Little Nister Tour: Forest-rich tour and picturesque places in the Little Nister area

Description

Nature takes over on this circular tour. On field and gravel paths, as well as on asphalt, the route leads through the fauna-flora habitat of Nistertal and Kroppacher Schweiz, the Neunkhausen Forest, and the fauna-flora habitat of wetlands and heaths of the High Westerwald. The picturesque villages, some of them very old, are worth a visit. In Kirburg, for example, there is an impressive Protestant parish church with a beautiful tree population, which is designated a natural monument. Another natural monument lies southeast of the village: the Grosser Wolfstein, around 25 million years old, is located near the Kleiner Wolfstein. Together, the two form the Wolfstein Ridge. In Mörlen, I come across the Catholic parish church of the Conception of Mary, dating from 1866. South of Nauroth, a short detour takes me to the Mörlen Mill, the old Zwickbartsmühle. Only remnants remain, as it burned down in the 19th century and was never rebuilt. In Norken, in addition to several buildings, Brunnenstraße from the 19th century is worth seeing.

Approach

• From Cologne: Take the A3 to the L258 in Dierdorf, then take the A3 exit 37 (Dierdorf), then the B413 to the B414 in Kirburg.
• From Frankfurt: Follow the A5 and A45 to the B255 in Herborn, then take the A45 exit 26 (Herborn-West), then the B414 in Kirburg.
• From Siegen: Take the A45 and B54 to the B414 in Kirburg.
• From Koblenz: Take the B9, A48, A3, and B255 to the K75 in Weidenhahn, then the K61 and L281 to the B414, then continue straight on the B414.
• From Limburg an der Lahn: Take the B49/B54, then the B54 to the B414 in Kirburg.

Parking

Parking spaces in Kirburg town center

Directions

The circular tour takes me across the Nister four times. I start in Kirburg, just before the intersection of Langenbacher Straße and Lindenstraße. My path quickly turns right onto Zum Gallfenster. Two right angles take me into the forest and into the small village of Hohensayn. North of Lautzenbrücken, I leave a lake on my right and cross the Kleine Nister for the first time. After the Langenbacher Bridge, I cross the Nister again, this time on a stone bridge. The third crossing is on the way to Mörlen. On the long route, I enjoy the extensive forests. The fourth crossing is at the Jägerwiese to Nauroth. Now it zigzags to Norken and back to Kirburg. I estimate the total riding time for the approximately 21-kilometer circular tour to be about two hours. It initially goes downhill for about 14 kilometers before, shortly after Nauroth, I tackle a longer climb to Kirburg.

Safety instructions

Suitable for all fitness levels.

Equipment

On a bike tour, your back isn't the only place for bags and backpacks - it's best to distribute the weight of your gear across several parts of your body and bike. Wind, rain, or sun can lead to very different temperatures on a bike - the best way to avoid catching a cold is with professional cycling clothing. On a multi-day tour, you should always have a suitable change of clothes to hand so that you are prepared for every eventuality. In addition to other important pieces of equipment, you shouldn't forget the necessary tools and repair equipment. At high speeds on a bike tour, it's easy to take a wrong turn: traditional and modern aids such as a cycling map or a GPS device can help you find your way around. You should also always have a small first aid kit with you.

Tips

Just four kilometers south of Kirburg lies the town of Bad Marienburg. It features, among other things, a wildlife park and a basalt park.

Literature

• Combined cycling/hiking flyer, available free of charge here
• KOMPASS cycling/hiking map of the Westerwald (North), 1:50,000, ISBN: 978-3-00-065928-7

Destination

Kirburg, intersection of Langenbacher Straße/Lindenstraße

Starting Point

Kirburg, intersection of Langenbacher Straße/Lindenstraße