WesterwaldSteig experience loop "Hills, lakes and a gorge"

Description

The area around Rennerod lies on a gentle plateau with small forests and green meadows – typical for the Westerwald yet shaped by the rough altitude. This route mostly follows the WesterwaldSteig to the impressive Holzbachschlucht, one of the oldest nature reserves in the region. This natural jewel was already protected in 1929. Here you can expect an idyllic setting: maples, ashes, and elms lean over the crystal-clear water of the Holzbach, which quietly gurgles over large stones. The steep rock walls rise up to 30 meters into the sky and tell a long story – because over tens of thousands of years the Holzbach slowly carved its way through the basalt here, creating one of the most impressive stream gorges in the Westerwald.

Nature here still appears quite pristine: beech hall forests, gnarled deadwood trees, and a variety of wild herbs line the path. Along the brook, you can explore the gorge on a well-laid path. Numerous information boards help you get to know the plant and animal world better.

Approach

Coming from the south or north via the B54 to Rennerod
Coming from the west or east via the B255 to Rennerod
In Rennerod follow the main street to the town center/ junction to Westernoher Str.
The Tourist Information is on the left side of Westernoher Str.

Public transport

From Montabaur ICE station by bus line 460 to the Westerburg bus stop, Willmenroder Str. (Monday-Sunday) and from there continue by bus line 477 to Rennerod, Hauptstr. The start of the hike is just around the corner at the Tourist Information in Westernoher Str.

From Westerburg station by bus line 480 to Rennerod bus station. From here a connecting path (approx. 720 m) leads to the WesterwaldSteig. In this case, you do not start directly at the Tourist Information but pass it at the end of the circular hike.

www.vrminfo.de

Parking

Free parking at the Westerwaldhalle, Westerwaldstraße 1, 56477 Rennerod

Directions

The route starts in Rennerod at the Tourist Information or alternatively at the Westerwaldhalle in Rennerod.

In the town center of Rennerod, cross the main road (B54) from the Tourist Information, turn right onto Friedhofsweg and walk uphill along the street. From the parking lot at the Westerwaldhalle, you can access Friedhofsweg directly. Pass the cemetery straight ahead to the edge of the forest, then turn left following the signs for the WesterwaldSteig and the hiking trail "VR10".

The path leads past the legendary Seitenstein - a basalt formation rising about 20 m from the ground. Continue to the K51 (Hellenhahn-Schellenberg-Seck), which you cross. The path passes the Great and Small Secker Ponds. At the Great Secker Pond there is a campsite with a restaurant.

Following the signage for the WesterwaldSteig and "VR10", you reach Hof Dapprich.

The path leads into the Holzbachschlucht nature reserve. This can be circled in both directions on natural paths following the hiking trail "VR14". A bridge at the end of the gorge connects both riverbanks.

Back at Hof Dapprich (refreshment opportunity at the farm café), continue on "VR10" towards Seck and back to Rennerod to the Westerwaldhalle.

Safety instructions

This experience loop is consistently marked with "VR10" and partly runs parallel to the WesterwaldSteig. Although the path is very well marked throughout, for safety reasons you should always carry a suitable hiking map or download the free "Rhineland-Palatinate Experience" app.

If you consider certain sections of the path impassable for you, you should circumvent them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can have muddy and slippery stretches.

In autumn, be aware that fallen leaves on the ground can conceal unevenness, roots, stones or holes in the path. You must expect path impairments of this kind when hiking.

Equipment

Wear sturdy footwear as well as weather-appropriate, practical clothing that protects against cold and wet conditions or heat and sun.

Bring sufficient fluids. Refreshment options are not available everywhere.

Please wear suitable hiking boots that provide enough support even on slippery and steep or rocky and uneven paths.

Tips

Refreshments at the Hofcafé Dapprich at the entrance of Holzbachschlucht. Here you will find homemade cakes and tarts or a hearty snack.

Destination

Tourist Information Hoher Westerwald, Westernoher Str. 7 a, 56477 Rennerod

Starting Point

Tourist Information Hoher Westerwald, Westernoher Str. 7 a, 56477 Rennerod