Kleine Nister tour: forest-rich route and picturesque villages in the Kleine Nister area

Description

In this circular route, nature has the say. On field and gravel roads as well as on asphalt, it goes through the Fauna-Flora Habitat Nistertal and Kroppacher Schweiz, the Neunkhausen forest, and the Fauna-Flora Habitat wetlands and heaths of the Hohen Westerwald. The partly very old picturesque villages invite you to visit. For example, in Kirburg there is an impressive Protestant parish church with a beautiful stand of trees designated as a natural monument. Another natural monument lies southeast of the town: the Große Wolfstein is about 25 million years old and is located near the Kleine Wolfstein. Together, they form the Wolfstein ridge. In Mörlen, I come across the Catholic parish church Maria Empfängnis from 1866. South of Nauroth, I reach the Mörlener Mühle, the old Zwickbarts mill, by a short detour. Only remnants remain, as it burned down in the 19th century and was not rebuilt. In Norken, besides several buildings, the Brunnenstraße from the 19th century is worth seeing.

Approach

• From Cologne: take A3 to L258 in Dierdorf, take A3 exit 37-Dierdorf, take B413 to B414 in Kirburg
• From Frankfurt: follow A5 and A45 to B255 in Herborn, take A45 exit 26-Herborn-West, drive to B414 in Kirburg
• From Siegen: take A45 and B54 to B414 in Kirburg
• From Koblenz: take B9, A48, A3 and B255 to K75 in Weidenhahn, take K61 and L281 to B414, straight on B414
• From Limburg a. d. Lahn: take B49/B54, follow B54 to B414 in Kirburg

Parking

Parking spaces in Kirburg town center

Directions

The circular route takes me across the Nister a total of four times. I start in Kirburg just before the intersection of Langenbacher Straße and Lindenstraße. My path quickly turns right into Zum Gallfenster street. With two right angles, I reach the forest and arrive at the small village of Hohensayn. North of Lautzenbrücken, I leave a lake on my right and cross the Kleine Nister for the first time. After the Langenbacher Bridge, I cross the Nister again, this time on a stone bridge. On the way to Mörlen, the third crossing takes place. On the long stretch, I enjoy the extensive forests. The fourth crossing takes place at the Jägerwiese near Nauroth. Now it goes zigzag to Norken and back to Kirburg. For the approximately 21-kilometer-long circular route, I estimate about two hours of pure riding time. Initially, it goes downhill for about 14 kilometers, before I tackle a longer climb to Kirburg just after Nauroth.

Safety instructions

Suitable for all fitness levels.

Equipment

For bags and backpacks on a cycling trip, space is not only offered on the back – the weight of the equipment should ideally be distributed across several parts of the body and the bike. Wind, rain, or sun can lead to very 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 spare clothing on hand to be prepared for any eventuality. Besides other important equipment, the necessary tools and repair utensils should not be forgotten. At high speed, it is easy to take a wrong turn on a cycling trip: traditional and modern aids such as a cycling map or a GPS device help with orientation. You should also always have a small emergency kit with you.

Tips

The town of Bad Marienburg lies just under four kilometers south of Kirburg. Among other things, there is a wildlife park and a basalt park here.

Literature

• Combined cycling/hiking flyer, available free of charge here
• KOMPASS cycling/hiking map Westerwald (North), 1:50,000, ISBN: 978-3-00-065928-7

Destination

Kirburg, intersection Langenbacher Straße/Lindenstraße

Starting Point

Kirburg, intersection Langenbacher Straße/Lindenstraße