recommended route
Stage 1
Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach
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/ Die Kyrburg hoch über dem Nahetal bei KirnPhoto: Marco Rohr, Trägerverein Naturpark Soonwald-Nahe e.V. -
/ Ruine Steinkallenfels im HahnenbachtalPhoto: Marco Rohr, Trägerverein Naturpark Soonwald-Nahe e.V. -
/ Eingang zum Felsentunnel BundenbachPhoto: Naturpark Soonwald-Nahe, Trägerverein Naturpark Soonwald-Nahe e.V.
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/ Schloss WartensteinPhoto: Marco Rohr, Trägerverein Naturpark Soonwald-Nahe e.V.
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/ Trekkingcamp SchmidtburgPhoto: Marco Rohr, Trägerverein Naturpark Soonwald-Nahe e.V.
Medieval castles and evidence of slate mining in the picturesque Hahnenbach Valley.
moderate
Distance 14.8 km
5:00 h
630 m
500 m
The Soonwaldsteig begins at Kirn's market square. The trail leads through the town centre and then climbs up the eastern side of the Hahnenbach Valley to Kallenfels. One of the early highlights of the trail is the three steep quartzite rocks, some of which have castle ruins on their summits. The trail continues on a narrow path, with noticeboards giving information about the forest, passing through Niederwald and on to Wartenstein Castle. There is a wonderful view of the Hahnenbach Valley, one of the Soonwald's transverse valleys, from the castle's terrace, with its huge chestnut trees. One of several displays, which make up the 'Experience forest and nature' exhibition, explains 'Lohmachen', a process in which the tannin-rich bark is peeled from the trunks of oak trees to be used in the production of leather.
The Soonwaldsteig trail passes the municipality of Hahnenbach and continues to the Steinbach Valley. At the beginning of the valley, the trail switches onto the western bank of the River Hahnenbach. North of Sonnschied, near the Rudolfshaus, you will reach a tranquil section of the Hahnenbach Valley, which is not accessible by road. On the way to the end of the stage, the hikers' car park at the Herrenberg slate quarry, you will see some relics of the slate mining industry (a light railway, tunnels and slag heaps). The Herrenberg mine itself, the neighbouring Celtic settlement of Altburg and, towards the end of the stage, Schmidtburg Castle, can all be easily explored on foot.
Author’s recommendation
For a longer hike, the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig trail can be combined with the Nahehöhenweg trail, which leads from Idar-Oberstein along the north bank of the River Nahe to Kirn.
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
355 m
Lowest point
186 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Tips and hints
http://www.soonwaldsteig.deStart
Kirn, market square (186 m)
Coordinates:
DD
49.786220, 7.459523
DMS
49°47'10.4"N 7°27'34.3"E
UTM
32U 389111 5516000
w3w
///regretfully.sugars.cheeses
Destination
Bundenbach (Parkplatz Schiefergrube Herrenberg)
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
From Kirn train station, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the trail starting point at the market square.Timetable information at http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de .
Parking
Langzeitparkplätze in KirnParkplatz Kiesel (EUR 1,25/Tag)
Navi: 55606 Kirn, Teichweg 13
Parkplatz Kallenfelser Straße (gebührenfrei)
Navi: 55606 Kirn, Berger Weg 1
Coordinates
DD
49.786220, 7.459523
DMS
49°47'10.4"N 7°27'34.3"E
UTM
32U 389111 5516000
w3w
///regretfully.sugars.cheeses
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Ingrid Retterath: Soonwaldsteig; ISBN 978-3-86686-321-7; Preis 9,90 €
Author’s map recommendations
Soonwald-Nahe nature park 1:50 000 including the Soonwaldsteig trail
Topographic map with hiking trails and cycle paths ISBN 978-3896373007
Equipment
Basic Equipment for Long-Distance Hikes
- Sturdy, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots or approach shoes
- Layered, moisture wicking clothing
- Hiking socks
- Rucksack (with rain cover)
- Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket and suitable legwear)
- Sunglasses
- Hiking poles
- Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
- First aid kit
- Blister kit
- Bivy / survival bag
- Survival blanket
- Headlamp
- Pocket knife
- Whistle
- Cell phone
- Cash
- Navigation equipment / map and compass
- Emergency contact details
- ID
Camping Equipment
- Tent (3- or 4-season)
- Stove (including fuel and utensils)
- Sleeping mat. Sleeping bag with suitable temperature rating.
- Food
- Toiletries and medication
- Toilet paper
Things to Bring if Staying in a Mountain Hut
- Toiletries and medication
- Quick-drying towel
- Ear plugs
- Sleeping bag liner
- Sleepwear
- Alpine club membership card if applicable / ID
- Coronavirus mask and hand sanitizer
- The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
- For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
- Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
Duration
: h
Distance
km
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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Rating
Photos from others