Ulmtal cycle path: GeoRoute on the trail of basalt, clay, and ore

Description

If I want to cycle from the Lahn valley to the Westerwald, I would have to overcome some climbs. How lucky it is when a former railway line can be used as a cycle path. The former Ulmtalbahn – also called "Balkan Express" – was closed in 1976. Today the track has been converted into an attractive cycle path. This way I can experience and enjoy the low-gradient Central Uplands landscape.

The cycle path is developed as a GeoRoute in the GEOPARK Westerwald-Lahn-Taunus. The Ulmtalbahn was originally built for raw material transport from the Westerwald to the Lahn valley. Basalt, clay, and iron ore were exported from here. Today, I find many mining-historical relics along the route, over which I learn exciting stories at beautifully designed rest areas and viewpoints.

Shortly after the start high up on the Knoten, one of the highest mountains in the Westerwald, I reach the Adolf Weiß monument (Hui-Wäller monument). Adolf Weiß was a genuine Westerwald farmer and local poet. He won a competition in 1913 that was about a hiker's greeting. It remains popular to this day: "Hui! Wäller? Allemol!" Then it continues to Beilstein, where I can buy delicious provisions at the old station (Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings) and also visit on Friday and Sunday afternoons. In the town, the BASALT-PARKours awaits with lots of information about the raw material basalt. A wonderful oasis of calm has emerged here. A bit further between Beilstein and Holzhausen lies the Ulmbachtalsperre with a large beer garden and swimming possibility. Above Ulm, I am greeted by the bronze head of the Erwin Piscator monument, which was set up in 2016 in honor of the famous citizen.

Shortly after Allendorf, I visit the Siegfried Fietz sculpture park. On a walk through the open park, I discover wonderful large sculptures made of wood and stone. Soon after, the Outdoor Center Lahntal attracts me, a location with a covered beer garden in the middle of the forest. Events also take place here, you can stay overnight, rent canoes, and celebrate all kinds of festivals. In Biskirchen, I then reach the Lahn cycle path and can refresh myself at the Gertrudis spring healing source.

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 on B49 towards Merenberg-west/Mengerskirchen/M-Allendorf/Weilburg/Hasselbach, then 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 on B49 towards Merenberg-west/Mengerskirchen/M-Allendorf/Weilburg/Hasselbach, then Industriestraße, L3109, L3046, Hauptstraße, and L3046 to the destination in Greifenstein
• From Limburg a. d. Lahn: drive on B49, L3109, and L3046 to Greifenstein

Parking

• Usually sufficiently available, gravel surface
• Free of charge

Directions

In the middle of the rectangle between the Krombachtalsperre, Münchhausen, Oberrod, and Arborn lies the Knoten (586 meters). The ride starts on the east side and leads through a vast forest area east to Odersberg. With some peaks and bends, I ride past Beilstein and turn south towards Holzhausen and Ulm. I leave Allendorf and Bissenberg to the left and reach the Lahn cycle path in Biskirchen, the end of the route. The route runs along a former railway line. The disused track was dismantled and a wonderful cycle path was created, so I always ride on a solid surface. The path offers not only some sights but also several rest areas. Additionally, the entire route tends to go downhill, so the route can also be mastered by older cyclists and children. The highest point is shortly after the start at 578 meters; at the end of the ride, I stand at a height of only 138 meters.

Safety instructions

Easy bike ride. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Equipment

For bags and backpacks during a bike ride, space is not only on the back – 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 suitable change clothes on hand to be prepared for any eventuality. In addition to other important equipment, the necessary tools and repair materials should not be forgotten. At high speeds, you can quickly take a wrong turn on a bike ride: traditional and modern tools such as a bike map or a GPS device serve for orientation. You should always have a small emergency kit with you as well.

Tips

The Ulmbachtalsperre invites you to swim in summer, so bring swimwear! And those who want to end the day in a sociable round with a beer or regional specialties can do so in the beer garden with a lake view and playground.

Literature

• Combined flyer cycling/hiking, freely available here

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

Destination

Leun district Biskirchen

Starting Point

Knoten (R 8)