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recommended route Stage 13

Saar-Hunsrück Climb - 13th Leg: Idar-Oberstein (Altstadt) - Fischbach – Herrstein

Select · 1 review · Long Distance Hiking · Nahe

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Edelsteinland

Felsenkirche und Schloss, Idar-Oberstein
Photo: Ann-Kristin Quint, Tourist-Information EdelSteinLand

The route uses narrow paths via spectacular rock formations to provide great views of Nahetal.

15.11.2021: Closure due to forestry operations in the Schlossweiher area

difficult

Distance 19.6 km

7:00 h

947 m

976 m

432 m

233 m

From Oberstein Old Town, the route goes steeply uphill past the church-in-the-rocks to the castle. The church-in-the-rocks is a sacred emblem of Idar- Oberstein. It was built around 60 metres high in the rock between 1482-1484, to atone for a fratricide. From there we hike parallel to the “Nahe- Felsenweg” Dream Loop. The route uses narrow paths via spectacular rock formations to provide great views of Nahetal. After a long incline, there comes a very natural section with beautiful, quiet stream valleys, ancient woods and fantastic views when crossing ranges of hills. Due to its length and some steep inclines, this leg is very demanding. Those wanting to break the journey can find accommodation options via the tourist information. The copper mine in Fischbach is worth visiting and can be reached on foot. At the end of the leg we reach Herrstein with its numerous half-timbered houses from the Middle Ages.

Author’s recommendation

At the end of the stage, the historic town centre with 60 restored half-timbered houses awaits you.

A short tour is worthwhile!

Author

Iris Müller

Update: September 29, 2022

Premium route awarded the "Deutsches Wandersiegel"

Difficulty

difficult

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

432 m

Lowest point

233 m

Best time of year

Jan

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May

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Dec

Track types

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Safety information

The Saar-Hunsrück Climb is a near-natural trail, 65% of which is over soft forest soil, grassy paths or along streams. However, this special quality can also lead to problems after longer periods of rain and make parts of the trail difficult to walk on. Therefore, sturdy shoes are highly recommended.

Tips and hints

Tourist Information EdelSteinLand:

Office Herrstein
Brühlstraße 16
55756 Herrstein
Phone: + 49 (0)6785 - 79 1400

Fax: + 49 6785 - 79 8 1400
info@edelsteinland.de
www.edelsteinland.de

Office Idar-Oberstein
Hauptstraße 419
55743 Idar-Oberstein
Phone + 49 (0) 6781 - 64 871

Fax: + 49 6781 - 64 878
info@edelsteinland.de
www.edelsteinland.de

Start

Idar-Oberstein (Old town) (340 m)

Coordinates:

49.706399, 7.329240

DMS

49°42'23.0"N 7°19'45.3"E

UTM

32U 379536 5507327

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Destination

Herrstein

Turn-by-turn directions

From the old town of Oberstein, the route goes steeply uphill past the Felsenkirche to the castle. The Felsenkirche is the sacred landmark of Idar-Oberstein. It was built around 60 metres high in the rocks in 1482-1484 as atonement for a fratricide. From there we walk parallel to the dream loop "Nahe-Felsenweg". The path leads along narrow paths over spectacular rock formations with great views into the Nahe valley. After a long ascent, a very natural passage begins with beautiful quiet brook valleys, old forests and crossing mountain ranges with wonderful views. The stage is very demanding due to its length and some steep climbs. If you do not want to walk it in one piece, you can find accommodation at the tourist information offices. In Fischbach it is worth visiting the copper mine, which can be reached via an access road. At the end of the stage we reach the medieval town of Herrstein with its numerous half-timbered houses.

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

To the starting point:

Idar-Oberstein railway station, continue with city transport lines 801/802/805/806/870 to the municipal theatre. Or walk 500 metres from the station. From the Idar-Oberstein Tourist Information on the Oberstein market square (near the German Mineral Museum), the access route to the starting point is marked above Idar-Oberstein Castle.

Direct journey from Idar-Oberstein railway station to Oberstein Castle possible via call bus 829.

Timetable at www.rnn.info.

Return journey from Herrstein to Idar-Oberstein with bus lines 855, 856 (call bus).

We recommend planning the connections with www.rnn.info

By road

A61 exit Bad Kreuznach, direction B41 Idar-Oberstein exit "Tourist-Information", follow municipal parking guidance system.

A 62 to Birkenfeld exit, continue towards Birkenfeld B41 to Idar-Oberstein "Festhallenknoten" exit, follow municipal parking guidance system

Parking

Car park at Schlossweiher Oberstein

Car park at Idar-Oberstein station

Church-in-the-rocks car park

Old town car park

Nahe Centre car park

Hintertiefenbach car park (via a path)

Copper mine car park

Fischbach (via a path)

Car park Brühlstr., Herrstein

Coordinates

49.706399, 7.329240

DMS

49°42'23.0"N 7°19'45.3"E

UTM

32U 379536 5507327

w3w

///clutter.fear.online

Show on Map

Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Equipment

Hiking boots required!

Our tips for carefree hiking pleasure:

Hiking is the perfect sport. With the right clothes and shoes it is twice as much fun. Functional clothing, poles and breathable backpacks are pleasant when hiking. But good shoes are indispensable. For longer walks, we recommend sturdy hiking boots with non-slip soles. Also remember to bring sunscreen and a drink. A litre of water is ideal.

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Rating

3.0

(1)

Timo Risch

October 12, 2016 · Community

http://www.gpsies.com/map.do?fileId=kurhavfhycqarjkh

When did you do this route? May 03, 2016

Comment

Ernst Brill

April 07, 2015 · Community

Diese anspruchvolle Tour haben wir am 6. April 2015 gemacht. Für alle Kriterien gebe ich eigentlich 5 Sterne, aber leider waren viele lange Passagen so schlammig, dass wir diese Tour nur nach längeren Trockenperioden empfehlen können. Die wirklich neuen Streckenabschnitte dieser Tour sind zwar beschildert aber scheinbar nicht wirklich fertig.

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Difficulty

difficult

Distance

19.6 km

Duration

7:00 h

Ascent

947 m

Descent

976 m

Highest point

432 m

Lowest point

233 m

Public-transport-friendly Multi-stage route Scenic Cultural/historical interest Flora

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12 Waypoints

12 Waypoints

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