Southern Westerwald cycling tour: a beautiful ride for the discerning

Description

The region around Höhr-Grenzhausen and beyond is called Kannenbäckerland (Crockery Bakers' Country), because this is where the largest clay deposits in Europe were once found. This was used to make the famous gray-blue Westerwald tableware. I therefore take my time and visit the Ceramics Museum in Höhr-Grenzhausen. A few kilometers further on, I see anglers trying their luck at Lake Erlenhof at the eastern end of Ransbach-Baumbach. Heading towards Montabaur, the yellow castle, the town's landmark, greets me from afar. Today, it serves as a training center and hotel. While still in Montabaur, I pass the Sauerbrunnen spring, whose water is drinkable. It tastes a little sour due to its high carbon dioxide and iron content. A special highlight awaits in Wirzenborn: the Motorcycle Museum, which displays treasures from seven decades. Before I reach Großholbach, I come across Bildches Eich, a chapel housing an old monument. The further route takes me in a southeasterly direction through beautiful cultural and natural landscapes to Limburg an der Lahn with its cathedral.

Approach

Vallendar: Take the A48 to exit 11 (Bendorf/Neuwied), then continue on the B42 towards Koblenz-Ost/Vallendar.

Höhr-Grenzhausen: Take the A48 to exit 12 (Höhr-Grenzhausen).

Public transport

• Right Rhine line (Wiesbaden - Koblenz - Bonn): Vallendar
• Hessian State Railway (Limburg - Westerburg - Au/Sieg): Limburg, Staffel, Elz
• Hessian State Railway (Limburg - Montabaur - Siershahn): Limburg, Staffel, Niedererbach, Girod, Montabaur, Wirges
• Lahn Valley Railway (Koblenz - Bad Ems - Limburg - Wetzlar - Gießen): Limburg

Directions

The nearly 60-kilometer tour starts at Vallendar train station. I head toward the market square, turn left, bypass the cemetery, and wind my way out of the Rhine Valley and up into the Westerwald forest, heading north toward Höhr-Grenzhausen. There are no markings on this first leg. From Höhr-Grenzhausen, I'm guided by signs. I bypass the Grenzhausen district and the motorway junction, approaching the town of Ransbach-Baumbach with another small climb beyond Hilgert. Heading toward Ebernhahn, I cross the A3 and, following a gentle downhill stretch, reach Wirges. From here, I head southeast to Montabaur. The tour now takes me into the Nassau Nature Park, where I skirt Großholbach to the south and arrive in Kleinholbach. Another climb awaits between Nomborn and Nentershausen. Then it's a long stretch of gentle downhill toward Elz and Limburg an der Lahn. There are also no signs between Elz and Limburg, but the destination is easy to find.

Safety instructions

Very good physical condition required.

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

Bring a drinking cup for the sour spring! The potters at the many ceramics workshops in Höhr-Grenzhausen are also happy to let you watch them at work.

Literature

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

Destination

Limburg/Lahn on the Lahn Cycle Path

Starting Point

Vallendar on the Rhine Cycle Route