Westerwald loop: Wiesensee - Diez

Description

At the Wiesensee, I can quickly take a bath before continuing. I also already visited the tourist information located here and stocked up on material about the WällerLand. This includes the region of the collective municipalities Wallmerod and Westerburg. Then I set off and reach Westerburg quite quickly. From Schlossberg, the castle with its Protestant church greets you; there is also a railway and a traditional costume museum. The Westerwald adventure station is not only interesting for train enthusiasts. Smaller towns line my path, which mainly leads through fields. A short detour to Herschbach brings me to the historic town center with parish church, town hall, and marketplace. Later, I discover another castle in Molsberg, built in the 18th century on old castle foundations. Diez on the Lahn, my destination, also offers historic sites: here there is a collegiate church and a museum in the Grafschaft Castle. My last official stop of the Westerwald loop is the Old Lahn bridge.

Approach

• BAB 3, Cologne - Frankfurt: take exit 40-Montabaur
• BAB 3, Frankfurt - Cologne: take exit B49 towards Limburg-Nord/Gießen/Limburg

Parking

Free parking available at Wiesensee

Directions

At the southern tip of the Wiesensee, the Winner Ufer, I start this last stage of the Westerwald loop. I head west and am immediately in the forest. Then I continue southwest and south on a forest path directly to Westerburg. I pass through the town and cycle two wide bends to the west. This way I reach Sainscheid, Kölbingen, Kaden, and Härtlingen. Heading south, I continue cycling on an old railway track until shortly before Wallmerod. Then I have to cycle about one kilometer on the B 8 road. After Molsberg, it goes uphill again for a bit, and I reach the next town Hundsangen via another forest path. One last bigger climb at Görgeshausen has to be mastered, and then I am already on the way down to the valley areas. On zigzag paths, I pass through Hambach and skirt Glückingen. Shortly after, I rest at a picnic table in the open fields. This way, I arrive relaxed and happy in Diez.

Safety instructions

Bike: moderate difficulty. Good basic fitness required.

E-Bike: easy. Suitable for all fitness levels.

Equipment

For bags and backpacks on a cycling tour, not only the back offers space – the weight of the equipment should ideally be distributed over 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 clothes on hand to be prepared for any eventuality. In addition to other important equipment, necessary tools and repair items should not be forgotten. At high speeds, it’s easy to take a wrong turn on a cycling tour: traditional and modern aids such as a cycling map or a GPS device provide orientation. You should always also have a small emergency kit with you.

Tips

I like to visit the Hain (city park) in Diez. Here there are wonderful walking paths for relaxation, as well as, among other things, a climbing garden and a mini-golf course.

Literature

• KOMPASS - Westerwald: hiking and cycling map, north map, 1:50,000, ISBN: 978-3-00-065928-7
• KOMPASS - Westerwald: hiking and cycling map, south map, 1:50,000, ISBN: 978-3-00-065929-4
• Combined hiking/cycling flyer

Destination

Diez: corner of Alter Markt/Pfaffengasse

Starting Point

Wiesensee