Rail trail route: from Bad Marienberg into the beautiful Nistertal

Description

The circular route is about 15.5 kilometers long and partly runs on the old railway track from Bad Marienberg to Nistertal. More precisely, it takes me from Bad Marienberg around the Katzenberg and the Scharfenstein, two impressive mountains of 483 and 454 meters respectively. On both the outbound and return journeys, I pass the Basalt Park with its lake, educational trail, and interesting exhibits. Alternatively, I can visit the falconry in the wildlife park on my right side. Additionally, from the Hedwig Tower, I have a wonderful panoramic view. I visit the connected climbing forest either after the route or on another day, as I will surely spend a few hours there. In Erbach, I can stop for a delicious meal at the Hotel zur Post. Here the chef still cooks regional and international dishes himself. Alternatively, I enjoy the lunch menu at the Wienen butcher's shop in Bad Marienberg.

Approach

Motorway exits:
BAB 3, Cologne - Frankfurt: Hennef/Sieg or Dierdorf
BAB 3, Frankfurt - Cologne: Limburg-Nord or Montabaur
BAB 45, Dortmund - Frankfurt: Haiger Burbach or Herborn West
From east and west: via B414 to Bad Marienberg;
From south: via B255 to Bad Marienberg

Public transport

By train (www.bahn.de): to the station Nistertal-Bad Marienberg;

Alternatively:
ICE station Montabaur, bus connection to Bad Marienberg (35 km).
ICE station Limburg then continue by regional train to station Nistertal-Bad Marienberg. Bus connection to the town Bad Marienberg (7 km).

Parking

Parking at the tourist information;
Parking in Gartenstraße/Bahnhofstraße below Atlas Sports Studio

Directions

Start and finish are at the intersection of Marktstraße and Bismarckstraße in Bad Marienberg. The route takes me through the town and then over forest edge and field paths directly to the wildlife park. Along the way, I have to manage an incline. On my left lies the Basalt Park. On similar field paths, I reach Unnau, a small town with a history of more than a thousand years. I continue north towards Korb. Here too I pass through the town, cross the railway tracks and take a sharp left to start the return journey. At the edge of the animal protection area and the Nisteraue nature reserve, I move towards Erbach. This is an excellent place for cycling, as I am at the lowest point of my route. Now the path gradually leads uphill again. A small detour to the south lets me bypass the Hähn (410 meters). I continue cycling to Hahn, pass Langenbach and am almost back at my destination in Bad Marienberg.

Equipment

For bags and backpacks on a bike ride, not only the back offers space – the weight of the equipment should preferably be distributed over several body and bike parts. Wind, rain, or sun can cause 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 change clothing at hand to be prepared for any eventuality. Besides other important equipment, the necessary tools and repair items should not be forgotten. At high speeds, you can quickly take a wrong turn on a bike ride: traditional and modern aids such as a bike map or a GPS device serve for orientation. You should definitely always have a small emergency kit with you.

Tips

I like to visit the Ursula Meister House Gallery in Bad Marienberg because the intuitively working artist creates beautiful art without material constraints.

Literature

Combined flyer for cycling/hiking, available free of charge here!

Destination

Bad Marienberg, town center

Starting Point

Bad Marienberg, town center