RWW 10: Oberzeuzheim/Heidenhäuschen Nature Park

Description

Start: Multipurpose hall Oberzeuzheim

Via Grabenstraße, Mittelstraße, and Weyerer Weg you reach the outskirts of Oberzeuzheim. On a well-maintained farm road, you pass by farmsteads to the main road. Follow this road to the left for about 100 m before entering the forest area again (left). Follow the straight, ascending path to a crossroads with further hiking trails. Here the circular hiking route takes the second left path to the sign „Heidenhäuschen“. From here, it goes on a narrow, natural path that winds between the trunks of ancient beech trees and bizarrely shaped basalt rocks up to the highest point of the nature reserve (approx. 390 m). From the basalt plateau (where you stand on the remains of a Celtic ring wall) there is a magnificent view of the Elbbach valley from Westerburg to Limburg. The impressive rock formation has always fueled the imagination of the locals. Many legends and sagas revolve around this cult site. Explanations of its origin and history can be read on a panel at the shelter hut. The descent leads through a quiet deciduous forest interspersed with fern herbs back to a paved forest path. At the well-known crossroads, the marking points to the pilgrimage site "Seven Sorrows", which was probably founded in the 14th century by monks from Marienstatt at a forest spring. The popular pilgrimage site is adorned with a small Marian statue in early Baroque style, under whose canopy the spring is newly enclosed. During the redesign of 1968/69, the site was expanded and the weathered chapels were clad with local basalt and provided with roof coverings. For ages, processions from the surrounding communities have taken place here in May and September. The way back past the barbecue area and shooting range to the starting point can be shortened via the sports field.

Public transport

There is a train connection to Niederzeuzheim.

There is NO train connection to Oberzeuzheim.

Parking

Parking is available at the multipurpose hall in Oberzeuzheim.

Directions

From the multipurpose hall in Oberzeuzheim, go out of the town to the forest entrance at the main road. From there, the path leads to the "Heidenhäuschen" and after a loop back to Oberzeuzheim.

Safety instructions

The loop up to the Heidenhäuschen is not suitable for bicycles, wheelchairs, or similar due to the path conditions.

Wear sturdy footwear as well as weather-appropriate, practical clothing that protects you from cold and wet or heat and sun.

Take enough fluids with you. There are not always places to eat and drink available.

Please wear hiking boots appropriate for the path that provide sufficient grip even on slippery and steep or rocky and uneven paths.

If you believe that certain sections of the path are not passable for you, you should avoid them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can have muddy and slippery passages.

Especially in autumn, also pay attention that the leaves lying on the ground can hide unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. You must expect such path impairments when hiking.

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

Equipment

Wear sturdy footwear as well as weather-appropriate, practical clothing that protects you from cold and wet or heat and sun.

Take enough fluids with you. There are not always places to eat and drink available.

Tips

At the highest point of the nature reserve (approx. 390 m) you have a magnificent view of the Elbbach valley from Westerburg to Limburg. The rest hut also allows for a cozy picnic.

Destination

Multipurpose hall Oberzeuzheim

Starting Point

Multipurpose hall Oberzeuzheim