Kirchen (Sieg): Ottoturm circular hiking trail - route with panoramic views

Description

The Ottoturm in Kirchen (Sieg) is a popular excursion destination that offers hikers a unique panorama extending to the Siegerland and the Westerwald. Via the Freusburg mill, you approach the 405 meter high Kahlberg during the hike on forest and meadow paths. On this plateau, the Ottoturm rises an additional 18.59 m - an experience for young and old with guaranteed panoramic views in good weather! On the return you will pass historic millionaire villas and two churches.

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

Approach

Arrival by car via 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 park and ride parking lot on Bahnhofstraße behind the Netto supermarket (Bahnhofstraße 21), directly opposite Kirchen train station.

Directions

Start directly at Kirchen train station (Restaurant Casa/Cafe Schneiders Bakery) and follow the green marking of the Ottoturm hiking trail. First you walk along the Sieg river and then cross the mill yard of the historic Freusburg mill from 1750. From now on you will steadily gain elevation via the so-called Queckhahn and through the deciduous forest of the Höferhauberg towards Ottoturm. You climb a meadow path and then the last few meters up to the "Ottoturm" viewpoint on the Kahlberg.

Treat yourself to a break (self-catering) and enjoy the 360-degree view, simply wonderful!

From here the trail will lead you steadily downhill through the deciduous forest of the Herkersdorf Hauberg cooperative, above the residential area "Am Südhang" to the "Auf der Sohle" hiking car park. It is worth stopping at the Waldhof restaurant (please check the opening hours at www.waldhof-kirchen.de).

Shortly after you arrive at Kirmesfeldstraße, you will discover a Klicker tournament venue on the right side, where the First Kirchener Klickerverein regularly hosts major tournaments. After prior registration with the Klickerverein, Tel. 02741 930499, you can try a game under guidance. The rules of Klicker sport can be found on the Klickerverein website at http://klickerverein-kirchen.de/1_kkv_home/

Safety instructions

• If you think certain path sections are not passable for you, you should bypass them. Especially in adverse weather, natural paths may have muddy and slippery passages.

• Especially in autumn, be aware that fallen leaves on the ground can cover irregularities, roots, stones, or holes on the path. You must expect such path impairments when hiking.

• Although the path is very well marked throughout, for safety reasons you should always carry a suitable hiking map with you.

Equipment

• Wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate, functional clothing that protects you from cold and wet or heat and sun.

• Bring enough fluids. There are not everywhere opportunities to stop and refresh.

• Please wear hiking boots suitable for the trail that provide you with enough support even on slippery, steep, rocky, or uneven paths.

Tips

Fun for groups: After prior registration with the Klickerverein, Tel. 02741 930499, tournament-style marble play is possible in the Klicker arena.

Literature

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

Destination

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

Starting Point

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