Westerwald-Steig Stage 15: Strauscheid - Waldbreitbach (East - West)

Description

We walk from Strauscheid into the Wied hills to the Weißenfelser Ley, a steep rock slope on the River Wied with a hikers' shelter and a great view of the Wied Valley. From Roßbach, the trail loops around the 340m high Roßbacher Häubchen. Waldbreitbach has been called the pearl of the Middle Wied Valley and also the Christmas crib village. A display of more than 1,000 cribs in all shapes and sizes can be seen the whole year round here.

Brief description

The trail leads from Strauscheid up to the viewing points on the Weißenfelser Ley and Roßbacher Häubchen, both in the Wied hills, and down again along the banks of the River Wied to Waldbreitbach.

Approach

A3 to the Neustadt (Wied) exit (35), continue on the K78 to Strauscheid

Public transport

Train to Neuwied, then with bus no. 131 to the stop at Strauscheid junction, from here walk for approx. 1.6km on the K78 to join the Westerwald-Steig trail
Return journey from Waldbreitbach to Strauscheid: bus no. 131 to the stop at Strauscheid junction, or take a taxi.
www.bahn.de
www.vrminfo.de

Parking

Strauscheid, 'Westerwälder Hof' hotel (Kurstraße 10) and at the entrance to the village

Directions

We walk from Strauscheid through tranquil woodland to the Weißenfelser Ley, a steep rock slope on the River Wied with a hikers' shelter and a great view of the Wied Valley. The white helleborine, a particularly rare and beautiful type of orchid, blooms here at the beginning of May. We then walk around Weißenfels and make a quick detour just before reaching Roßbach to see the 340m high Roßbacher Häubchen. From the top, there is a 360-degree view of the area, stretching as far as the Eifel and the Siebengebirge mountain range. We continue to Roßbach itself and follow the River Wied to Walburg Castle. The trail continues uphill on narrow paths to Over, with its magnificent view of Waldbreitbach. Waldbreitbach has been called the pearl of the Wied Valley and also the Christmas crib village. A display of more than 1,000 cribs in all shapes and sizes can be seen the whole year round. The 8.5m high manger, the largest natural tree root crib in the world, is built every year in the Catholic parish church. Near the River Wied is an oil mill, the oldest of its kind in the Rhineland. Scheid’s mill stands directly opposite. The mill, which dates from the 17th/18th century, and the village forge both make for good photo opportunities.
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 great views: Weißenfelser Ley and Roßbacher Häubchen
For crib lovers: visit the crib displays in Waldbreitbach

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

Waldbreitbach

Starting Point

Strauscheid