WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid
9.9miLength
2,332ftElevation 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 9.9-mile 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 WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Expected weather for WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 19 - 65 degrees/showers
- Sun, September 20 - 61 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 63 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 65 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 70 degrees/clear
Where is WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid located?
WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is a trail located in Lahn-Dill-Bergland Nature Park.
How hard is WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is considered a hard hike that covers 9.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,332 ft. 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 WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is considered a hard hike that covers 9.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,332 ft. 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 WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid a point to point trail?
WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is a point to point trail that covers 9.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,332 ft. 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 WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is a point to point trail that covers 9.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,332 ft. 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 WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Dogs may be allowed on WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
According to trailgoers, WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is usually somewhat busy. WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Yes, Aussicht nach Erdbach is located on WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid.
Are there rivers at WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Yes, WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is near Amdorfbach.
Is backpacking allowed at WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Backpacking is allowed on WesterwaldSteig Stage 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 WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is partially paved.
Are there forests at WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Yes, WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid is a forest trail in Lahn-Dill-Bergland Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on WesterwaldSteig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 18, 2026 at 11:19 pm GMT+0