Bad Marienberg - M4 - Through the Bacher Lay Nature Reserve with Pfaffenmal

Description

Nature, water, and basalt – this is how one can describe the M4 circular hiking trail, which is 7.3 km long. In the idyllic Bacher Lay (nature reserve), you can still see the remains of the former basalt quarry. Meanwhile, nature has reclaimed its space – with rare plants, colorful butterflies, and lots of greenery. In winter, the basalt wall is iced over.

The natural monument "Pfaffenmal" can be reached via a short detour. A sign explains the legend of the dwarves who once guarded gold and silver. Back in Bad Marienberg, there is the Park of the Senses with a barefoot path and a pharmacy garden.

Approach

- From Cologne: A3 exit Hennef/Sieg via B8 and B414 to Bad Marienberg

- From Frankfurt: A3 exit Limburg via B54 and B414 to Bad Marienberg

- From Dortmund: A45 exit Haiger/Burbach via B54 and B414 to Bad Marienberg

- From Giessen: A45 exit Herborn via B255 and B414 to Bad Marienberg

- From Koblenz: A48 and A3 exit Montabaur via B255 to Bad Marienberg

Public transport

Train station Nistertal/Bad Marienberg, bus no. 483 or 962 to Bad Marienberg, stop Neuer Weg.

The bus runs Monday to Friday only!

www.bahn.de

Parking

Free parking at the Tourist Information, Wilhelmstraße 10, 56470 Bad Marienberg

Directions

Follow the M4 marking up Wilhelmstraße and past the Protestant church. Turn right to follow the path to the Marienquelle spring. After 1 km you reach the Bacher Lay nature reserve, a former basalt quarry with an impressive basalt rock face.

Then turn right at the first houses and visit the Pfaffenmal natural monument 150 m away via a short detour, an approximately 18 m high basalt dome with columns arranged in a kiln formation.

Briefly back, then continue up with M4 past the cemetery of Stockhausen-Illfurth, cross the L 295 and descend back to Bad Marienberg.
At the end, the path leads through the Park of the Senses before ending at the Tourist Information.

Safety instructions

Especially in autumn, take care that fallen leaves on the ground can conceal unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path.

Such path impairments can be expected on every hike.

Equipment

Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate, functional clothing that protects against cold and moisture or heat and sun are recommended.

Also take enough fluids with you, as there are no refreshment options on the route.

Tips

You should definitely make a photo stop at the impressive basalt wall in the Bacher Lay. Particularly beautiful in winter with ice and snow.

Literature

The map "Hiking Trails in the Westerwald" of the Bad Marienberg, Rennerod, and Westerburg regions is available at the Tourist Information for 5.95 €.

Scale 1:25,000

Destination

At the Tourist Information, Wilhelmstraße 10, 56470 Bad Marienberg

Starting Point

At the Tourist Information, Wilhelmstraße 10, 56470 Bad Marienberg