Westerwald-Steig Stage 13: Flammersfeld - Horhausen (East - West)

Description

From Flammersfeld, the Westerwald-Steig trail continues on a via ferrata and past the viewing point at Döttesfeld to the Grenzbach Valley. The roughly 12 kilometre long valley connects the districts of Neuwied and Altenkirchen. Here, at the Hölderstein mountain, advanced climbers will find another highlight of the Westerwald-Steig trail – a climbing route which leads to an idyllic vantage point overlooking the Grenzbach Valley. Alternatively, you can take another steep path down into the Grenzbach Valley.

Brief description

This stage of the trail runs from Flammersfeld through the Wied Valley to the viewing point in Döttesfeld. After ascending to the Hölderstein mountain and hiking through the restored Grenzbach Valley, the stage ends in Horhausen.

Approach

From the north and west: A3 to the Bad Honnef/Linz exit (34), then continue on the L272 towards Asbach and Flammersfeld
From the east: via the B256, B413 and B414 and the B8 in the north
From the south: A3 to the Neuwied/Altenkirchen exit (36), then continue on the B256 towards Flammersfeld and Altenkirchen

Public transport

Oberwesterwaldbahn train from Au-Limburg to the stop at Altenkirchen (WW), then by bus to the stop at Flammersfeld town hall: bus no. 120
Return journey from Horhausen to Flammersfeld: bus no. 120, 132
www.vectus-online.de
www.mb-bus.de

Parking

Flammersfeld, entrance to the village near the Raiffeisen museum (Raiffeisenstraße 11)

Directions

From Flammersfeld, the Westerwald-Steig trail leads past the zoo through the valley towards Seifen. It continues on through the village of Döttesfeld along the River Wied, before ascending on the via ferrata to the viewing point. The 12 kilometre long Grenzbach Valley which follows forms the border between the districts of Newied and Altenkirchen. You will also find a Nordic walking park jointly run by the municipalities of Puderbach and Flammersfeld here. The highlight of the stage is the ascent to the Hölderstein, with its beautiful view of the restored Grenzbach Valley, where herds of cattle graze peacefully. The Hölderstein itself offers yet another highlight – a 200m climbing course with large metal rings, stirrups, spikes, 3 ladders and a bridge – allowing you to climb 80 metres. This course is part of the Westerwald-Steig trail. The necessary climbing equipment can be rented at the 'zum Wiedbachtal' hotel, Wiedstraße 14, in Döttesfeld. The trail continues through the Grenzbach Valley, reaching the viewing point at Pleckhausen after a short climb, before descending into the valley once more. Shortly afterwards, the trail arrives in Horhausen, where this stage ends.
Access paths (marking: green W on a yellow background)

Safety instructions

Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate, weatherproof clothing that protects you from cold and wet or heat and sun.Take enough liquid with you. There are not always places to stop for refreshments.Please wear walking shoes appropriate for the trail, which will give you sufficient grip even on slippery and steep or rocky and uneven paths.If you are of the opinion that certain sections of the trail are not passable for you, then you should avoid them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, muddy and slippery passages can occur on natural paths.Especially in autumn, you should also be aware that leaves lying on the ground can hide uneven surfaces, roots, stones or holes in the path. You must expect path impairments of this kind when you undertake a hike.Although the trail is very well marked throughout, you should always have a suitable hiking map with you for safety reasons.

Equipment

Hiking boots/shoes
Suitable weatherproof clothing

Tips

For climbing enthusiasts: climbing course on the Hölderstein (www.puderbacher-land.de)

Literature

- Wanderkarte-Leporello Westerwald-Steig, hiking map with GPS data and tips for day trips, rest stops and leisure activities, map size (w x h): 18 x 20 cm, 39 pages in total, including 29 pages of maps, ISBN 978-3-89920-461-2, €8.95 - Official WesterWaldSteig trail map for hikers and holidaymakers, 1:50 000 scale map, LVermGeo Rheinland-Pfalz, ISBN 978-3-89637-406-6, €8.50

Destination

Horhausen

Starting Point

Flammersfeld