WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid
15.9kmLength
711mElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
This route is stage 1 of the Westerwaldsteig, a long-distance trail leading from Herborn to Breitscheid. The journey starts among the historic half-timbered houses of Herborn, passing the baroque Lion Fountain and the castle before ascending toward the Herborn Wildlife Park. Hikers encounter exotic bird species like flamingos and parrots before the path transitions into the natural wonders of the Erdbach valley. Notable highlights include the Erdbach stream’s disappearance underground and the ancient Stone Chambers, which served as Stone Age dwellings.
Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in Herborn and Breitscheid; wild camping is strictly prohibited. Reliable water is found at the start and end points. Both towns are accessible via local bus and train networks (www.vrm-info.de).
For the full route and all stages, see https://www.alltrails.com/lists/westerwaldsteig - Official AllTrails List.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
WesterwaldSteig
Top sights
Erdbachauslauf
Spring
große Steinkammer
Cave
Steinbruchgrund
Cave
Aussicht nach Erdbach
Viewpoint
Erdbachschwinde
Cave
Herborn Castle
Castle
Benderstollen
Cave
kleine Steinkammer
Cave
Kolb-Spalte
Cave
Amdorfbach
River
Corvinsche Druckerei
Building
Leonhardsturm
Tower
Altes Bürgermeisteramt
Building
Evangelische Kirche
Church
Bärenbrunnen
Attraction
Aula mit Disputationsgestühl
Attraction
Marktbrunnen
Attraction
Brunnen an der Linde
Attraction
Top sights
Erdbachauslauf
Spring
große Steinkammer
Cave
Steinbruchgrund
Cave
Aussicht nach Erdbach
Viewpoint
Erdbachschwinde
Cave
Herborn Castle
Castle
Benderstollen
Cave
kleine Steinkammer
Cave
Kolb-Spalte
Cave
Amdorfbach
River
Corvinsche Druckerei
Building
Leonhardsturm
Tower
Altes Bürgermeisteramt
Building
Evangelische Kirche
Church
Bärenbrunnen
Attraction
Aula mit Disputationsgestühl
Attraction
Marktbrunnen
Attraction
Brunnen an der Linde
Attraction
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our communityTop trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Check out this 15.9-km point-to-point trail near Herborn, Hesse. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 48 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Expected weather for WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid for the next 5 days is:
- Mon 21 September - 18 degrees/clear
- Tue 22 September - 19.1 degrees/clear
- Wed 23 September - 16.7 degrees/showers
- Thu 24 September - 16.9 degrees/foggy
- Fri 25 September - 19.9 degrees/clear
Where is WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid located?
WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is a trail located in Lahn-Dill-Bergland Nature Park.
How hard is WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is considered a hard hike that covers 15.9 km, with an elevation gain of 711 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is considered a hard hike that covers 15.9 km, with an elevation gain of 711 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid a point-to-point trail?
WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is a point to point trail that covers 15.9 km, with an elevation gain of 711 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is a point to point trail that covers 15.9 km, with an elevation gain of 711 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Dogs may be allowed on WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
According to trailgoers, WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is usually somewhat busy. WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Yes, Aussicht nach Erdbach is located on WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid.
Are there rivers at WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Yes, WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is near Amdorfbach.
Is backpacking allowed at WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Backpacking is allowed on WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is partially paved.
Are there forests at WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Yes, WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is a forest trail in Lahn-Dill-Bergland Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on WesterwaldSteigStage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on 18 September 2026 at 23:19 GMT+0