WällerLand Maneuver: In charming loops through the Wäller Land

Description

In Westerburg, there's a traditional costume museum and the charming Westerwald Adventure Station, complete with a fantastic railway poster exhibition. Every Saturday, you can watch people at work at the Adventure Station. The bike tour is 21 kilometers long, including a neat northwest loop, which I can literally skip to the left and thus shorten the route. During my bike tour, I pass old quarries, which bear witness to the locals' former crafts. On this loop, I pass through the three pretty villages of Hölzenhausen, Bellingen, and Langenhahn. Here, I find several restaurants. In Langenhahn, I visit the Sacred Heart Church. On my circular route, I come across Ailertchen Airport, which hosts a wonderful Whitsun festival. The Church of Our Lady on Marienhöhe is also worth a visit. Now I'm almost back in Westerburg.

Approach

• Coming from Cologne (A3): Take exit 40 for Montabaur onto the B255 towards Bad Ems/Bad Marienberg/Westerburg.
• Coming from Frankfurt (A3): Keep right, follow the signs towards Gießen/Weilburg/B49 and continue on the B49/B54.
• Coming from Siegen (B54): Take the B255 via the A3/Cologne/Koblenz/Montabaur/Hellenhahn-Schellenberg exit.

Public transport

By train to Westerburg station

Parking

Parking at Westerburg train station is free.

Directions

I start in the center of Westerburg at the intersection of Bahnhofstraße and Querstraße. I enter the latter and continue north along Brückenstraße. After a while, I turn left to stay on it. The Hülsbach stream accompanies me on the right before I keep left along the railway line. I pass through the industrial park, finally reaching the forest on the left and turn in behind the quarry. The path continues in gentle curves. If I want, I can turn right immediately and complete the circuit. Otherwise, I turn sharply left, then sharply right again and explore the three villages of Hölzenhausen, Bellingen, and Langenhahn. Finally, I reach the starting point of this pleasant northwest loop again. Now the circuit continues east. Behind the Ailertchen airfield, I turn south. I cycle along country paths past Halbs and Hergenroth, pass the Church of Our Lady, and reach Westerburg again.

Safety instructions

Good basic fitness required.

Equipment

On a bike tour, your back isn't the only place for bags and backpacks - it's best to distribute the weight of your gear across several parts of your body and bike. Wind, rain, or sun can lead to very different temperatures on a bike - the best way to avoid catching a cold is with professional cycling clothing. On a multi-day tour, you should always have a suitable change of clothes to hand so that you are prepared for every eventuality. In addition to other important pieces of equipment, you shouldn't forget the necessary tools and repair equipment. At high speeds on a bike tour, it's easy to take a wrong turn: traditional and modern aids such as a cycling map or a GPS device can help you find your way around. You should also always have a small first aid kit with you.

Tips

From Hergenroth, it's not far to the Wiesensee campsite. In summer, its cool waters are a great place for a swim.

Destination

Corner of Bahnhofstraße/Querstraße, 56457 Westerburg

Starting Point

Corner of Bahnhofstraße/Querstraße, 56457 Westerburg