Brief description
Lots of nature and some highly interesting sights await us.
Description
The starting point of the route is the Fuchskaute, an extinct volcano and with 657m above sea level the highest elevation in the Westerwald. Behind Liebenscheid I cycle past Siegerland Airport, Germany's second highest commercial airport. I also take some time for Marienstatt Monastery. In the in-house brewery, delicious beer is still brewed today, which can also be tasted on site in the restaurant. In addition, the monastery shop offers self-made products alongside books and art. Furthermore, I can take a walk here and enjoy the tranquility of the monastery.
Directions
As always on this route, I cycle on gravel roads, natural paths, asphalt and trails. From the Fuchskaute, I continue north toward Weißenberg. I follow the signs to Liebenscheid and cross the boundary of the Sauerland-Rothaargebirge Nature Park on the way to Lippe. However, I only briefly stay here; already on my way to the next partial destination, the Kühfelderstein, I am in a Flora-Fauna Habitat with wetlands and heaths. Immediately afterwards, I reach the Westerwald animal protection area. At Stein-Neukirch, I switch from the southern to a western route and ride to Nisterberg. After Lautzenbrücken, I circle a pond, later cross the L 285 and cycle past the village Langenbachermühle through an extensive forest area. Shortly before Weiße Ley, a large basalt quarry, I turn right and bypass the area in a wide arc. I cross the L 288 and leave Atzelgift on the left and then Streithausen on the right. Meanwhile, I am moving in the Nistertal and Kroppacher Schweiz fauna-flora area. At Limbach, I head west again for a while, then cycle south to Astert. In this way, I circle the Hohe Ley, a viewpoint. Alternatively, I take the opportunity to climb up here and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view, of course only if the weather cooperates. A little further on awaits Marienstatt Monastery, where I can take a break. After two more larger bends past the settlements Kellerhof and Nistermühle, I am back in Hachenburg. Here I find various restaurants in case I am hungry, and I can visit those parts of the town that I did not manage to see before the route; for example, the still outstanding experiential brewery.
Safety instructions
Good basic fitness required.
Tips
In Nisterberg there is an old communal oven (Gemeindebackofen), where stone oven bread is still baked today. Additionally, the annual Backes festival attracts numerous visitors.
Literature
Combined flyer cycling/hiking, available for free here!