The Kallenbach cycling path: a short easy route for in between

Description

Oberroder Knoten, at over 600 meters, is one of the highest mountains of the Hessian Westerwald. This route impresses with its unique nature and the many small villages that are centuries old and are characterized by their architectural monuments. For example, in Arborn, I find an old schoolhouse and a ‘Backes’ (community bakehouse) in timber-frame style; in nearby Nenderoth, a church from the 13th century, a Backes with a local history museum, and a small waterfall of the Leyenbach (a tributary of the Kallenbach). The Kallenbach accompanies me to Obershausen, where there is also a church from the 13th century. The old Eiselsmühle behind Obershausen was once powered by the millrace. In Niedershausen, I take a look at the Kallenbach bridge from the 19th century and the Protestant church from 1805. Then I reach Löhnberg, a community with a long history. The region is also famous for its mineral springs. Therefore, the symbol of the town is the fountain house.

Approach

• From Cologne: follow A4 and A45 to B255 in Herborn, take exit 26-Herborn-West on A45
• From Frankfurt: take A3 and B49 to Limburger Str. in Merenberg, take exit towards Merenberg-west/Mengerskirchen/M-Allendorf/Weilburg/Hasselbach on B49, take Industriestraße, L3109, L3046, Hauptstraße and L3046 to the destination in Greifenstein
• From Siegen: take A45 to B255 in Herborn, take exit 26-Herborn-West on A45, follow B255 to the destination in Greifenstein
• From Koblenz: take A48, A3 and B49 to Limburger Str. in Merenberg, take exit towards Merenberg-west/Mengerskirchen/M-Allendorf/Weilburg/Hasselbach on B49, take Industriestraße, L3109, L3046, Hauptstraße and L3046 to the destination in Greifenstein
• From Limburg an der Lahn: drive on B49, L3109 and L3046 to Greifenstein

Parking

• Usually sufficiently available, gravel surface
• Free of charge

Directions

I start east of Oberroder Knoten near the Wetzlarer Hut heading south. It passes the L 3046 with a sharp left turn. In the forest, I immediately turn right again and a little further left once more. In a zigzag, I pass Arborn and then reach Nenderoth. The path leads me past several mills to Obershausen and directly on to Niedershausen. Then it goes a bit further south. This way I reach my destination Löhnberg and the Lahn cycling path. The route is just under 15 kilometers long; I estimate about an hour without breaks. The route is ideal for seniors and children as it tends downhill and offers several rest areas, including in the Kallenbach valley, a fauna-flora habitat. Just before Arborn stand the “dicke Baam” and the memorial Heiligkreuzkirche, and here is a spacious rest area with a beautiful view. Along the way, I can also refresh myself at three restored fountain facilities.

Safety instructions

No special skills required.

Equipment

For bags and backpacks on a bike ride, 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 cause 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 appropriate change of clothes at hand to be prepared for any eventuality. Besides other important equipment, the necessary tools and repair utensils should not be forgotten. At high speeds, on a bike ride, you can quickly take a wrong turn: traditional and modern aids such as a cycling map or a GPS device help with orientation. You should always have a small emergency kit with you.

Tips

In Löhnberg is the old Laneburg castle with its museum as well as the Water Museum, which shows exciting fossils and exhibits on the history of water supply.

https://www.gemeinde-loehnberg.de/freizeit-erleben/loehnberger-wassermuseum

Literature

• KOMPASS cycling/hiking map Westerwald (South), 1:50,000, ISBN: 978-3-00-065929-4

Destination

Löhnberg

Starting Point

Oberroder Knoten