Small round route on the Wiedweg around Altenkirchen

Description

My walking route towards the town center begins at Altenkirchen Station. Behind the Mühlengassen parking lot, I discover the idyllic path along the former Mühlengraben, which leads me into the Wiesental. (Those wanting to shorten the route can also use the marked access path to the Wiedweg).

A small wooden bridge takes me to the other side of the Wied, and I follow the marked Wiedweg that leads me up to the "Dorn." Passing orchard meadows, I catch a view over Altenkirchen and the Bismarck Tower, the city's landmark.

Along a lovely tree avenue, I reach the notable Romanesque basilica in Almersbach, which dates from the 12th century and still contains old wall paintings. From May to September, the church is open for visits on Sundays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
A small path leads me down into the Wied valley, where I cross the river once more and return through natural meadows to the town.

Approach

Altenkirchen Station

Public transport

Train: RB 90 from Siegen - Altenkirchen - Limburg
Schedule info: vrm-info.de

Parking

Free P&R parking spaces at the station, Konrad-Adenauer-Platz, 57610 Altenkirchen

Directions

The Bahnhofstraße takes me into the town center. Here, I go through a section of the pedestrian zone to the Mühlengassen parking lot. The outlet of the Mühlengraben, which used to feed the mill wheel, lies somewhat hidden here. Along the small Mühlengraben, I head into the Wiesental. Here, I take the path eastwards and reach the small wooden bridge over the Wied, from where I hike up the forest slope called "Am Dorn."

Those who want to shorten the walking route can follow the marked access path to the Wiedweg right at the end of Bahnhofstraße and reach the forest slope "Am Dorn" via Koblenzer Straße and Heimstraße as well.

Once at the top, the path continues through forest and past an orchard meadow. Toward Almersbach, I repeatedly encounter clear-cut areas where the bark beetle has killed countless trees. Slowly, nature seems to be healing these wounds.

In Almersbach, I head toward the remarkable Romanesque church. This basilica dates back to the 12th century and still features impressive old wall paintings. From May to September, the church is open for visits on Sundays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. A small path leads down to the Wied valley and over a small bridge to the opposite side of the Wied. Many meadows along the Wied are managed close to nature here. Due to the abundant presence of meadow knapweed, a substantial population of the protected Large Blue butterfly has developed. The combination of ants and blooming meadow knapweed is crucial for the preservation of this butterfly, so mowing times must be carefully planned.

My circular route turns back toward the town at the Raiffeisen market and shortly after I reach the station via Wiedstraße.

Safety instructions

In storms, forest areas with still-standing dead spruces should be avoided.

Equipment

Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing

The Wiedweg itself is signposted; for the idyllic access path past the Mühlengraben, a printed map is advantageous

Tips

In Bahnhofstraße, you should visit the traditional Cafe Schneider, where the senior owner still bakes herself.

Destination

Altenkirchen Station (Westerwald)

Starting Point

Altenkirchen Station (Westerwald)