Saar-Hunsrück-Steig Stage 21: Kastellaun - Schmausemühle

This route follows the 21st stage of the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, a long-distance hiking trail awarded the German Hiking Seal of Quality, and leads from Kastellaun to the Schmausemühle along a section of spectacular scenery classified as difficult. The hike begins in the old town of Kastellaun, leads up to the castle ruins, and passes by Lake Kastellaun. The trail winds through open fields to the Uhler Kopf, offering sweeping views, before passing through the Deimerbach Valley and the Junkersmühle. After the village of Mannebach, with its adventure playground and historic witch’s house, the route passes the Mannebach Twin Tree, a well-known filming location for the epic film “HEIMAT.” Over the heights of Heyweiler, the adventurous and challenging section begins, coinciding with the Baybachklamm Dream Loop. Passing the rocky outcrop of the Barreterlei, the route descends via steep, rope-secured climbing sections into the deeply carved, wild and romantic gorge of the Baybach, where the stage ends at the Schmausemühle. Sure-footedness, sturdy footwear, and a head for heights are absolutely essential; the gorge is impassable in ice and snow. Cozy places to stop for a bite to eat and unique accommodations are available in Kastellaun, Mannebach, and right at the stage’s destination at the Schmausemühle; wild camping is prohibited. The stage locations are connected to the regional bus network; schedules and suitable connections can be reliably found at https://www.bahn.de