Cultural route on the outskirts of Montabaur – the sculpture trail in the Gelbach valley (small circular route)

Description

The hiking trail that leads through and over the heights of the Gelbach valley and the Montabaur districts Wirzenborn, Reckenthal, and Bladernheim has always been a popular promenade with a view of Montabaur Castle in the southern Westerwald region. Here you can combine hiking with art enjoyment, as after a total of four wood sculptor symposiums at Fischerhof in the years 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2014, a total of 42 wooden sculptures now line the two circular hiking trails.

Approach

Coming from Montabaur city center, follow Wirzenborner Street into the Gelbach valley and drive the L313 to the first district Wirzenborn. Coming from the south or north, take B49 and exit at "Gelbachtal."

Public transport

With bus line 453, the districts in the Gelbach valley can be reached from Montabaur city center or the central bus station at the ICE train station.

Parking

Coming from Montabaur via the L313, there are marked free parking spaces directly at the entrance to the district of Wirzenborn on the right side.

Directions

Start for this great cultural route is at the hiking parking lot directly on the L313 in Wirzenborn. Next to the parking lot, you can admire the first sculpture and start immediately with a steep ascent over the Wirzenborn barbecue hut. Once at the top, continue on the paved panoramic path over the heights and fields of Reckenthal with a fantastic view of Montabaur including a view of Montabaur Castle, the town's landmark. Here, hikers will also find a cozy bench where they can take a first break and enjoy the beautiful view.

At the field barn, turn left towards Reckenthal, where again you have a magnificent view over the valley and the small village with its half-timbered houses in the village center. We then follow the village street to the historic fountain and the sculpture "We are all in the same boat." You can take a short rest on the bench right next to the sculpture. Continue on, keep to the right, and follow the Sespenroth path into the forest. Be careful, as now we cross Gelbach street, then cross the Gelbach over a wooden bridge.

We reach the deserted village Sespenroth. The community of Sespenroth existed until 1853 and was abandoned. On Easter Tuesday, March 29, 1853, 13 families with 48 people set off for Bremen. From Bremen, the emigrants traveled to New York. In June 1853, they reached their new home in Milwaukee in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. Today, only a memorial plaque on the deserted site commemorates the former village.

After the deserted site, at the next intersection, we turn right towards Wirzenborn, following the bike and hiking trail along the Gelbach through the forest. After the fish ponds, we cross the street and enjoy the meadows of the Eisenbach valley. We continue along the bike and hiking trail along a rock passage. After a short ascent, we reach Wirzenborn and follow the village street back to the hiking parking lot at the L313.

Safety instructions

Wear good hiking shoes and weather-appropriate, practical clothing that will protect you from cold and wet, but also from heat and sun.

Equipment

Besides sturdy footwear: don't forget binoculars!

Tips

In the inn "Wirzenborner Liss" in Wirzenborn (closed on Wednesdays) you can refresh yourself and visit the attached motorcycle museum.

Literature

You can get a free info flyer with a hiking map and a description of all sculptures at the Tourist-Information Montabaur or on the website www.sueldicher-westerwald.de

Destination

Parking lot on the L313 (Gelbachstraße) in 56410 Wirzenborn

Starting Point

Parking lot on the L313 (Gelbachtstraße) in 56410 Wirzenborn