn (RB93), both of which stop at the Freusburg-Siedlung train station.

Timetable information at www.dreilaenderbahn.de

Parking

Free parking at the end of the Kapellenweg in Freusburg (opposite the cemetery/Ev. Chapel).

Navi input: Kapellenweg 10, 57548 Kirchen (Sieg)

Directions

You start your hike directly in front of the train station building (now Restaurant Casa) on Bahnhofstrasse in Kirchen and follow the Druidensteig markings across the Siegauen to the Freusburger Mühle. Our hiking trail climbs slightly over the so-called Queckhahn and leads you on to Katzenbach. Here the Hotel Zum Weißen Stein invites you to take a break. Your next destination is the lookout point with the 19 m high Ottoturm on the Kahlberg. You should definitely not miss this view. So you have to climb the 102 steps to be rewarded with a wonderful panoramic view.

You can enjoy views of Herkersdorf via forest and meadow paths and subsequent hiking trails and a little later you reach a historic Stations of the Cross. If you follow this further, you suddenly find yourself in front of the Druidenstein, which is of national importance and shrouded in legend. Treat yourself to a long break and let this ancient rock have its effect on you, knowing that you have managed most of the climbs of the day. Several information boards inform you that in the 1950s and 60s open-air plays were regularly held here in front of the natural monument and that the stands at that time had space for an impressive 1200 visitors. You discover a free-standing wooden druid and other wooden sculptures on tree stumps by the chainsaw artist Robin Rosenthal from Niederfischbach. These include the Herke and other motifs based on an old Celtic legend.

From now on, the route goes downhill towards Hellertal and then over the so-called Wasserberg. You occasionally notice so-called pinges (deep pits) that are reminiscent of the open-cast mines from the mining era. You are impressed by the great view of Herdorf and descend to Sassenroth. A little later you will see the destination of your stage, the mining museum of the Altenkirchen district.

Safety instructions

If you are of the opinion that certain sections of the path are not accessible to you, then you should avoid them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, near-natural paths can lead to muddy and slippery passages. Particularly in autumn, it is important to ensure that the leaves lying on the ground can cover bumps, roots, stones or holes in the path. You should expect this kind of obstacle to the path when you go on a hike. Although the path is consistently very well marked, you should always have a suitable hiking map with you for safety reasons.

Equipment

Wear sturdy shoes and suitable clothing that is suitable for the weather and protects you from the cold and wet or from the heat and sun. Take plenty of fluids with you. There are not many places to stop for refreshments. Please put on suitable hiking shoes along the way, which will give you sufficient support even on slippery and steep or rocky and uneven paths.

Tips

In addition to the legendary Druidenstein, the show mine in the Sassenroth Mining Museum, www.kreis-altenkirchen.de/BERGBAUMUSEUM, is highly recommended.

Literature

Een KOMPASS-wandelkaart noord, inclusief de Druidensteig, is verkrijgbaar bij de Westerwald-winkel op https://www.westerwald-shop.info/epages/17784951.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/17784951/Products/129.

Destination

Geo-Info Center Mining Museum Herdorf-Sassenroth, Schulstrasse 13, 57562 Herdorf-Sassenroth

Starting Point

Otto Pfeiffer Museum, Burgstrasse 11, 57548 Kirchen-Freusburg