Saar-Hunsrück-Climb - 12th Leg: Kempfeld - Herborn - Idar-Oberstein
Long Distance Hiking
The 12th stage of the Saar-Hunsrück Climb is characterized by geological features such as the Mörschieder Burr block rubble dump or the theme "Gemstones".
- Type Long Distance Hiking
- Difficulty medium
- Duration 6:30 h
- Distance 19,1 km
- Ascent 504 m
- Descent 798 m
- Lowest point 317 m
- Highest point 649 m
Description
The route from Kempfeld to the start of the leg is around 2 km and from the end to the historic marketplace at Idar- Oberstein 0.6 km. If you want to divide up the leg, you can use the 3.5 km route to Idar half way. The first few kilometres offer an exciting piece of nature and culture in the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park with Wildenburg, the game preserve, Wildenburger Kopf and Mörschieder Burr. At Herborn we reach the “Petrified Visitors' Book” with the names of famous political and cultural figures. On natural paths we go over several ridges to the old town of Idar-Oberstein.
The 12th stage of the Saar-Hunsrück Climb leads from Kempfeld, via Herborn, to the old town of Idar-Oberstein. It starts in Kempfeld at the Wildenburg, where you can also park. The approach from the end to the historic marketplace of Idar-Oberstein is 0.6 km. If you want to split the stage, you can use the 3.5 km long access path to Idar in the half.
We start on the paths to the right of the castle tower of Wildenburg. From there we go over the "Wildenburger Kopf", over which we reach the "Mörschieder Burr". At the end of the rocky sea we go downhill twice to the right. We pass a resting place with a shelter. A little later the stage changes its eastern direction and bends to the south, towards Herborn. In Veitsrodt you will find the "Steinerne Gästebuch". Since 1976, the "Stone Guest Book" has commemorated numerous prominent visitors to EdelSteinLand and the German Gemstone Road. The stones signed by the guests from politics, business and culture are placed along an approx. 1.7 km long nature-oriented circular path. More than 100 entries can be admired there. Behind this special sight, the trail leads through the Vollmersbach valley down to Idar-Oberstein, along the Vollmersbach stream and past a fishing pond. We cross the small village Regulshausen and reach the old town of Idar-Oberstein via several ridges. Across the castle pond we come to Oberstein Castle, a medieval hilltop castle from the 14th century. This is where the 12th stage of the Saar-Hunsrück Climb ends.
For refreshment after the hike we go down the castle hill and thus arrive at the market place of Oberstein. Here, one or the other gastronomic offer awaits us. The German Mineral Museum can also be visited here.
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.
Discover the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park, the Stone Guestbook, the Mörschieder Burr and at the end a visit to the Historic Weiherschleife is worthwhile.
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. Sturdy shoes are highly recommended! Natural paths, some ascents and descents (note suitable footwear and weather conditions).
Petrified Visitors' Book car park
Car park at Schlossweiher Oberstein
From Idar-Oberstein railway station, line 840 runs to the starting point at the Wildenburg wildlife enclosure.
Timetable information at www.rnn.info
