Westerwald
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Hiking Trail
Route profile
Notice
In the tour planner we inform you under the tab "Current info" about temporary route changes, closures and detours.
The circular hiking trail "Drei-Länder-Höhenweg VR3" leads to the Dreiländereck - the point where the federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia meet and to the Ketzerstein with great views. The basalt blocks of the Ketzerstein have a very peculiar property: Those who rely on their compass here get off the right path. At the Ketzerstein, north is always north, no matter from which direction you come.
Then you reach the highest point of the hike - the Fuchskaute. At 657 m above sea level, it is the highest elevation in the Westerwald. The Fuchskaute nature reserve covers 40.2 hectares and was designated a protected area in 1984. It lies on the southeast slope of a gently inclined mountain top. The area is known for its rich arnica occurrences. Arnica is the star of the Fuchskaute. But there is much more to discover: rough grassland indicates former pasture areas. Large parts are covered with cross flowers. Typical inhabitants include various orchids, the wood hyacinth, the dog violet, or the broom. In addition, there is a large population of heath juniper. The animal world is also abundant around the Fuchskaute. A total of 34 bird species are native here, including meadow pipit, red-backed shrike, and whinchat. Also, five species of frogs, slow worm, lizards, and grass snake occur here. The area is rich in butterfly species as well: A total of 20 of the species occurring here are considered endangered in Germany. Very rare specimens are the violet copper butterfly and scabious checkerspot, while the admiral, the peacock butterfly, and the swallowtail butterfly are more frequently seen. In fact, some animal species are found only here in Rhineland-Palatinate!
Hiking car park on the K38 between the towns of Liebenscheid-Weißenberg and Rabenscheid
We recommend arriving by car
The hike starts at the hiking car park on the K38 between the towns of Liebenscheid-Weißenberg and Rabenscheid.
The 11 km long hiking trail follows the "VR3" first to the Dreiländereck - the point where the federal states of Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia meet, and continues west through the town of Liebenscheid-Weißenberg, past the "Aal Schul" and the natural monument "Old Ash".
From there, it goes up to the Ketzerstein with great views and above the town of Willingen, the path leads through the Fuchskaute nature reserve back to the starting point.
If you find certain sections of the trail impassable for you, you should avoid them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can be muddy and slippery.
Particularly in autumn, it should be noted that fallen leaves on the ground can cover unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. You should expect such trail impairments when hiking.
Although the path is very well marked throughout, for safety reasons, you should always carry a suitable hiking map or download the free app "Experience Rhineland-Palatinate".
Wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate, functional clothing that protects against cold and wetness or heat and sun.
Bring enough fluids with you. There are not refreshment options everywhere.
Please wear hiking shoes suitable for the trail, providing sufficient support even on slippery and steep or rocky and uneven paths.
Along the approximately 2 km long "Arnica Circular Trail", information boards provide details about the flora, fauna, and history of the Fuchskaute nature reserve.
Hiking map "Wanderwege VG Rennerod", also available for download at www.hoherwesterwald.info
More information & GPX download
