WW1: Nomborn – Fuchskaute

Description

The stage starts in Nomborn in the Nassau Nature Park. From the local landmark, the “Bornkasten,” I have a magnificent panoramic view. On the slopes of this elevation, basalt quarries also give me insight into the geological history of the region; and with closer inspection, I can still recognize the remains of a Celtic ring fort on the summit.

Then on to Westerburg: here is the fantastic Westerwald Adventure Station, which not only makes the hearts of devoted railway fans beat faster. Every Saturday, I can watch the people here at work. The museum houses, among other things, a railway poster section. Westerburg also offers a traditional costume museum. Besides costumes from the Westerwald, there are also costumes from other regions and countries to see. And another highlight awaits on this quite demanding route: the large Wiesensee near Stahlhofen am Wiesensee is a camper’s paradise and a popular place for swimming. Last but not least, I travel with open eyes through the many small communities, some of which are more than a thousand years old and have historically interesting buildings and cultural monuments.

The highlight of this route is the Fuchskaute, the extinct volcano at 657 meters elevation. The name Fuchskaute means something like fox cave. From up here, on beautiful days, there is a fantastic distant view.

Directions

I leave the hotel and ride through the forest and then along the forest edge to Nomborn and further to Nentershausen. On the way there, I turn left before the forest section and cross the A 3 motorway. This means I leave the Nassau Nature Park. The path takes me through the village, over fields, and through another forest section to three ponds, between which I ride. After a few kilometers, I reach the outskirts of Niedererbach, take a sharp left curve on Bergstraße (K 156) and shortly afterward reach Obererbach. Through smaller villages, I steadily head north: I pass Dreikirchen, Weroth, Wallmerod, Bilkheim, Mähren, Härtlingen, Kaden, and Möllingen. The route alternates between natural paths, gravel roads, and asphalt sections. At Kölbingen, I make a gentle right curve and ride a stretch eastward before the signs lead me back north to Sainscheid. The next larger town is Westerburg, where various sights (see Highlights) and a culinary break are offered, for example at Restaurant Semperfrey or Restaurant Alte Landratsvilla in Hotel Bender near the northern end of the town. But the decision is not easy since I only ride a bit further through the forest and reach the Wiesensee, where I want to take another break, this time for swimming. Refreshed, I continue to Waldmühlen, Rennerod, and gradually ever higher until behind Homberg and beyond the B 414 I reach the Fuchskaute. The steep climb is definitely worth it: on the south hilltop, I can eat at the restaurant of the same name, and there is also lodging with breakfast.

Safety instructions

Very good physical condition required.

Tips

You should definitely take your time for this demanding section of the route, also to enjoy the individual stations. So start early!

Literature

Combination flyer cycling/hiking, available free of charge here!

Destination

Fuchskaute, Lodge

Starting Point

Nomborn, Landhotel Studentenmühle