recommended route
Dream loop "Between the woods"
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Traumschleife "Zwischen den Wäldern"Photo: K.-P. Kappest, Wanderbüro Saar-Hunsrück
The path in EdelSteinLand literally runs “between the forests”. On the way, hikers can look forward to numerous natural experiences: Dense forests with winding paths as well as open meadow and field landscapes.
As early as the Middle Ages, documents referred to the landscape of the so-called Idar plateau with the name “Between the Forests”. Beautiful viewpoints await you with views of the Erbeskopf, Wildenburg Tower and the wooded ridges of the Hunsrück.
The starting point is at the Allenbach pond with the foot pool. Afterwards, the historic mill, the Allenbach castle and the church of Allenbach with a “STUMM organ” lie along the way. On winding, narrow paths, you cross the scenically impressive “Eva Loch Gorge”.
The artist Gerd Edinger has created the installation “Sun time between the woods” as a signpost and time object at the edge of the forest above Wirschweiler. It consists of a base stone for the night, a second large stone for the day and numerous smaller stones for the hours. The 1 km long Krahloch Geopark provides vivid information about geology, rocks, mining and the natural environment with its stone exhibits and display boards.
Author’s recommendation
Allenbach Pond, Allenbach Historic Grain Mill, Allenbach Castle, Krahloch Geopark
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Hotel-Café-Restaurant SteuerSafety information
The dream loops do have some steep, difficult and, in rainy conditions or in winter, some slippery sections. Therefore, hiking boots, a sure footing and good physical condition are essential requirements for hiking these premium circular trails.
Tips and hints
Tourist information in EdelSteinland:
Office Herrstein
Brühlstr. 16
55756 Herrstein
phone +49 6785 - 791400
Fax +49 6785 - 7981400
info@edelsteinland.de
www.edelsteinland.de
Office Idar-Oberstein
Main street 419
55743 Idar-Oberstein
phone+49 6781 - 64871
Fax +49 6781 - 64878
info@edelsteinland.de
www.edelsteinland.de
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
On the way, hikers can look forward to numerous natural experiences: Dense forests with winding paths as well as open meadow and field landscapes. Lookout points await you, where sensory benches provide a well-deserved break, with views of the Erbeskopf, the tower of the Wildenburg and the forested mountain ranges of the Hunsrück. In between, there are splashing streams and a gorge with a steep ascent.
We start the hike at the Allenbach pond and walk through the idyllic village on the German Gemstone Trail past the historic flour mill, Allenbach Castle and the church. We leave the houses behind us and walk above the Hohlbach past paddocks towards the forest. After crossing the L162 we approach the “Eva-Loch-Gorge”. We cross the gorge on winding, narrow paths uphill and reach the open field at the top. A wonderful view and the inviting sensory bench are the reward for the climb. Walk along the edge of the forest to the Wirschweiler sports field - another entry point for the dream loop. Now the trail leads again on narrow paths through forest sections, past another sensory bench, until we finally hit the open field again. Here the view opens up to the impressive landscape of the region. The trail now heads downhill towards the Krahloch Geopark. On the left we catch sight of the village of Sensweiler before we cross the German Gemstone Road / L162. Some of the trail follows the Saar-Hunsrück-Trail. A bat cave and another sensory bench also await us on this section.
With its stone exhibits and display boards, the Krahloch Geopark provides vivid information about geology, rocks, mining and the natural environment. We pass the roof slate mine and the den of foxes and badgers.
Then turn right across open meadows into the forest. The path now leads on narrow paths through dense branches until we step out of the forest again. We cross the road in the direction of Wirschweiler and walk along a section of the “Idarbach Nature Trail” in the direction of Allenbach. We are accompanied by the splashing of the Idarbach stream until we reach the first houses in Allenbach. In Allenbach, the dream loop leads us through the village in the direction of the pond, where the hike reaches its crowning conclusion. The Allenbach pond invites hikers to spend some time to enjoy a dip in the water to rest their tired feet from the impressive hike.
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
from Idar-Oberstein railway station, with bus 800 or 845 to Allenbach.Timetables: www.rnn.info
Getting there
Exit A1 at Mehring, continue to Thalfang, from there continue on the L164, then B422 (Allenbach) or B422/L162 (Wirschweiler).
Exit A61 at Bad Kreuznach, head towards Idar-Oberstein, take the B41 to exit Herrstein/Fischbach, continue on L160 and L162 to Allenbach and Wirschweiler
Parking
At the access points in Allenbach (car park at Allenbach pond) and Wirschweiler (car park at the sports field)
Coordinates
Equipment
Hiking footwear essential!
Our tips for carefree hiking fun:
Hiking is the perfect sport. With the right clothes and shoes, it's twice as much fun. Functional clothing, poles and breathable backpacks are good choices when hiking. But good footwear is indispensable. Sturdy jogging or leisure shoes are at best only suitable for short distances on flat paths. For longer walks, we recommend sturdy hiking boots with non-slip soles. Also remember to take sunscreen and a drink. A litre of water is best.
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- 5 Waypoints
- 5 Waypoints
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