Druidensteig - Stage 3 From Daaden to Elkenrother Weiher

Description

Several nature and bird sanctuaries underline the natural landscape of the Westerwald during the third stage of the Druidensteig. Before we start our hike, it is advisable to get to know the mining town of Daaden with its baroque church, the local museum and the town center with its ornate half-timbered houses. On the approximately 14 km long hiking route, the information point on the Schimmerich tells about the former basalt mining. In Friedewald, the castle there stands out with its distinctive onion dome and massive wooden gate. Furthermore, today we reach the highest point of the entire Druidensteig with a height of 508 meters above sea level near Langenbach near Kirburg. The meadow paths over the plateau of the Neunkhausen-Weitefeld plateau are simply wonderful. Not far away is the Elkenrother Weiher, which is also the destination of this stage. We learn more about the occurrences on brown coal seams and the sticky sand pits.

Approach

Arriving by car

In Daaden, turn off the L 280 into Bahnhofstrasse. Before the level crossing, keep left towards the parking lot and do not turn right towards the train station.

Public transport

Arrival by public transport

The Daadetalbahn connects the Daaden train station to the train station in Betzdorf.

Daadetalbahn timetable information: www.dreilaenderbahn.de

Daaden is connected to the cities of Herdorf and Kirchen via the 295 bus. On weekends the line can be ordered by phone.

Timetable information Westerwaldbus GmbH: www.westerwaldbus.de

Back to the start of the stage

The Westerwaldbus line 276 drives back to Daaden daily from the church in Elkenroth. The “Hachenburger Straße” stop is in the city center. The yellow-black marked access path to the train station or the starting point runs past here.

Timetable information: www.westerwaldbus.de

Alternatively, you can continue hiking from Elkenroth on the Druidensteig to the Hexeneiche and via the yellow-black marked access paths to Niederdreisbach or Schutzbach Go to the Daadetalbahn stations. From here, the Daaden or Betzdorf train stations are regularly connected.

Timetable information: www.dreilaenderbahn.de

Parking

Numerous free parking spaces are available at the end of Bahnhofstraße in Daaden.

Navi input: Bahnhofstraße 6, 57567 Daaden

A yellow-black marked access path to the Druidensteig leads from the parking lot to the starting point at the local history museum in the city center.

Directions

The local history museum in Daaden is the starting point of our today's stage to Elkenrother Weiher. First allow yourself some time to explore the pretty mining town of Daaden extensively. From the local history museum itself to the baroque church to neat half-timbered houses, Daaden, which has had town charter since 2016, not only offers an insight into the history of mining and metallurgy, but also the opportunity to take a little stroll. Cafes and restaurants invite you to stop. Strengthened, we go on a hike and follow the marking of the Druidensteig over a staircase towards the baroque church. It is worth taking a look inside the church, because the richly decorated organ stage above the altar is unique in the region. Now we leave the mining town and take our time on the crisp ascent to Berg Kohlgarten, where we meet a large barbecue hut, ideal for a short break. Now the GEOROUTE of the Druidensteig runs relatively flat to the Schimmerich (former basalt mining area). From a vantage point we overlook the nature reserve with a mining lake. You will soon reach Friedewald with its castle that can be seen from afar. On the outskirts we let our minds dangle in the blooming meadows and on the numerous benches and enjoy the views. We reach the center of Friedewald and the imposing castle builds up in front of us. We march over a narrow forest path on the Galgenberg and encounter large basalt blocks. In front of us is the Neunkhausen-Weitefelder-Plateau and we reach the highest point of the entire Druidensteig at 508 m. The GEOROUTE touches one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the Westerwald. For example, in addition to cranes and lapwing, the rare Laro Limikolen also feel at home here. The Westerwald high plateau presents itself here as a mosaic landscape worth protecting, including. also with small moors and wet meadows. We made it for today and arrive at our stage destination, the Elkenrother Weiher, where we cover the last few meters on a footpath and nature trail.

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. Especially 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

The small local museum in Daaden is worth a visit, we discover many treasures. Information at www.daaden.de/tourismus/heimatmuseum/

Literature

A KOMPASS hiking map north including the Druidensteig is available from the Westerwald shop at https://www.westerwald-shop.info/epages/17784951.sf/de_DE/?ObjectPath=/Shops/17784951/Products/129

Destination

Elkenrother Weiher, Weitefelder Strasse, 57578 Elkenroth

Starting Point

Daaden local history museum, Im Schützenhof 6, 57567 Daaden