Hiking "Around the Apfelstein" between Daubach and Oberelbert

Description

Hikers can expect splendid views above Daubach with a view of the striking “Höchst” before the path descends steeply to Häusges Mill. Beautiful forest and meadow paths, steep climbs with rewarding views, and immersion in a cooling deciduous forest guarantee plenty of hiking pleasure.

Numerous wonderful experiences in a unique landscape, with untouched nature, the lively babbling of crystal-clear streams, birdsong, creaking trees, fresh clear air, and springy forest floor underfoot are sure to make the heart beat faster!

Approach

Oberelbert can be reached from the A3 motorway via the B49. Take the exit towards Nassau and follow the L327 to Oberelbert.

Daubach can also be reached from the A3 motorway via the B49. Drive towards Holler and take the L326 to Daubach.

Public transport

From Montabaur, Oberelbert can be reached by VRM bus line 456 from the ICE train station or city center.
Daubach is also accessible from Montabaur with VRM and bus line 458 from the ICE train station or city center.

Parking

In Oberelbert, free parking is available at the starting point at the Stelzenbachhalle.

In Daubach, there are free parking spaces at the village square, at the town exit towards Horbach.

Directions

We start this description of the Friendship Hiking Trail at the village square in Daubach and walk the circular route counterclockwise. From the village square, we turn into Kissbergstraße and follow it until at a junction we first turn left very steeply and then moderately steeply between meadows and old fruit trees towards Stahlhofen. Upon reaching district road K167, we turn left and after a few meters ascend right onto the Krahbeul. At the top, there is a beautiful view over parts of Daubach and the Buchfinkenland. We continue over a meadow path towards Stahlhofen until we meet a paved road. We follow it left for about 150 m and then turn left again onto a path leading to the L326 between Daubach and Untershausen. The view over Daubach and the Stelzenbach Forest is wonderful. Upon reaching the L326, we turn right and follow the meadow path laid alongside the federal road for about 150 m. Then we cross the road and take the field path on the left. At the Plexiglas pillars filled with rock that explain Daubach's geological layers, we turn right, cross district road K166, and descend to the next paved road. There, we hike left along the forest edge and turn left into the forest above the Untershausen holiday village. After a little over 400 m, we turn right into the beautiful, protected Stelzenbach meadows. We follow the meadow path for about 150 m before it takes us left across a meadow. Upon reaching a bench, we stay left again and hike along an adventurous, varied path through the forest until we meet a path that, after a few meters, passes the impressive Erben Mill and crosses the Stelzenbach. About 100 m after crossing the small bridge, we turn right and follow the path across the meadow below Oberelbert until we meet an asphalted path that leads left to the playground and village square at the Stelzenbachhalle. This is also a suitable starting point for the circular route, and the entire area invites a good rest. From the village square, we take the meadow path above the sports field along a hedge and turn left at its end. At the first intersection, slightly below the sports field, we follow the path turning right through allotment gardens and, after another right turn, along the new development area. After leaving the development area, we continue relatively straight for about 1 km until shortly after entering the forest, we arrive at the lovingly designed Waldfenster area. This place is recommended for another stop with its beautiful carved sculptures, benches, the Waldfenster, and the tree telephone. Afterwards, we take the path over the bridge, which again crosses the Stelzenbach, and at the intersection turn left. We follow the gently ascending forest path for about 1.5 km, cross district road K166 again, and enter the forest on the opposite side of the road. At first, we take a narrow path and after about 350 m meet a better-developed forest path, which we follow to the forest edge above Daubach. Here, we turn sharply right, take advantage after about 150 m to let our legs and soul dangle on the swing bench, before turning left onto a meadow path at the forest edge. The seating group following soon on the right side of the path, standing on a level area below the former RAD camp, should definitely be used for a final rest. The magnificent view over the Gelbachtal to the Höchst and into the Taunus - under good conditions up to the Großer Feldberg - is certainly unique. Now the final descent into the Eisbachtal follows. First, descend from the rest area via the meadow path to the next paved road. We follow this left for about 100 m before turning right onto meadows and walking along a row of fruit trees. After approximately 100 m, the path turns left and leads to a small pond. At the pond, we turn right and reach a beautiful, pristine woodland. The path takes us along the Bitzengraben until we meet the so-called Reitochsen meadow and the Mühlenweg. We follow this left initially until above the Häusges Mill before heading left and slightly uphill through the beautiful Daubach valley back to Daubach. Above the barbecue hut, you turn right one last time and reach the village square in Daubach again. From May 1st to October 3rd, on all Sundays and public holidays between 2 and 5 pm, near here at the Daubach village café, you can enjoy delicious homemade cake, good coffee, tea or cocoa, cold non-alcoholic drinks, or ice cream. In this way, the wonderful hike can be perfectly concluded, or if you started in Oberelbert, you can gather new strength for the second half of the route.

Safety instructions

Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear

Tips

In Daubach at the Heimathaus, from May 1st to October 3rd, on Sundays and public holidays from 2 to 5 pm, there is homemade cake, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages available.

Destination

Either at the Stelzenbachhalle in 56412 Oberelbert or at the village square in 56412 Daubach. The village square in Daubach is located at the town exit towards Horbach

Starting Point

Either at the Stelzenbachhalle in 56412 Oberelbert or at the village square in 56412 Daubach. The village square in Daubach is located at the town exit towards Horbach