Druidensteig - Stage 5 from Betzdorf to Steinebach

Description

The shortest stage of the Druidensteig is a tough one. First, you have to master the climb up to Steinerother Kopf. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view over the Westerwald. You then descend into the idyllic Elbbach valley. The Dickendorf mill is a special historical site here. The second ascent of this stage up to the "Weißer Gaul" also needs to be mastered before you reach your destination, the Bindweide visitor mine. From here, you can continue to Gebhardshain via an access path.

Public transport

Travelling by public transport

The railway station in Betzdorf is well connected. The Rhein-Sieg-Express stops here on its route between Aachen and Siegen. The Westerwald-Sieg railway, which runs between Siegen and Limburg (Lahn), also stops here. The Rothaarbahn railway runs from Betzdorf to Bad Berleburg, the Hellertal-Bahn railway to Dillenburg and the Daadetal-Bahn railway to Daaden. From the railway station in Betzdorf, a yellow and black marked access route leads to the starting point of the stage.

Timetable information: www.dreilaenderbahn.de and www.rheinsiegexpress.de

Back to the start of the stage

From the Bindweide visitor mine, follow the yellow and black marked access route to the centre of Steinebach. At the motorbike museum in Hauptstraße, there is a bus stop on bus route 271, which also runs regularly to Betzdorf at weekends and on public holidays. There you can get off at the ‘Römerweg’ stop, where the Druidensteig trail passes. Alternatively, you can drive to the railway station in Betzdorf and walk back to the starting point in ‘Engelsteinstraße’ via the yellow and black marked access path.

Parking

Parking is available on the roadside in Engelsteinstraße in Betzdorf (enter Engelsteinstraße, 57518 Betzdorf into the navigation system).

Directions

Stage 5 is the shortest stage of the Druidensteig with a length of only approx. 9 kilometers. The long-distance hiking trail now leaves the Siegtal valley near Betzdorf for the last time and takes you to Steinebach an der Sieg.

From Betzdorf, the hiking trail climbs over 200 meters in altitude to the Steinerother Kopf. However, the many distant views at Dauersberg and Steineroth give you plenty of opportunity for short breaks. From the former basalt quarry at Steinerother Kopf, you can enjoy a special view over the northern Westerwald to the Bergisches Land region from the small picnic area.

In the Elbbach valley, the hiking trail leads you to the historic Dickendorfermühle mill with its original grinder. Stop here and enjoy a delicious piece of cake made by the owners themselves. From here, the ascent to the "Weißer Gaul" begins - here you will climb another 100 meters in altitude. On this ridge, the Druidensteig trail once again leads into an ore mining area. Traces of open-cast mining and the remains of small tunnels can be found along the trail.

In Steinebach an der Sieg, the stage finish is at the visitor mine Grube Bindweide. The Geoinformation Center of the Westerwald-Lahn-Taunus Geopark offers the opportunity to travel underground on an original mine train to the historic mining sites.

In addition to some offers in Steinebach a. d. Sieg, there are further offers for catering, accommodation and gastronomy in Gebhardshain. The village is connected to the Druidensteig trail via a 2-kilometer access route.

Safety instructions

• If you are of the opinion that certain sections of the trail are not suitable for you, then you should avoid them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, muddy and slippery passages can occur on near-natural paths.
• In autumn in particular, you should be aware that leaves lying on the ground can hide uneven surfaces, roots, stones or holes in the path. You have to reckon with this type of path impairment when you go on a hike.
• Although the trail is very well marked throughout, you should always have a suitable hiking map with you for safety reasons or download the free "Experience Rhineland-Palatinate" app.

Equipment

• Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing that is suitable for the weather and protects you from the cold and wet or the heat and sun.
• Take enough liquid with you. Refreshment stops are not available everywhere.
• Please wear hiking boots that are suitable for the route and offer sufficient grip even on slippery and steep or rocky and uneven paths.

Tips

The ride on the mine train in the Bindweide visitor mine is a special experience. Delicious cakes await you at the Dickendorfer Mühle.

Literature

A KOMPASS North hiking map including the Druidensteig is available from the Westerwald Shop.

Destination

Bindweide mine visitor mine

Starting Point

Betzdorf