Kirchen (Sieg): Mill circular hiking trail - Freusburger mill in focus

Description

The historic Freusburger mill (milling took place here from 1750 to 1978), located directly on the Sieg river, is the focal point of your easy and therefore family- and senior-friendly hike through the natural region. Over the so-called Queckhahn, there are views on the main hiking trail of the Freusburg (today a youth hostel) as well as the Sieg valley. Numerous old villas in the center of Kirchen (Sieg) evoke memories of a time when the today’s town of Kirchen was still known as "The village of millionaires".

The mill circular hiking trail is maintained by the hiking friends "Siegperle" Kirchen (Sieg) e. V. (member of the German Volkssport Association). Hikers who also want an official rating for the German Volkssport badge can buy their start cards directly at Cafe "Schneiders Bakery", Bahnhofstraße 15, Kirchen, next to the station building for 3.00 €, and after completing the hike receive their rating stamps there.

Approach

Arrival by car is via federal road B62 between Siegen and Kirchen. Drive into Bahnhofstraße.

Public transport

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

Parking

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

Directions

You start directly in front of Kirchen train station (Restaurant Casa/Schneiders Bakery). From here, you embark on an easy hiking route over the Sieg bridge, past the Restaurant Da Vinci onto the Sieg dam. Across the Herrenwiese and through a railway underpass, you follow the orange marking of the Mill hiking trail to the residential area of the Freusburger mill. Only a few meters more and you reach the historic mill building (a popular photo motif from the meadows on the other side of the Sieg). Now the path goes slightly uphill over the so-called "Queckhahn". Enjoy the panoramic views of the Freusburg youth castle and the Sieg valley. Past the Hardtkopf sports field and the cemetery, you reach the highest point of your hike at the end of Girnsbachstrasse. From here, the route goes downhill through the Klotzbach valley past Hotel Jägerheim. A detour to the town museum of Kirchen is worthwhile (please observe opening hours or arrange an appointment). On the left further down the valley, you discover a small village fountain that formerly served as a horse trough and opposite it, two magnificent old villas. Continuing along the hiking trail, a view opens up to the Ev. Lutheran Church and later opposite the town hall to the Catholic "St. Michael Church". Right at the town hall square is also the Tourist Information, where you can find many more suggestions for your stay in the Sieg nature region and the Westerwald.

Safety instructions

• If you think that certain sections of the trail are not passable for you, you should avoid them. Particularly under adverse weather conditions, natural paths can be muddy and slippery.
• Especially in autumn, be aware that fallen leaves can cover unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. You must expect such trail impairments when hiking.
• Although the trail is very well marked throughout, for safety reasons you should always carry a suitable hiking map with you.

Equipment

• Wear sturdy footwear as well as weather-appropriate, functional clothing that protects you from cold and wet or heat and sun.
• Bring enough fluids. There are not always opportunities to refresh along the way.
• Please wear hiking boots suitable for the trail, giving you enough grip even on slippery and steep or rocky and uneven paths.

Tips

Between Freusburger mill and the Hardtkopf sports field, follow the sign to the panoramic viewpoint, which is only 100 m away from the Mill hiking trail.

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)