Bergmannspfad (C): charming route with about 100 meters of elevation difference

Description

This short route covers only eight kilometers. It is a beautiful addition to the main route between Herdorf and Daaden. It also allows for a calm ride with little effort. Only the three-kilometer-long approaches from Daaden or Herdorf show steep climbs. Otherwise, the circular route is quite secluded and during the ride I cross the federal states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. At the Hohenseelbachskopf (504 meters), called "Köppel," these state borders meet and also pass through the local property: a forest restaurant invites you to a rest with delicious food. A tour through the residential huts set up there is also possible. They enable gentle tourism and are very cozy. Besides the wonderful nature, a visit to Daaden and Herdorf is worthwhile. In Daaden, there is probably one of the most beautiful baroque churches in the Westerwald, as well as the Steinhaus Alte Post with a local history museum. In Herdorf, various residential houses, the two churches, and the train station are worth seeing.

Approach

• From Cologne: follow A4 and A45 to B54 in Burbach, take exit 24-Haiger/Burbach on A45
• From Frankfurt: follow A5 and A45 to B255 in Herborn, take exit 26-Herborn-West on A45
• From Siegen: via Kölner Straße

Public transport

• Sieg route (Cologne - Au/Sieg - Betzdorf - Siegen): Betzdorf
• Daaden Valley Railway (Betzdorf - Daaden): Schutzbach, Niederdreisbach, Biersdorf, Daaden
• Heller Valley Railway: Alsdorf, Königstollen, Herdorf

Parking

Hiking parking lot Hüllbuche, Daaden

Directions

I start my route from Daaden. For this, I ride through a woodland area on the eastern city outskirts towards Sotterbach. I cross it and find myself in the fauna-flora habitat of the forests at Hohensellbachskopf. I follow the signs and shortly after crossing the Hellebach, I am led to the left. In small bends, it goes westward, then northward through the enchanting forest. Shortly before the Hirtenwiese, I turn right, then once more and am now back on the path heading south. I pass by the Hohenseelbachskopf with its huts and the restaurant. I partially pass through the Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park. I circle around the area "Im Steinchen", which is a ski region in winter. Shortly before reaching Daaden, I see the lift system on the right side. On this beautiful route, almost the entire way is on natural paths; there are only a few asphalt roads. The circular route is also suitable for beginners, the highest point is at 518 meters.

Safety instructions

For all fitness levels. Basic technical knowledge is sufficient.

Equipment

For bags and backpacks, not only the back offers space on a bike tour – the weight of the equipment should ideally be distributed over several body and bike parts. Wind, rain, or sun can lead to very different temperature sensations on the bike – a cold can best be avoided with professional cycling clothing. On a multi-day tour, you should always have suitable change clothing on hand to be prepared for every eventuality. Besides other important equipment, the necessary tools and repair items should not be forgotten. At high speeds, you can easily take a wrong turn on a bike tour: traditional and modern navigation aids such as a bike map or a GPS device serve for orientation. You should definitely always have a small emergency kit with you.

Tips

A small detour (2.5 kilometers) from Daaden takes me to Steinches Mühle, an exceptionally beautiful half-timbered house from the 17th/18th century.

Literature

• Combined flyer cycling/hiking, available free of charge here
• KOMPASS cycling/hiking map Westerwald (North), 1:50,000, ISBN: 978-3-00-065928-7

Destination

Daaden, street "Zur Hüllbuche"

Starting Point

Daaden, street "Zur Hüllbuche"