Demanding and varied: on the circular cycling route WW1

Description

With Hachenburg, we choose one of the most beautiful small towns in the Westerwald as the starting point and briefly linger at the Old Market with its dreamlike half-timbered backdrop before we head south. Soon we are greeted at Maroth by its forest lake, one of many bathing opportunities we will encounter along the WW1. Via Selters, the journey continues through a landscape shaped by fields and forests to Sessenbach, where a visit to the planetarium is highly recommended. In Höhr-Grenzhausen, Europe’s largest ceramics museum already awaits as the next highlight before we enjoy the Weserwald in all its beauty on our ride through the almost paradisiacal area of the Nassau Nature Park. The ride up to Fuchskaute will be quite sporty again. For this, we are rewarded with a magnificent view from the highest elevation in the Westerwald. Just before Hachenburg, we rest and cover the last kilometers.

Approach

Coming from the Cologne direction or from the B51, take Severinsbrücke and Deutzer Ring/B55 Eastern feeder road/L124. Take A59 and A3 to L258 in Dierdorf, take exit 37-Dierdorf on the A3. Take B413 to Bahnhofstraße in Hachenburg.

Coming from Frankfurt, follow Theatertunnel, Gutleutstraße and B44 to B43. Take A3 to B255 in Heiligenroth, take exit 40-Montabaur on the A3. Follow B255, B8 and L292 to Bahnhofstraße in Hachenburg.

Public transport

By train to the station in Hachenburg

Parking

The station in Hachenburg offers sufficient paid parking spaces.

Directions

Of course, I can also join the circular route at other points, but my guide starts at the station in Hachenburg. The modern WW1 is very well signposted, showing a white bike on a green background with the lettering WW1 below.

With the station building at my back, I turn left on Bahnhofstraße and then through the whole town, which I leave heading west. The route continues through the communities of Hattert and via Marzauer Mühle to Wahlrod. This is followed by the Roßbacher forest and fields to Roßbach. The next destination further south is Selters in the Westerwald. Afterwards, on a hill, among other things, the planetarium in Sessenbach awaits. A little further in Höhr there is a pottery as well as a museum in the Kannenofen.

Next, I continue through fields and forest on the German Limes Cycling Route. Passing the Limesturm just before Hillscheid, the route again leads through forest to a Roman tower near Kadenbach and further east. It goes gently downhill towards the Old Brewery in the Lahn valley. The route towards Welschneudorf, Hübingen and Gackenbach has hardly any inclines. There I can now visit the wildlife park. Then I cycle through the Nassau Nature Park towards Großholbach. Just before the town stands Bildches Eich, a small chapel worth seeing that invites to a Marian devotion.

The route takes me through small villages further south and east to Niedererbach. I cross the A3 motorway. From now on, I cycle uphill more often. From Niedererbach it goes north again over a longer distance. I want to take a break but hold on a bit longer because Westerburg with its sights awaits me. A little further, the Wiesensee near Stahlhofen invites me to relax. I have already covered around 140 kilometers there. About 20 kilometers further, the Fuchskaute near Willingen lures me with the climb. In the town of Lippe it goes first south, then east, the terrain remains fairly flat or tends to go downhill.

On the further route, which partly zigzags, I pass the Basalt quarry Weiße Ley on the left near Nauroth and in Atzelgift the mill and forest chapel. Now the viewpoint Hohe Ley awaits shortly before Astert, later the slate pit Assberg and a few kilometers further the Marienstatt monastery with brewery. Finally, my route leads me uphill again to Hachenburg.

Equipment

For bags and backpacks, not only the back offers space on a bike ride – the weight of the equipment should best be distributed on several body and bike parts. Wind, rain, or sun can lead to very different temperature sensations while cycling – a cold can best be avoided with professional cycling clothing. On a multi-day route, suitable change clothing should always be on hand to be prepared for every eventuality. In addition to other important equipment items, necessary tools and repair utensils should not be forgotten. At high speed, one can quickly take the wrong turn on a bike ride: traditional and modern aids such as a bike map or a GPS device serve for orientation. A small emergency kit should always be carried along.

Tips

Especially sporty people test the golf course near Stahlhofen at the Wiesensee and then take a refreshing swim in the lake.

Literature

Free brochure order (westerwald.info)

Destination

Hachenburg, station

Starting Point

Hachenburg, station