Westerwald loop: Wissen - Daaden

Description

The spa town of Wissen has, among other things, numerous half-timbered houses. Here stand the Heister Chapel (18th century), the Castle Mill (19th century), and the Schloss Schönstein, which is at least 750 years old. My way leads me north through a wonderful landscape. I cycle to the northernmost point of the Westerwald, the historic Wildenburger Land. Here the Lords of Wildenburg ruled until the 15th century. Also interesting is the Botanical Trail, which accompanies me partly on my route. Along the way, I can stop in the middle of nature at the Mühlenthaler Mill. Then I reach Crottorf Water Castle, which stands on the remains of a medieval water castle. Near Hohenhain, I look at an iron smelting site from the 7th/8th century. In Freudenberg, numerous half-timbered houses of the old town Alter Flecken await me. There is also a technology museum here. A bit further, in Niederfischbach, the railway museum and citizen park attract visitors. The further landscape and places like Biersdorf and Daaden show signs of former mining everywhere.

Approach

Motorway exits:
BAB 4 Cologne - Bad Hersfeld: Bergneustadt-Reichshof
BAB 3, Frankfurt - Cologne: Montabaur

Public transport

By train to Wissen station.

Parking

Unlimited parking:

• Parking lot "Burgunderstraße"
• Parking lot "Wiesenstraße"
• Parking lot at "Altes Stellwerk"
• Parking lot stadium and Stadionstraße
• Parking lot "Im Buschkamp"
• RegioBahnhof P+R (upper parking deck)
• RegioBahnhof P+R (lower parking deck)

Directions

In Wissen I head north, cross Bahnhofstraße and later the Sieg. Soon I am on idyllic forest paths. Partly I am on the Botanical Trail, which runs through Wisserland. After about four kilometers I come across the Mühlenthaler Mill, built in 1601. Then it continues in smaller bends towards the north, passing the Wipper Mill and several farms, the Schmalenbach Mill, and small lakes. The village of Crottorf and Crottorf Castle offer a stop with a place to eat. Also, there is a small cross chapel in the forest to the right. Soon I reach the northernmost tip of the Westerwald, in the Wildenburger Land. Shortly after Busenhagen, I keep right on the district road and reach Wildenburger station. The picturesque route takes me past Hohenhain and on the 2-Countries Cycling Route (with tunnel passage) through Freudenberg. On a former railway track, it goes towards Betzdorf. From here to my destination, Daaden, the Westerwald loop coincides with the Alsdorf Cycling Route.

Safety instructions

Very good fitness required.

Equipment

For bags and backpacks during a cycling route, not only the back offers space—the weight of the equipment should best be distributed over several body and bike parts. Wind, rain or sun can lead to very different temperature sensations on the bike—a cold can be best prevented with professional cycling clothing. On a multi-day route, you should always have suitable change clothing at hand to be prepared for any eventuality. Besides other important equipment items, necessary tools and repair utensils should not be forgotten. At high speed, it’s easy to take a wrong turn on a cycling route: traditional and modern aids such as a cycling map or a GPS device serve for orientation. You should always have a small emergency kit with you as well.

Tips

Water lovers use the warm-water outdoor pool in Freudenberg, younger cyclists enjoy the water playground at Gambachsweiher. Maybe there is also time for a visit to the open-air stage.

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 flyer hiking/cycling

Destination

Daaden, center

Starting Point

Wissen, center