Nister bike route: an attractive route from the source to the mouth

Description

I start with the ascent to the nearby Fuchskaute (657 meters) and enjoy the view. I can eat and drink something at the local inn. Then I begin the route towards Bad Marienberg. I look around the spa park and relax on the barefoot path and in the Apotheker garden. Then I visit the interesting basalt park and make a detour to the Hedwig Tower at the wildlife park. Here I am also rewarded with a wide view. I could also try the climbing garden, but I continue because I want to visit the famous Stöffel Park with its many offerings. Next, I continue through Hachenburg, the “pearl of the Westerwald,” where the market and beautiful half-timbered houses enchant me. After a few kilometers, I reach the Marienstatt monastery. At Heimborn-Ehrlich, the confluence of the Kleine Nister and Große Nister follows. Finally, I arrive in Wissen and explore the castle and the noteworthy Heister chapel.

Approach

From the east: via B414, turn onto K37
From the west: via B414, turn left onto Weiherstraße (L297) in Nister-Möhrendorf
From the north: via B54, turn left onto L296, continue on K37
From the south: via B54, turn right onto B414, turn left onto Weiherstraße (L297) in Nister-Möhrendorf

Public transport

• Hessian State Railway (Limburg - Westerburg - Hachenburg - Au/Sieg): Büdingen, Nistertal-Bad Marienberg, Unnau-Korb, Hachenburg
• Rhine-Sieg Railway (Aachen - Cologne - Troisdorf - Au - Wissen - Siegen): Wissen

Directions

The route is nearly 70 kilometers long and suitable for experienced leisure cyclists. I start in Willingen directly at the Nister source and follow the markings. After the last houses, I turn sharply right and continue through an animal protection area to Bretthausen. Further south lie places like Nister-Möhrendorf and Waigandshain. In a zigzag line and a large arc, I cycle westwards to Bad Marienberg. It goes south for a while before I turn north again. Then I reach Erbach, later Korb. At the shelter further northwest, I turn south again. I circle the Hühnerberg, pass Alpenrod, and cycle north and west again towards Hachenburg. I pass through the town and some fields, then cross the B414. Shortly afterward, there is a sharp left curve, then I reach the Marienstatt monastery. Over many zigzag paths, the way leads me north to Wissen, the route’s endpoint.

Safety instructions

Very good fitness required. The route can be comfortably cycled in two days.

Equipment

For bags and backpacks, a bike ride doesn’t only offer space on the back – the weight of the equipment should ideally be distributed over several body and bike parts. Wind, rain, or sun can cause very different temperature sensations while cycling – a cold can best be avoided with professional cycling clothing. On a multi-day trip, you should always have suitable change of clothes at hand to be prepared for any eventuality. Besides other important equipment, necessary tools and repair utensils should not be forgotten. At high speeds, it’s easy to take a wrong turn on a bike ride: traditional and modern aids such as a bike map or a GPS device help with orientation. A small emergency kit should always be taken along as well.

Tips

At the Marienstatt monastery, visitors can enjoy not only the basilica but also delicious meals from the monastery kitchen and home-brewed beer.

Literature

Combined flyer cycling/hiking, available free of charge here!

Destination

Wissen, mouth of the Nister into the Sieg

Starting Point

Willingen, Nister source