Photo: Jörg Thamer, Lahntal Tourismus Verband e. V.
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Ziel in Balduinstein
Photo: Jörg Thamer, Lahntal Tourismus Verband e. V.
This stage will be sporty! It even includes a small via ferrata. Highlights of this trail will be wonderful views such as Goethepunkt, Wolfslei or Gabelstein.
open
difficult
19.3 km
6:45 h
798 m
774 m
It’s all there, in this stage: woodlands and wine, sporty ascents and descents, wonderful views such as Goethepunkt, Wolfslei or Gabelstein and lonely valley cuts. In the communities of Balduinstein and Laurenburg, castles are enthroned high up on the slope. All of this will make some hikers’ hearts beat faster! The stage is quite sporty as there will be some parts where climbing is required. Hence you should make sure to manage your energy well. Over rocks that are partly secured by ropes, you will climb along a ridge. A head for heights and surefootedness are required but you can also choose an easy alternative that doesn’t include climbing.
Author’s recommendation
You will find several possibilities to stop for a refreshment in Laurenburg. If you prefer taking it easy and slowly, split the route and stay in Laurenburg overnight. By then you will have managed a distance of about 10 km.
There will be a couple of breathtaking viewpoints on this stage! Across the Lahnbrücke and past rustic wine taverns, the route goes steeply uphill through Obernhof. It is worth turning around every now and then to take a look at Arnstein monastery on the opposite bank of the Lahn. Now you have to decide: are you up for the via ferrata? The more difficult variant leads over rope-secured and non-slip passages, the comfortable variant is much easier to master.
A viewing plateau at Goethepunkt awaits you with a spectacular vista. From then on, the trail leads us quietly and idyllically through the forest, over meadow ways and past rock formations to the Wolfslei. After a panoramic rest, we will hike across the Flotationshalde further down to Laurenburg.
In Laurenburg you will cross the river Lahn. On the other side of the Lahn, the trail continues through the forest and zigzags down to the Ruppachbrücke. A sporty ascent is waiting for you to get in the direction of Steinsberg. Through the Höllenloch the trail leads to the refuge at the Gabelstein where another impressive view is waiting for you.
After leaving the forest of the Gabelstein-Hölloch nature reserve, the majestic Schaumburg castle appears. At the Saukopp you will have one last chance to have a gigantic view of the Lahnschleife after which the way leads down to Balduinstein. Restaurants and cozy pubs are waiting for you and invite you to stop for a bite to eat.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
Public transport friendly
By train to Obernhof or Balduinstein, www.bahn.com
Getting there
A3 exit Limburg-Nord, B417, K26 to Balduinstein, K25 from Balduinstein to Holzappel, B417 to Obernhof
Parking
Obernhof, railway station or behind bridge over river Lahn
Balduinstein, riverside of Lahn
Coordinates
DD
50.315871, 7.851763
DMS
50°18'57.1"N 7°51'06.3"E
UTM
32U 418250 5574382
w3w
///freebie.teacup.overtime
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
- Pocketguide "Lahnwanderweg" (free) at www.daslahntal.de or order at Lahntal Tourismus Verband (see "details")
Possibly hiking sticks for two steep ascents respectively descents. Apart from that only ordinary hiking equipment is required. Take backpack vespers and drinks with you.
Abwechslungsreiche Tour mit guter Bahnanbindung!
Die Tour führt durch Wälder und über Wiesen, beinhaltet viele Anstiege mit grandiosen Aussichtspunkten und sogar einen kleinen Klettersteig (zwischen Obernhof und Laurenburg).
Die insgesamt rund 800 Höhenmeter machen sich gegen Ende durchaus bemerkbar, jedoch konnten wir die Tour mit einigen Pausen in ca. 6,5 Std. bewältigen.
Insgesamt die schönste Tour, welche ich an der Lahn gelaufen bin und dringend weiterzuempfehlen.
Anm.: Aufgrund des Klettersteigs empfehle ich, die Tour in Obernhof zu starten, sonst muss man diesen herabsteigen.
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