Galgenkopf round (D): sporty mountain bike challenge in the Westerwald animal protection area

Description

This wonderful route leads right through the extensive Westerwald animal protection area. The charming landscape is crossed by several streams. In the Schutzbach area, old mine shafts can still be seen; ore was once mined here. Schutzbach is also the only place in Germany where the rare mineral euchroite has been found. The over 1,100-year-old town of Weitefeld, with the district of Oberdreisbach, is also worth a visit. Here, too, in the surrounding forests, one can see some so-called Rennhütten, which indicate the ancient craft of ore mining. The village belongs to the Daaden-Herdorf collective municipality. I particularly like to visit Niederdreisbach because of the charming half-timbered houses. It has also been awarded several times in the competition "Our village should become more beautiful." In Biersdorf, an old mine cart stands in the town square. It also recalls the mining times of the area. The town center is a designated monument zone, and the station, half-timbered houses, and mine shaft entrances are a real eye-catcher.

Approach

• From Cologne: take A4 to Siegener Str. in Freudenberg, exit 20-Freudenberg on A45
• From Frankfurt: follow A5 and A45 to B255 in Herborn, take exit 26-Herborn-West on A45
• From Siegen: via B62

Public transport

• Sieg route (Cologne - Au/Sieg - Betzdorf - Siegen): Betzdorf
• Daadetal railway (Betzdorf - Daaden): Schutzbach, Niederdreisbach, Biersdorf, Daaden
• Hellertal railway: Alsdorf, Königsstollen, Herdorf

Parking

Schutzbach station

Directions

My good one-hour ride (without breaks) begins on Schulstraße at Schutzbach station. I follow the road southwest. On the left is forest, on the right the Strothbach accompanies me. The route continues south into the forest, and at the same time the long ascent begins. I leave the last houses of Schutzbach behind. The path turns east and southeast and approaches Steinkopf, which I leave to the right. Small ascents and descents bring me to Weitefeld and Oberdreisbach. Here the course turns north. At 444 meters, I have also reached the highest point of the route. Now a longer descent begins to Niederdreisbach. Between this place and Biersdorf, a short but steep ascent challenges me once again, and the descent is just as short and fast. Now it continues gently downhill until I arrive in Schutzbach again and reach Schulstraße again via the long street Alter Weg.

Safety instructions

For all fitness levels. Basic technical skills suffice.

Equipment

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

Tips

In Daaden there is a highly attractive Baroque church, probably one of the most beautiful in the Westerwald. Furthermore, the impressive stone house Alte Post is worth seeing. Another tip: You can have a barbecue at the Waldhaus near Weitefeld.

Literature

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

Destination

Schutzbach, station

Starting Point

Schutzbach, station