Seifen's railway history - first class

Description

From the village center, head up towards the cemetery, where a wonderful panoramic view awaits you. The marked circular trail then leads you further to the Wied and over the Holzbachtal railway up to the Stellberg and a beautiful swing bench. Several information boards, attached to old rail pieces, explain the village history and the development of the former three railway lines along the way.
Your path takes you to the back of Seifen station and from there to the old railway underpass.

It's hard to imagine that there was busy railway traffic on parts of this idyllic forest path during the ore mining era between the Louise mine and the Seifen transfer station.

South along the Holzbach, your path now leads to the Burgberg and a final information board on the history of the Burgberg and its two tunnel structures for the Holzbachtal railway.
After crossing a cattle meadow and the Holzbach, you return to the village.

The trail is continuously marked.

Approach

Motorway A3 to the Neuwied exit, clearly visible by the mining tower next to the motorway exit, continue on the B256 towards Flammersfeld/Altenkirchen, after about 7 km after crossing the Wied turn right towards Seifen/Döttesfeld/Puderbach, then another 4 km through Döttesfeld past Seifen station to the entrance of Seifen.

Public transport

Seifen can be reached by bus line 126 from Altenkirchen (Westerwald) or Flammersfeld. (Bus stop "Brunnen, Seifen")
Information on connections at www.vrs-info.de

Parking

Parking is available in the center of 57632 Seifen, as well as at the cemetery. The latter can be reached via the village street "In der Hohl." At both locations, you will find two large hiking boards providing information about the approximately 7.8 km circular hiking trail.

Directions

The hiking trail starts in the center of Seifen, beginning with an ascent through a small forested area and leading to a beautiful panoramic view over the village and into the distance. It then continues past the cemetery. Here, the first information board explains the route and the era of ore mining in this region.

Then you descend into the Wied valley and reach the railway track. An information board points out a largely preserved firebreak. The width of the track bed and three preserved kilometer markers indicate the rails of the former "Linzer-Bahn." From the Wied valley, you go uphill again and cross the Holzbachtal railway.

Next to the main route, a shortcut path is marked a few meters further that brings you faster to the breathtaking swing bench.
A little later, you will see the former Seifen station, once a transfer point for the ore mined in the many mines in the Horhausen area. Through an old bridge, built for the passage of the Krupp railway, you soon reach the other side of the Holzbach. From here, you head to the Burgberg and the tunnel structure for the Holzbachtal railway.
After crossing a cattle pasture and the Holzbach, you reach the L 269 and return to the village center.

From Friday to Sunday, as well as on public holidays, you can refresh yourself at the "Bikers-Canyon" guesthouse at the end of your hike before heading home.

Safety instructions

We recommend suitable hiking clothes and sturdy footwear.

Equipment

Bring enough fluids and maybe a small snack that you can enjoy at the beautiful seating areas.

Tips

At the end of your hike, the "Bikers-Canyon" guesthouse - open year-round on weekends and public holidays - invites you to linger.

Literature

Info flyer with trail map for download

Destination

Parking in the center of 57632 Seifen

Starting Point

Parking in the center of 57632 Seifen