Nassau-Wäller cycling round: a trip for experienced cyclists

Description

With the e-bike, the ascents of this cycling round route are easier to manage. However, one should rest often, as there is much to see. On the outward journey, you cycle through Rhineland-Palatinate; on the return journey, through Hesse. The railway museum at the starting point in Westerburg can be saved for later, but the Wasserburg Neuroth in Bilkheim with adjoining estate is a true eye-catcher and worth a second look. At the Renaissance castle in Hadamar, you should explore the glass museum. In Niederzeuzheim, there is an original village museum that offers insights into the life of people over 100 years ago (opening times apply!). A bit further at Dornburg, you can climb the Blasiusberg to take a closer look at the Blasius chapel. Immediately following is a special geological formation – an ice tunnel with eternal ice. Shortly after, at Dornburg, you can see the Celtic ring wall from pre-Christian times. There are also interesting basalt quarries and clay pits you pass by. They tell exciting stories too.

Approach

• Coming from Cologne (A3): At exit 40-Montabaur, take B255 towards Bad Ems/Bad Marienberg/Westerburg.
• Coming from Frankfurt (A3): Keep right, follow signs towards Gießen/Weilburg/B49 and continue on B49/B54.
• Coming from Siegen (B54): On B255 via the A3/Köln/Koblenz/Montabaur/Hellenhahn-Schellenberg junction.

Public transport

Stations of the Obere Westerwald-Bahn Limburg – Hachenburg – Altenkirchen – Au (- Cologne / Siegen) with 1 to 2-hour intervals every day and transport of bicycles on all trains in

• Westerburg
• Elz
• Niederhadamar
• Hadamar
• Niederzeuzheim
• Wilsenroth

Parking

Parking at Westerburg station is free of charge.

Directions

The start can be from any station along the way, as it is a circular route. I start in Westerburg at the station and head south on Bahnhofstraße. Via field paths, it goes to Sainscheid, then west to Möllingen. Now the path leads south again to Bilkheim. Shortly after the town, at Wallmerod station, I follow the B 8 for a short stretch before our paths part and I reach Weroth. In Elz, I have finished the southern route and can treat myself at the Schützenhof inn. In Hadamar, I also take time, for example for the city museum and the rose garden on Herzenberg. There is also a pilgrimage chapel here. From now on, the path leads me in smaller and larger arcs northwards. I pass through Niederzeuzheim, Dornburg, and reach Langendernbach before returning to Westerburg via Gemünden.

Safety instructions

Very good fitness required. The route is marked with its own route logo and at least trekking tires are recommended (approx. 18 km gravel path, approx. 6 km natural path).

Equipment

For bags and backpacks on a bike tour, not only the back offers space – the weight of the equipment should ideally be distributed across several body and bike parts. Wind, rain, or sun can lead to very different temperature sensations on the bike – 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. Besides other important equipment items, necessary tools and repair utensils should not be forgotten. At high speed, it’s easy to take a wrong turn on a bike tour: traditional and modern aids such as a bike map or GPS device serve for orientation. You should also always have a small emergency kit with you.

Tips

If I don’t feel like climbing hills, I take the Obere Westerwaldbahn and enjoy the surroundings in a different way.

Literature

Free brochure order (westerwald.info)

Destination

Westerburg, station

Starting Point

Westerburg, station