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Glan-Blies Cycle Route - Stage 3 (Schönenberg-Kübelberg - Ulmet)

Long Distance Cycling

From Lake Ohmbachsee, you return to the Glan and the path continues to Glan-Münchweiler along the idyllic route of the former Glan Valley Railway, which follows the river. Parallel to the railway line, along which trains run hourly between Glan-Münchweiler and Altenglan, the cycle route is largely flat and traffic-free as it heads downstream. 

After Altenglan, the remaining section of track is used by some very different vehicles – the

pedal-powered draisine line follows the Blies Cycle Route to the Nahe Cycle Route.

  • Type Long Distance Cycling
  • Difficulty easy
  • Duration 2:00 h
  • Distance 26,2 km
  • Ascent 41 m
  • Descent 99 m
  • Lowest point 190 m
  • Highest point 259 m

Description

There is plenty of exploring to be done in Schönenberg-Kübelberg – for instance, the 
Begehbares Geschichtsbuch, a series of three hiking trails designed to make history accessible, or the traditional beer cellars which provide a fascinating insight into the history of the region. The railway line offers undisturbed cycling enjoyment. Partly on top of the railway embankment, partly in the shade of the cutting, the route leads from Schönenberg-Kübelberg past Elschbach train station and through a large tunnel. The tunnel is more than 150 m long and over 100 years old. The cycle path is protected by an enclosure to avoid the 3 m icicles which can form in winter. Wearers of sunglasses beware! Although there is lighting in the tunnel, it is much darker than the rest of the route.

The next town you reach is Nanzdietschweiler, followed soon after by Glan-Münchweiler.

Here, you can admire the sculpted Viergötterstein stones depicting Juno, Mercury holding a caduceus staff, Minerva and Hercules, and two medieval stone sarcophagi. Running parallel to the railway line, which is used by trains again from Glan-Münchweiler onwards, the cycle route continues through Rehweiler and Matzenbach to Theisbergstegen. You can often see storks in the meadows here, as there is a breeding station in Theisbergstegen which is in operation all year round.

 The next section passes through a disused quarry. Here you meet the Remigius Hiking Trail, which leads onto an exciting nature trail to Remigiusberg Castle or, in the other direction, to the wildlife park on Potzberg hill.

Back on our bikes, we continue cycling to Altenglan and then to Bedesbach alongside the

draisine railway line.

In Bedesbach, the Alte Schmiede blacksmith’s museum gives you an idea of the high level of craftsmanship required to forge simple everyday objects. (Advance booking required). From here, it is not far to today’s destination of Ulmet, a little municipality in an idyllic location on the Glan. It is worth visiting the Flurskapelle chapel just outside the municipality, with a tower dating from the 11th century.

Directions:
Following the Glan Valley Railway line from Schönenberg-Kübelberg, the route is always straight with only a few intersections. The lights in Elschbach tunnel are switched on via a motion detector, but it is noticeably darker inside than out – please be careful. In Nanzdietschweiler, the route leads straight through the village, with two steep ramps near the Kurpfalzhalle civic hall as the old bridge is out of action. The route continues along the railway line to Glan-Münchweiler. The railway line from Kaiserslautern to Kusel is still in use, so the crossing features narrow cycle barriers. A new cycle path has been created next to the railway line from Glan-Münchweiler to Rehweiler. In Rehweiler, you cross the line to the left and follow an agricultural road to Matzenbach. After Matzenbach, the route continues on a quiet road to Theisbergstegen via Godelhausen.  At the train station, you pass through the former quarry to reach Altenglan. The route leads onto the main road, which runs in an S-shape between Altenglan and the district of Mühlbach. Turn right after the left-hand bend onto the railway path and continue straight ahead past the train station. Continue on asphalt paths and local roads to Ulmet via Bedesbach and Erdesbach.

 

A good bike, time to explore, and something to eat – that’s all you need on this easy stage.

Please wear a helmet. Touring bicycle or bike with multiple gears, weatherproof clothing, drinks and supplies.

Tip: The Glan Valley draisine railway line, a kind of bicycle on rails, runs between Altenglan and Staudernheim and is a unique experience. You can continue your journey by draisine from here, as bicycles can be transported. Information and reservations:

www.draisinentour.de

Although there is lighting in Elschbach tunnel, there is a huge difference between the external and internal light levels, especially on sunny days. Please remove your sunglasses and reduce your speed before entering.

Cyclists must obey the German highway code (StVo).

Schönenberg-Kübelberg

A6 to Waldmohr exit

B423 to Schönenberg-Kübelberg

Ulmet

A62 to Kusel exit

B420 to Ulmet

Parking spaces are available in Schönenberg-Kübelberg and Ulmet

This tour is easily accessible by bus and rail.

Schönenberg-Kübelberg

By rail to Homburg/Saar

Bus 280 to Schönenberg-Kübelberg – buses with bicycle trailers run on weekends in the summer months, so bikes can be transported.

Ulmet

By rail to Kusel

Bus 270 to Ulmet – buses with bicycle trailers run on weekends in the summer months, so bikes can be transported.

The return journey is also possible using public transport - bus 270 to Kusel, where you change to bus 280 to Schönenberg-Kübelberg.

 

Timetable information is available from the Hin und Weg travel centre in Kusel: 06381 424 270 or at www.vrn.de

Free Glan-Blies Cycle Route leaflet - Glan-Blies route - touristinformation@kv-kus.de or 

touristik@saarpfalz-kreis.de

Free overview map “Cycling in the Palatine Uplands” - touristinformation@kv-kus.de;

 www.pfaelzerbergland.de
www.saarpfalz-touristik.de

Glan-Blies Cycle Route - 1:50,000 scale cycle map available for a fee
www.pfaelzerbergland.de 

www.saarpfalz-touristik.de 

 

Map and arrival

Elevation profile

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