Kerkerbachtal cycle path: Kerkerbach and railway track as atmospheric companions

Description

The list of architectural monuments in Runkel is so long that a walk is recommended. There are beautiful half-timbered houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as the ruins of Runkel Castle and Schadeck Castle. Also interesting: the bell tower of the Protestant church was once a tower of the city wall. In Heckholzhausen, an old Borsig locomotive from 1901 is on display. The Protestant parish church is also worth a look. Afterwards, I come across old loading ramps in the forest direction Hintermeilingen. In the town itself stands an old locomotive with a minecart; here clay was mined in several mines. The impressive Catholic church "Maria Verkündigung" was built by the population themselves in 1932. In Ellar, there are a castle ruin and a museum. Among other things, fossils are exhibited in the latter. Later I reach the Seeweiher, where I swim a bit. In my destination Mengerskirchen, I ride to the castle, explore the Jewish cemetery, and take an extensive look at and inside the churches.

Approach

• From Cologne: Take A3 to B8 in Limburg an der Lahn, take the B8 exit on A3, follow B8, L3448, Limburger Str., and L3020 to Steedener Str. in Runkel
• From Frankfurt: Take A3 to B8 in Limburg an der Lahn, take exit 43-Limburg-Süd on A3, follow B8, L3448, Limburger Str., and L3020 to Steedener Str. in Runkel
• From Siegen: Take B54 to L3063 in Limburg an der Lahn, take B49/B54 exit towards Runkel-Dehrn/Ahlbach, follow L3063, Steedener Hauptstraße to Steedener Str. in Runkel
• From Koblenz: Take A48 and A3 to B8 in Limburg an der Lahn, take B8 exit on A3, follow B8, L3448, Limburger Str., and L3020 to Steedener Str. in Runkel
• From Limburg a. d. Lahn: via L3448 and Limburger Str.

Public transport

• Villmar train station
• Eschhofen train station

Parking

Parking options in Burgstraße and in Steedener Straße in Runkel

Directions

The south-north route is generally ascending and reaches up to 431 meters. The path roughly follows an old railway track and offers, besides the typical Westerwald romance, some industrial memories from the time when iron ore was still mined here. I start in Runkel at the intersection of Steedener Hauptstraße, Heerstraße, and Industriestraße. The path leads north into the forest. I follow the signs northeast, cross the L 3022, and come across the Kerkerbach, which accompanies me for a long time. Thus, I reach Eschenau, later Christianshütte. For a short distance, I cycle on the L 3452 and leave it at Hof Waldeck between Gaudernbach and Schupbach to the left. At the B 49 stands the interesting Kerkerbach bridge. I pass the federal highway and soon arrive in Heckholzhausen. Then it continues to Hintermeilingen and south past Fussingen. I cycle toward Lahr and turn north. The last two stations before my destination Mengerskirchen are called Waldernbach and Rückershausen.

Safety instructions

Good basic fitness required.

Equipment

For bags and backpacks on a cycling tour, not only the back offers space — the weight of the equipment should preferably be distributed over several body and bike parts. Wind, rain, or sun can cause quite different temperature sensations while cycling — 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 any eventuality. Among other important equipment, the necessary tools and repair utensils should not be forgotten. At high speed, you can easily take a wrong turn on a cycling tour: traditional and modern aids such as a cycling map or a GPS device serve for orientation. You should also always have a small emergency kit with you.

Tips

When stopping for a break, it is worth ordering local specialties such as "Pfännchen" or the sweet egg cheese. For drinks, apple wine is recommended.

Literature

• KOMPASS cycling/hiking map Westerwald (South), 1:50,000, ISBN: 978-3-00-065929-4

Destination

Mengerskirchen

Starting Point

Runkel-Kerkerbach