Wisserland - Old Fürstenweg

Description

In the middle reaches of the Sieg between Westerwald, Siegerland and Oberbergisches Land, the Old Fürstenweg opens up the area of the former immediate Imperial Lordship of Wildenburg and the former Amt Schönstein.

The circular hike follows parts of the historic Fürstenweg, which connects the castles Schönstein, Crottorf (water castle) and Wildenburg. Along the way, there are interesting information boards as part of the Botanical Trail about special features in the region (e.g. former ore mining). After starting at the hiking parking lot in Frankenthal (directly on the B 62 at Wissen), it goes past the former forced labor camp up to the "Old Post Road," then down into the idyllic Bröl Valley. Following the old mining railway track, the hike continues over Mühlenthal to the stream crossing, then up again to the ridge (Old Post Road) with magnificent views over the Sieg valley into the nearby Westerwald. Later it goes down again to the hiking parking lot.

Approach

Drive to 57537 Wissen, Frankenthal, access at house no. 5 (the signposted hiking parking lot is located directly at the B 62 on the outskirts in the direction of Betzdorf, at the access to the Heubrücke over the Sieg).

Public transport

Use the train (Sieg line Cologne-Siegen) to Wissen (Sieg). From the regional train station, follow the yellow-marked access path to the Natursteig Sieg in the direction of Frankenthal to the local hiking parking lot (about 15 minutes on foot). Info: https://www.bahn.de/

Parking

At the starting point (57537 Wissen, Frankenthal, access at house no. 5) there are sufficient parking spaces available.

Directions

The route starts at the hiking parking lot in Wissen-Frankenthal and follows the marking of the Botanical Trail. You cross the B 62 and hike uphill on the Old Fürstenweg, passing the ruins of the former forced labor camp. After the natural monument "3 Beeches," you cross the "Old Post Road" downhill into the idyllic Bröl Valley. Here you continue parallel to the stream on the old mining railway track. From here, the Fürstenweg went on towards Crottorf Water Castle. However, you follow the stream over Mühlenthal (possibility to stop for refreshment) to the pedestrian bridge/fording over the Brölbach, then uphill again to the "Old Post Road." There, on the watershed between Sieg and Brölbach with several beautiful panoramic views, you hike back towards Wissen. A short detour to the historic "Bucher Cross" on the ridge is worthwhile (it is signposted). From the large intersection in the forest, the hike goes again down to Wissen-Frankenthal on the "Old Fürstenweg." Throughout the route, information boards as part of the Botanical Trail point out special features, such as the former mining in the region.

You can find the complete "Botanical Trail – Culture and Landscape in the Wisserland" here.

Safety instructions

- Wear sturdy footwear as well as weather-appropriate, functional clothing to protect you from cold and wet or heat and sun.

- Bring enough fluids. Refreshment points are not available everywhere.

Tips

About halfway through the route there is a possibility to stop for refreshment ("Zur alten Mühle", Mühlenthal 1, 57587 Birken-Honigsessen, https://zur-alten-muehle.jimdofree.com/).

Literature

Topographic map 1:25,000 with hiking and cycling trails, sheet 3 - Northern Westerwald, Verbandsgemeinden Betzdorf, Wissen and Kirchen (Sieg). Available for example at the Wisserland Tourist Information, phone 02742 2686.

Destination

Frankenthal, 57537 Wissen (hiking parking lot)

Starting Point

Frankenthal, 57537 Wissen (hiking parking lot)