Kirchen (Sieg): Castle Hiking Trail - Around Freusburg

Description

Passing the significant cobalt mine "Am Alexander" (18th century) on the right of the Sieg, you head towards the medieval Freusburg. Enjoy the unique views from Alexanderhöhe (most beautiful view of Kirchen), from the Peace Cross into the Asdorftal, and from Brühlkopf into the Sieg valley – always with the old walls of Freusburg in view as you approach it. Use the path to the castle gate and let the Freusburg in its fantastic location far above the Sieg make an impression on you, bringing your very own knightly adventure to life!

The Castle Hiking Trail is managed by the hiking friends "Siegperle" Kirchen (Sieg) e.V. (member of the German Volkssport Association). Hikers who want an official rating for the German Volkssport badge can purchase their start cards directly at Cafe "Schneiders Bakery, Bahnhofstraße 15, Kirchen, next to the train station building, for 3.00 € and receive their rating stamps there after completing the hiking route.

Approach

Arrival by car is via the federal road B62 between Siegen and Kirchen. Enter Bahnhofstraße.

Public transport

By train (RE9 - Rhein-Sieg Express) or bus to Kirchen (Sieg) train station.

Parking

Large free P+R parking lot in Bahnhofstraße behind the Netto market (Bahnhofstraße 21) directly opposite Kirchen train station.

Directions

You start directly at Kirchen train station (Restaurant Casa/Cafe Schneiders Bakery) and follow the brown marking with the logo of the Castle Hiking Trail. Initially, you walk parallel to the Ruhr-Sieg Cycle Path (more info at www.ruhr-sieg-radweg.de) along a former railway track, where your view from the bridge falls on the Sieg River in the natural region, then turn right down into a small park. Further on, the Sieg accompanies you on the left and you reach the adit of the former significant cobalt mine "Am Alexander" (18th century). A small ascent leads you to Alexanderhöhe (258 m) with a remarkable hiking bench and indeed the most beautiful panoramic view of the center of the town of Kirchen with its two prominent churches.

You leave the so-called Molzberg behind you now, brush past the Kirchen district "Riegel" above, and head downhill over a narrow, short path towards Wehbach. You cross the Asdorfbach, pass through the small residential area "Hof Niederasdorf", after which your hiking trail snakes up to the next viewpoint, the nine-meter-high Peace Cross (249 m) with views of Wehbach and into the Asdorftal. You treat yourself to a short break at the lovely shaded spot before your hiking route continues over enchanted paths to Brühlkopf (349 m).

On the panorama trail between Brühlkopf and Freusburg as well as below the farm "Auf der Hub," your gaze often wanders into the beautiful Sieg valley and you catch some interesting views of the castle itself. After a small loop around the grounds of the well-known former Wilhelmine mine, which cannot really be discerned with the naked eye from the hiking trail, you reach the first houses of Freusburg. Passing a public playground and to the right of a sports and multifunctional field, you approach the old walls of Freusburg.

Before the castle moat, turn left (please do not descend into the moat!) and pass to the right of a parking lot. You have now reached the highlight of your today’s hike, the medieval Freusburg (today a youth hostel). At this point, you should definitely turn right off the hiking trail towards the castle gate to take a closer look at the castle complex including the courtyard (exterior viewing is possible except where certain areas are closed due to groups). Also enjoy the breathtaking view into the Sieg valley, and you will quickly realize that not only youth enjoy spending their holidays here. The youth hostel is ideal accommodation and a perfect base for excursions and hikes in the region. Further information can be found at www.freusburg.jugendherberge.de.

You continue your hike past the castle cafe and through a gate of the former castle wall, immediately followed by descending Burgstraße to the Otto-Pfeiffer Museum/Village Fountain and further to the Protestant Chapel Freusburg. Afterwards, you become acquainted with the outskirts of the vast Giebelwald forest before arriving down in the Sieg valley. Via Freusburger mill and through the Sieg meadows, you return to your starting point, Kirchen train station. Here you can refresh yourself with delicious meals and cool drinks, coffee and cake, as well as ice cream – the gastronomy at and around the station looks forward to your visit and will gladly serve you!

Safety instructions

• If you find certain sections of the path impassable for you, you should avoid them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can become muddy and slippery.
• Especially in autumn, be aware that fallen leaves on the ground can hide unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. You must expect such path impairments when hiking.
• Although the path is very well marked throughout, you should always carry a suitable hiking map for safety reasons.

Equipment

• Wear sturdy footwear as well as weather-appropriate, practical clothing that protects you from cold and wet or heat and sun.
• Take enough fluids with you. Not everywhere are there places to stop for refreshment.
• Please wear hiking boots appropriate for the path, which give you sufficient support even on slippery, steep, or rocky and uneven paths.

Tips

From Alexanderhöhe (260 m above sea level) with its attractive hiking bench, you have the most beautiful panoramic view of the town of Kirchen (Sieg) – a delight!

Literature

Topographic map 1:25,000, Hiking in the northern Westerwald, sheet 3, State Office for Surveying and Geobasis Information (LVermGeo)

Destination

Kirchen train station, Bahnhofstraße 15, 57548 Kirchen (Sieg)

Starting Point

Kirchen train station, Bahnhofstraße 15, 57548 Kirchen (Sieg)