Druidensteig - With about 94 km the longest certified GeoRoute in Germany

Description

The Druidensteig is with approx. 94 kilometers over 7 stages the longest certified GeoRoute in the National GEOPARK Westerwald-Lahn-Taunus.

Along the path, more than 30 stations present exciting stories from mining and geology. You experience 7 river valleys, 3 geo-information centers, 3 outstanding viewpoints, and as a landmark the National Geotope Druidenstein.

At several points, breathtaking views over the unique landscape are offered. A GeoView from the Otto Tower near Kirchen gives an overview of the relics of the mining industry in Siegerland. From the Barbara Tower between Malberg and Steinebach/Sieg, you can overlook almost the entire Westerwald with its diverse mining history.

The hiking experience through a unique natural landscape is the focus. For over 10 years, the trail has carried the designation "Quality Trail Walkable Germany" and is the first certified geological theme trail in Germany as a GeoRoute.

Approach

Arrival by car is via federal highway B 62 to Freusburg (located between Kirchen and Siegen). Here you leave the federal highway and follow the signs towards the Freusburg youth hostel to Kapellenweg in Alt-Freusburg.

Public transport

Arrival by public transport

Travel is to the Freusburg-Siedlung train stop. The stop is served by the Westerwald-Sieg-Bahn (RB90) and the Rothaar-Bahn (RB93), which also connect the stations in Kirchen, Betzdorf, and Siegen.

Timetable information at www.dreilaenderbahn.de

An approximately 2-kilometer marked access path (yellow Druidensteig sign) connects the Freusburg-Siedlung train stop with the stage start in the village center of Freusburg, Kapellenweg. The GPX tracks of the respective access route are available here for download.

Parking

Please use the public parking spaces at the end of Kapellenweg opposite the cemetery / Protestant chapel.

Navigation input: Kapellenweg 10, 57548 Kirchen (Sieg)

Directions

Stage 1: From Freusburg to Kirchen (Sieg) (11.7 km)

At the beginning of the first stage, the medieval Freusburg towers high above the Sieg river course. A panorama trail connects the heights of Freusburg with the town of Kirchen and offers magnificent views into the Sieg valley.

Highlights:
Freusburg (youth hostel), Otto-Pfeiffer-Museum, Wilhelmine Mine, Sieg Panorama Trail (Brühlkopf), Wehbach Peace Cross, Alexanderhöhe with special hiking bench, Cobalt ore mine Deep Tunnel.

Stage 2: From Kirchen (Sieg) to Herdorf (17.6 km)

On this section, the Westerwald shows itself as a true low mountain range. The deeply cut Sieg valley offers some almost alpine climbs. Past the Otto Tower and the Druidenstein, it goes over the Wasserberg to Herdorf in the Hellertal.

Highlights:
Freusburg Mill, GeoView Otto Tower, Museum of the City of Kirchen, historic Way of the Cross, National Geotope Druidenstein, Wood Sculpture Path, Geo Information Center Mining Museum Herdorf-Sassenroth

Stage 3: From Herdorf to Daaden (12.6 km)

The third stage runs between the mining towns of Herdorf and Daaden. Numerous historic mining sites and large basalt quarry areas testify to the industrial history of the region. Today, you can enjoy the tranquility of nature, which has reclaimed everything.

Highlights:

Geo Information Center Mining Museum Herdorf-Sassenroth, Huttenstadt Herdorf, San Fernando Mine, Relics of Friedrichshütte, Wolf Mine, Blue Dump of the Old Mahlscheid Mine, Basalt Quarry Area Mahlscheid, Brake Track of the Hohenseelbachskopf Basalt Quarry, the Hohenseelbachskopf, the Hullbuche, Mining Town Daaden

Stage 4: From Daaden to Elkenrother Weiher (13.5 km)

The baroque church in the mining town of Daaden, Friedewald Castle, and the Neunkhausen-Weitefelder Plateau shape the fourth stage of the GeoRoute. Several nature and bird protection areas emphasize the natural landscape of the Westerwald.

Highlights:

GeoPoint Heimatmuseum Daadener Land, Baroque Church Daaden, Schimmerich Basalt Quarry, Friedewald Castle, Neunkhausen-Weitefelder Plateau, Elkenrother Weiher

Stage 5: From Elkenrother Weiher to Betzdorf (13.2 km)

From the high plateau near Elkenroth, the Druidensteig leads down into the Sieg valley. Witches, goblins and even a devil's stone await along the path. At the end of the stage, the railway town of Betzdorf invites you to stay.

Highlights:

Elkenrother Weiher, Witch Oak, Käusersteimel Mine, Hümmerstein, Wilhelmsglück Mine, Hüttenschulze House, Neugrünbach Hut, Railway Town Betzdorf

Stage 6: From Betzdorf to Steinebach (9.5 km)

The sixth stage of the GeoRoute leads from the Sieg valley up into the Gebhardshain region. High basalt domes with wide views and deeply cut stream valleys with clattering mills are the highlights on the way to the Bindweide Mine.

Highlights:

Railway Town Betzdorf, Steinerother Kopf, Dickendorf Mill, Visitor Mine Bindweide Mine

Stage 7: From Steinebach to Hachenburg (16.5 km)

The last stage of the Druidensteig begins with a focus on ore mining. Through typical Westerwald stream valleys, the GeoRoute leads to the roofing slate mine Assberg and past the Marienstatt Abbey to the town of Hachenburg with its baroque castle and landscape museum.

Highlights:

Geo Information Center Bindweide Mine, Förderturm Barbaraturm, Slate Mine Assberg, Marienstatt Monastery, Small Holzbach Gorge, Geo Information Center Landscape Museum Hachenburg, Town of Hachenburg

Safety instructions

• If you think certain path sections are not passable for you, you should bypass them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can have muddy and slippery sections.

• In autumn, be especially careful because leaves on the ground can cover unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. You should expect such path impairments if you go hiking.

• Although the trail is very well marked throughout, you should always have a suitable hiking map with you for safety reasons or download the free "Rheinland-Pfalz erleben" app.

Equipment

• Wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate, practical clothing that protects against cold and wet or heat and sun.
• Take enough fluids with you. There are not always places to eat or drink available.
• Please wear suitable hiking boots that provide enough support even on slippery, steep, rocky, and uneven paths.

Tips

A ride with the mine railway into the visitor mine Bindweide Mine - Glück Auf!

Literature

A KOMPASS hiking map North including the Druidensteig is available from the Westerwald Shop.

Destination

Landscape Museum Hachenburg, Leipziger Straße 1, 57627 Hachenburg

Starting Point

Otto-Pfeiffer-Museum, Burgstraße 11, 57548 Kirchen-Freusburg