From Welschneudorf to Dausenau - the Lahn-Westerwald loop

Description

The Lahn-Westerwald loop in Nassau Nature Park is one of the classic routes passing through the southwestern part of the Westerwald. On the challenging route, it goes up to the Gelbach heights near Welschneudorf, to Kemmenau, and to the sun terrace above the Lahn valley. From Dausenau on the Lahn, the loop returns to Hömberg, the starting point.

Approach

Starting point Welschneudorf by car coming from Montabaur via the L327.
Starting point in Dausenau by car coming from Koblenz or Nassau/Limburg via the L260.
Alternatively by train from Koblenz or Limburg hourly with the RB 23.

Public transport

You can start this route in Welschneudorf. The starting point is the parking lot at the Kurfürstenhalle.
Arriving from Montabaur via the L327 through Niederelbert and Oberelbert.

If you want to start the route from the Lahn in Dausenau, you will find the parking lot at the Leaning Tower. Alternatively, you can also reach Dausenau by train from Koblenz or Limburg and the Regionalbahn (RB) 23. The station is on the other side of the Lahn, and you can reach the start of the path within a few minutes’ walk via the Lahn bridge.

Parking

At the starting point in 56412 Welschneudorf at the parking lot by the Kurfürstenhalle.
At the starting point in 56132 Dausenau either at the parking lot near the Leaning Tower or on the other side of the Lahn directly behind the bridge.

Directions

In Welschneudorf, in front of the church, there is a large parking lot. This is where you start your hike and follow the markers to the main road. At the small village shop, cross the street and walk uphill beside residential houses. At the end of the street, turn left. A small lane leads you out of the village, and you hike along the forest edge with wonderful views over the hilly landscape. You reach a signpost and come across the Limes hiking trail. Continue straight along the forest edge. At a junction, follow the markers left to a parking lot next to a country road. There, turn right and continue walking on a forest path. At a small asphalted road, turn left and after about 150 meters take the forest path to the right, then immediately left. At an information board about the Limes, you enter the village of Kemmenau. Follow the upper street alongside residential houses and go over the "Bikepark" parking lot. After the cemetery, turn left and cross a country road. Pass a riding stable and leave the village. Keep going straight downhill and enter the forest. The path leads downhill in switchbacks and you cross a country road diagonally to the left. After a short distance, you come back to the road and follow it to the left to turn onto a field path in the curve. Between scattered houses, the path winds until the markers sharply lead you right. After a few meters, turn left and continue along the town wall into the pretty village of Dausenau. Through a residential area, it goes uphill until you turn right onto a forest path. The path steadily gains height until you reach Herrenlai. From there, you have a fantastic view of the Lahn valley. A hut invites you to take a break. You continue uphill and the signs lead you out of the forest and between meadows to the left. At a rest area, turn right and arrive in the village of Hömberg. Go straight across the main road, then alternating left, right, left into a forest. After a good stretch, cross a stream and climb into the village of Zimmerschied. At the village square, keep left and leave the village on a forest path. This leads you to a country road, where you turn left. Walk beside the road to the end of the forest, then turn right onto a field path. Shortly after, take the path left and after a short distance reach your starting point in Welschneudorf.

Safety instructions

We recommend you wear sturdy shoes.

Equipment

You should plan to wear sturdy shoes and weatherproof clothing!
Also take something to eat and drink with you...

Tips

Once in Dausenau, it is worth taking a look at the Leaning Tower. The tower is part of the medieval city wall of Dausenau and with 5.22 degrees has the highest known tilt of all originally vertically built towers.

Destination

Either in 56132 Dausenau on the Lahn or in 56412 Welschneudorf in the Westerwald.

Starting Point

The start is either in the Westerwald at 56412 Welschneudorf or on the Lahn at 56132 Dausenau.