WesterwaldSteig adventure loop "Grüner Steig and Seenweg"

Description

Along the WesterwaldSteig ‘Grüner Steig and Seenweg’ adventure loop, you will pass the Secker Weiher pond, where you can stop for a bite to eat. Before entering the wild and romantic Holzbach Gorge, we recommend a stop at the Hofcafe, which is known for its delicious cakes. In Gemünden, it is worth making a detour to the collegiate church. Towards Westerburg, the Katzenstein memorial offers a fantastic view over the WällerLand. Back at the Wiesensee lake, you can use the hiking swing in front of the Wällerland tourist information centre to relax. The natural beauty will reward you for many a climb along the trail!

Approach

From Westerburg via the L294 to Hergenroth, in the centre of the village turn right onto the K54 to Stahlhofen am Wiesensee and there in the centre of the village turn right again towards the Lindner Hotel am Wiesensee. After a few 100 metres you will find the large car park in front of the Tourist Information on the left-hand side.

Public transport

From Montabaur ICE train station, take bus line 460 to Westerburg (stop "Altes Katasteramt") and change there to bus line 480 to the "Winner Ufer, Stahlhofen am Wiesensee" bus stop (both lines run daily). From Westerburg train station, take bus line 480 to the "Winner Ufer, Stahlhofen am Wiesensee" bus stop (daily).

www.vrminfo.de

Parking

Free parking at the Tourist Information on Lake Wiesen, Winner Ufer 956459 Stahlhofen am Wiesensee.

Directions

This tour takes you for almost 20 km through some very beautiful areas of the Westerburg region and the outskirts of the High Westerwald. These include the Wiesensee (ATTENTION: the Wiesensee is currently empty!), the Große Weiher, and the Secker Weiher. A particular treasure is the 30 m deep Holzbach Gorge, which you hike through on a narrow path for about one kilometer. The Holzbach stream has carved itself into the basalt boulders there, creating a torrent-like appearance in places. The gorge, with its bizarre rock formations, is one of the oldest nature reserves in the Westerwald. Overall, the tour is characterized by a stimulating alternation of paths, forests, and meadows. Only the first section of the route partially follows narrow asphalt paths (a total of 3 km), but even here, exceptionally beautiful scenery awaits you. Particularly appealing is the high proportion of beautiful trails, some of which were specially created for hikers. You may find yourself crossing green meadows where cows graze in the warmer months. Since the animals are not only happy but also peaceful, as we were able to confirm, the crossing is not a dangerous adventure. The predominantly gentle descents and ascents repeatedly offer beautiful panoramic views, which can also be enjoyed at numerous rest areas. You will follow the WesterwaldSteig for a long time. These passages impress with their diversity and attention to detail; the route surprises you several times with unexpected variations: You will encounter winding paths that run alongside hidden, idyllic streams. Several beautifully situated restaurants and cafés invite you to stop for a break right along the route. These refreshment stops were taken into account when dividing the tour into sections. The total elevation gain is approximately 337 meters. However, there is only one significant climb of approximately 110 meters, immediately behind the Holzbach Gorge. All trails are easy to hike. The entire tour offers excellent trail layout and quality, providing a pleasant hiking experience.

Safety instructions

Each section of the trail is designated as a hiking trail with at least one independent marker. It is expressly pointed out, however, that this adventure loop does not have a single, independent marker. Therefore, for safety reasons, you should always carry a suitable hiking map with you or download the free "Rheinland-Pfalz erleben" app.

If you believe certain sections of the trail are impassable, you should avoid them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural trails can become muddy and slippery.

Especially in autumn, be aware that fallen leaves on the ground can obscure uneven surfaces, roots, stones, or holes in the trail. You must expect these types of disruptions to the trail when hiking.

Equipment

GPS device or printed tour description (the loop runs on signposted paths, but is not marked with its own signpost on site).

Hiking boots

Appropriate clothing suitable for the weather

Tips

Two particularly beautiful rest areas in the Holzbach Gorge invite you to take a break in untouched nature.

Destination

Tourist-Information am Wiesensee, Winner Ufer 9, 56459 Stahlhofen a. W.

Starting Point

Tourist-Information am Wiesensee, Winner Ufer 9, 56459 Stahlhofen a. W.