Circular hike on the Wiedweg via Altenkirchen and Schöneberg

Description

My hike starts at Altenkirchen station heading east. Passing the cultural center Haus Felsenkeller, the marked connecting path leads me to the certified Wiedweg, which I now follow towards Almersbach. Quick photos of the Romanesque basilica and then it continues into the Wied valley with its winding creek. With some luck, in summer I see the ant-blue butterfly, dragonflies, or even the black stork flying.

In Schöneberg, I take a break in the "Dorfkrug" and switch to the trail with the + marking. It goes uphill and looking back lets me see far into the Raiffeisenland. At the Fluterschen panoramic viewpoint, a sign names over 20 places visible from here; a pair of binoculars would be great now.

Shortly behind "Getränke Müller" in Oberwambach, my path changes to trail marking 3 (street "Vor dem Gebrannten") and leads me through forest down to the Johannis valley. Passing the Bismarck Tower, it goes over the Johannisberg back to the town.

Approach

Altenkirchen is easily accessible from all directions. The starting point "station" is signposted.

Public transport

Direct connection by train is available. At the bus station, head towards the city center and you will find the first signpost at the station right away.

Timetable information via www.vrminfo.de or Deutsche Bahn.

Parking

Altenkirchen station, Bahnhofstraße 1, 57610 Altenkirchen

Free park and ride parking spaces directly at the bus station

Directions

My hiking route starts at Altenkirchen station heading east. I follow the Wiedweg connecting path markings, cross the Wied on Koblenzer Straße, and pass the cultural center Haus Felsenkeller to reach the Wiedweg. Here I follow the signs towards Almersbach. Through the forest, I reach a small road that the path crosses. Passing through orchard meadows, I catch a view of the Bismarck Tower, a landmark of the town of Altenkirchen.

In Almersbach, I head towards the remarkable Romanesque church. This basilica dates from the 12th century and still features noteworthy old wall paintings. A small path leads me down into the Wied valley. Over a small bridge, I reach the opposite side and continue hiking along the railway tracks in the valley. Many meadows here are managed in a natural way. Due to the abundant presence of meadow knapweed, a substantial population of the protected ant-blue butterfly has been able to develop. The combination of ants and blooming meadow knapweed is crucial for the preservation of this butterfly. Mowing dates must therefore be precisely planned here.

I reach Schöneberg and here switch to the marked + route of the Westerwald Association, which runs 127.5 km from Bad Honnef to Koblenz. For this, I go up Schlossweg and continue on the main road. Here I find the + marking, which I follow southeast. It goes up to the L 267, locally called "Langguck" because it runs long and straight in a southwest direction.

For a while, I am accompanied by the "Panoramaweg Fluterschen," where I also find an informative sign naming over 20 places visible from here.

The + path leads me further past the old forester's house to Oberwambach. In the village, my trail marking changes, and I follow the sign 3. This main hiking trail of the Westerwald Association runs 98 km from Windeck/Au station to Bad Ems.

In Oberwambach, trail 3 soon turns left into the street "Vor dem Gebrannten," and shortly after the last buildings, I again descend through the forest into the Johannis valley. Here, the Almersbach flows with many small bends from Amteroth to Almersbach. The valley today is largely extensively managed meadow and pasture land. About 20 years ago, there were spruce trees here, and the creek ran almost straight through the forest.

Passing the home of everyday philosopher Ute Lauterbach, I go back up to Johannisberg and this time walk directly past the Bismarck Tower and the memorial. From the Felsenkeller, I can now return to the station the same way or cross the Altenkirchen meadow valley below and reach the town and Altenkirchen town hall directly via trail marking 3.

Safety instructions

Wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate, functional clothing that protects you from cold and wet or heat and sun.

Equipment

Sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate, functional clothing

Tips

The route is especially recommended during the dry summer months, as the path is located in the immediate Wied floodplain

Destination

Altenkirchen station, Bahnhofstraße 1, 57610 Altenkirchen

Starting Point

Altenkirchen station, Bahnhofstraße 1, 57610 Altenkirchen