Lahnwanderweg

At first, quite steep paths lead through quiet and peaceful forests. Here, enjoy peace and fresh air. In the idyllic upper Ilse valley, you hike along a wild and romantic stream. The Ilse source welcomes the hiker with its healthy water. And then the goal is reached - the origin of the Lahn. It rises at over 600 m altitude in the Rothaar mountains in a small spring pond at Lahnhof.

Ascent

459 m

Descent

244 m

The River Lahn rises from a spring pond in the Rothaar Mountains at an altitude of over 600 metres. The Lahnwanderweg trail also begins in this densely wooded low mountain range landscape, not far from the Rothaarsteig. Right from the start, the peaceful Ilse Valley sets the tone for this stage. The source of the Ilse was already known as a holy spring in the Middle Ages.

Ascent

244 m

Descent

459 m

Beyond Feudingen village, the Lahnwanderweg Trail continues to follow the Lahn river as it winds its way through the upper Lahn Valley. The landscape is characterised by open meadows, small villages and wooded hills. Time and again, sweeping views open up across the valley and the surrounding peaks of the Rothaar Mountains. The town of Bad Laasphe, a state-recognised Kneipp spa, with its historic houses, is the destination for this stage.

Ascent

414 m

Descent

484 m

Up and down: This stage illustrates clearly why the path is called Lahnwanderweg and not Lahntalwanderweg. First uphill to the impressive Wittgenstein Castle, then downhill to the Lahn river at Saßmannshausen, where you cross the still rather young river at the Wahlbach mill. Then another climb to the Großgemeindestein and another descent into the wild romantic Ilsetal valley. Finally, again over the heights to the stage destination in the hiking-friendly Feudingen. No rushing here is the motto. Rather take your time and fully enjoy the landscape.

Ascent

497 m

Descent

426 m

Between the town of Bad Laasphe and Biedenkopf town, the Lahnwanderweg Trail winds its way through the hills of the Lahn Valley. This stage features a real summit challenge in the form of the Entenberg mountain, at an altitude of 535 metres, which is rewarded with sweeping views across the Lahn Valley. Further along the route, dense forests, open plateaus and striking vantage points alternate. The Perfstausee lake and the Kolumbustempel are two special destinations along the route, before the stage ends in the historic quarter of Biedenkopf town.

Ascent

529 m

Descent

578 m

From Biedenkopf it goes up into the forest and with a small detour to the Columbus Temple you have a wonderful view of the opposite Landgrave Castle. And there are more highlights to follow, such as the Perfstausee. The reservoir was built in 1984 after a flood disaster and is now a popular excursion destination. It provides a home for many birds. And behind Breidenstein it goes up to the highlight of the hike: the Entenberg. With its stately 535 m height, it is the local mountain of Bad Laasphe and a popular starting point for hang gliders and paragliders. But hikers also have a great view of Niederlaasphe and the Lahn Valley here. With beautiful views of Wittgenstein Castle, you finally hike down to Bad Laasphe.

Ascent

578 m

Descent

529 m

Biedenkopf town and Buchenau village are linked by the tradition of the ‘Grenzgänger’. The ‘Grenzgang’ has its origins in the boundary surveys carried out in the era of the Germanic tribes. In the Middle Ages, when there were still no land registers or boundary stones to mark the municipal boundaries, this custom was revived. Today, the ‘Grenzgang’ in the Upper Lahn Valley is celebrated every seven years with a folk festival. The route between Biedenkopf town and Buchenau village frequently follows the ‘Grenzgängerweg’ (border walkers’ path).

Ascent

304 m

Descent

338 m

The large folk festival at the upper Lahn is also evidenced by the years at the "Lippershardt" snack place on the eastern outskirts of Biedenkopf. The custom originates in the border inspections of the Germans. In the Middle Ages, when there were no cadastres and stones marking the border, the custom was continued. This stage does not always follow the border-crosser path but crosses it repeatedly until Biedenkopf.

Ascent

349 m

Descent

299 m

The views from the Rimberg hill define this stage: from its summit, the vista stretches far across the region – as far as the Vogelsberg, the Taunus and the Rothaar Mountains. Initially, however, the Lahnwanderweg Trail leads through woodland and open countryside, passing the ruins of the former Hohenfels double castle. The Rimberg hill marks the scenic highlight of the stage. For a long time, the hill was the cause of boundary disputes between the municipalities of Dautphetal village and Caldern village, as it lies exactly on the boundary between their territories. Today, it symbolises the opposite: on 1 May and 3 October, residents from both towns meet here to celebrate together.

Ascent

435 m

Descent

439 m

From the Rimberg tower, the view reaches to the Vogelsberg, the Taunus, and the Rothaar Mountains. The mountain has always been a bone of contention, as its summit is just on the Dautphetal boundary, while the eastern part belongs to Lahntal-Caldern. Today there is harmony at the Rimberg: on May 1st and October 3rd, citizens of both communities pilgrimage to their Rimberg and celebrate together. The route ends by going down through forest and fields past the ruins of the Hohenfels double castle to Buchenau.

Ascent

436 m

Descent

433 m

The stage from the village of Caldern to the city of Marburg takes you through peaceful countryside to the lively university city of Marburg. At first, the route is characterised by woods, meadows and small villages. A worthwhile detour takes you to the Weißenstein ruins, situated on a hilltop made of light-coloured sandstone, some 260 metres high. The Emil von Behring Mausoleum commemorates the first Nobel Prize winner in Medicine, whose research helped combat diphtheria. The stage comes to an impressive conclusion in the city of Marburg, whose old town and castle are visible from afar.

Ascent

356 m

Descent

398 m

Un départ culturel et historique. D'abord Marburg avec la fascinante église Elisabeth et la vieille ville à colombages, et peu après le début de la randonnée vous passez par le mausolée Behring. Celui-ci est impressionnant. Emil von Behring, le premier prix Nobel de médecine, porte le titre de "Sauveur des enfants" car il a vaincu la diphtérie. Le court détour vers la ruine Weißenstein vaut la peine. La ruine du château se trouve sur un sommet à 260 m d'altitude en grès clair. Et retour à la Lahn — mais pas d'inquiétude : randonneurs et cyclistes ne se gênent pas.

Ascent

398 m

Descent

356 m

From the idyllic half-timbered village of Fronhausen, the Lahnwanderweg leads over fields and meadows, passes charming Hessian villages, and delights with splendid distant views. The Marburg castle is a real highlight at the end, and in one of the numerous cozy establishments in the old town, you can beautifully round off the day.

Ascent

426 m

Descent

402 m

From the magnificent Marburg Landgrave Castle, you can enjoy the view of the beautiful city once again. From here, the Lahnwanderweg leads over fields and meadows, passes through tranquil Hessian villages, and delights with wonderful panoramic views. The destination is the idyllic half-timbered village of Fronhausen – the peaceful place lies exactly between the university towns of Marburg and Gießen.

Ascent

333 m

Descent

365 m

Today is a truly relaxed hiking day. First, we climb the Altenberg, which dominates the landscape at 299 m. It's good that there are benches at the top to rest. Then it goes through the romantic Salzbödetal at the edge of the Krofdorfer Forest. The Salzbödetal was already described by Rilke in 1905 as particularly scenic.

Ascent

215 m

Descent

205 m

A pleasant day awaits us with wide views from the Altenberg. In the romantic Salzbödetal there were once eight mills. Today, the Schönemühle and Schmelzmühle invite you to stop by.

Ascent

190 m

Descent

191 m

We start in Rodheim-Bieber at the church. Right at the beginning of the stage, damsels and lords of the castle fully enjoy the detours to the castle ruins Vetzberg and Gleiberg. According to an old legend, there is supposed to be a secret passage between the two castles  but beware, it is not marked with the Lahnwanderweg logo. Make sure to climb the towers of the castles Vetzberg and Gleiberg! Both offer breathtaking views. Afterwards, we hike through the idyllic Wi24marbachtal before going up into the mixed forest. Here we leave the Lahnwanderweg and stroll down to the stage destination in Lollar. Alternative start in Gie23en: The [Gie23en access route](https://www.outdooractive.com/r/6080162/) to the Lahnwanderweg leads 7.2 km across the Lahn meadows to the Lahnwanderweg in Krofdorf-Gleiberg. From there you reach Lollar in another 15.6 km on the Lahnwanderweg, where [LAWA stage 8](https://www.outdooractive.com/r/27427370/) connects to the north. Alternative destination for stage 9 Alternatively, you can end the stage via the [Gie23en access route](https://www.outdooractive.com/r/6080162/) to the Lahnwanderweg also in Gie23en, resulting in a total distance of 12.3 km. **\*\*\* Current note: Due to renovation work, the tower of the Vetzberg castle ruins is currently not climbable until further notice! **

Ascent

368 m

Descent

403 m

From Lollar, head up again into the mixed forest. Then stroll down into the romantic Wißmarbach valley. Castle maidens and knights enjoy the detours to the ruins of Gleiberg and Vetzberg. According to an old legend, there is a secret passage between the two castles – but be careful, it is not marked with the Lahnwanderweg logo. Be sure to climb the towers of Gleiberg and Vetzberg castles. Both offer a breathtaking view. *** Current notice: Due to renovation work, the tower of the Vetzberg castle ruin is currently not accessible until further notice! *** Alternative start in Gießen: The [access route Gießen to Lahnwanderweg](https://www.outdooractive.com/r/6080162/) leads 7.2 km across the Lahn meadows to the Lahnwanderweg in Krofdorf-Gleiberg. From there you can reach the stage location of stage 9, Rodheim Bieber, in another 5.4 km on the Lahnwanderweg, or northwards in another 15.6 km the stage location Lollar where [LAWA stage 8](https://www.outdooractive.com/r/6023054/) connects. Alternative destination for stage 9 Alternatively, you can also end the stage via the [access route Gießen to Lahnwanderweg](https://www.outdooractive.com/r/6080162/) in Gießen, making it a total distance of 21.5 km.

Ascent

403 m

Descent

368 m

Today it goes up and down. First, we leave the romantic town of Wetzlar and ascend through the idyllic Ilmenau park to the Garbenheimer Watchtower. From the Bismarck Tower (currently unfortunately closed), we can once again take a look back and enjoy the path ahead of us. Through the Lahn meadows, we walk very leisurely, visit the Roman forum in Waldgirmes, and stroll through the magnificent deciduous forest to Rodheim-Bieber.

Ascent

332 m

Descent

298 m

As you depart from Rodheim-Bieber, enjoy the view of the castle ruins Vetzberg and Gleiberg once again. Past the venerable Frauenkreuz, today's stage leads to the Roman forum Waldgirmes. Through the Lahn meadows, it goes comfortably to Garbenheim. At the Bismarck tower (currently unfortunately closed) enjoy a magnificent view of the route just traveled and finally stroll down through the Ilmenau park into the historic old town of Wetzlar. A wonderful day of hiking!

Ascent

298 m

Descent

332 m

History and stories shape today's stage. It starts in Braunfels with its fairytale castle, old town, and the Herren garden. In the FFH and bird protection area Weinberg, nature and landscape lovers get their money’s worth. The protected area is home to many rare animal and plant species and is still grazed by sheep as in the past. Three to four times a year, a shepherd with more than 800 animals moves over the meadows. The Kalsmunt castle ruin once protected Wetzlar and the "Hohe Straße", a formerly very important trade route from Cologne to Frankfurt. From there, it goes down to Wetzlar with its picturesque old town.

Ascent

166 m

Descent

242 m

History and stories shape today's stage. The ruins of Kalsmunt Castle once protected Wetzlar and the "Hohe Straße", a once very important trade route from Cologne to Frankfurt. In the FFH and bird sanctuary Weinberg, nature and landscape lovers get their money's worth. The protected area is home to many rare animal and plant species and, as in the past, is still grazed by sheep today. Three to four times a year a shepherd with more than 800 animals crosses the meadows. The stage destination is the picturesque Braunfels with its fairytale castle, old town, and Herren garden.

Ascent

237 m

Descent

151 m

Today, the Lahnwanderweg presents itself as particularly varied. The stage offers geological and cultural highlights. The Braunfels castle is truly fairy-tale-like. The "Große Weiher", with a constant 12-degree temperature year-round, hosts unique fauna and flora. The animal park, established in 1590 under Prince Karl August, is used today as a wildlife park. The Kubach crystal cave offers a special geological spectacle. It is the only crystal cave in Germany and has the highest hall of all German show caves at 30 meters. And to finish, you pass the Weilburg castle with its impressive garden.

Ascent

243 m

Descent

332 m

Today, the Lahnwanderweg presents itself particularly varied. The section offers geological and cultural highlights. First, you pass Weilburg Castle with its impressive garden. Kubach Crystal Cave offers a special geological spectacle. It is the only crystal cave in Germany and has, at 30 meters, the highest hall of all German show caves. The animal park, established in 1590 under Prince Karl August, is now used as a wildlife park. The year-round constant 12-degree warm "Große Weiher" near Braunfels hosts unique fauna and flora. Lastly, Braunfels also boasts a genuine fairytale castle. Those who have the choice...

Ascent

332 m

Descent

243 m

On this section of the Lahnwanderweg, the hiker enjoys pure tranquility. With views of the Feldberg, the former mining village Falkenbach, and the Ernst-Dienstbach footbridge, originally built as a wooden water conduit bridge in 1706, there are still real highlights. The most beautiful view is from the Feldberg viewpoint. The Großer Feldberg can be seen clearly in good weather.

Ascent

393 m

Descent

353 m

The tranquility of this Lahnwanderweg section promises a relaxed hike. To enjoy nature with all senses – that's possible here. With the Ernst-Dienstbach footbridge, the Hauseley rock, which is bypassed on planks over the Lahn, and the once mining village Falkenbach, there are real highlights. And of course, you climb back up to the Lahn heights. The best view is enjoyed from the Feldbergblick viewpoint. The Große Feldberg mountain can be seen clearly here in good weather.

Ascent

353 m

Descent

393 m

Today we discover the source of Lahn marble. It can be found in many famous buildings, e.g., in the baroque marble bath of Weilburg Castle – fortunately, that's nearby and especially on the way. But even in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and in the lobby of the Empire State Building in New York, Lahn marble was used! Maybe after the short stage there is still time for a visit to the Lahn Marble Museum and a short detour to the Unica marble quarry. Highly recommended!

Ascent

165 m

Descent

166 m

Today we start at the source of Lahn marble. It can be found in many famous buildings, such as the baroque marble bath of Weilburg Castle – conveniently nearby and on the route. But Lahn marble was even used in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and in the entrance hall of the Empire State Building in New York! After visiting the Lahn Marble Museum and the Unica marble quarry, there is still plenty of time for this scenic route. Between Villmar and Aumenau, the lonely meadows and forest sections high above the Lahn are enchanting. Steimelskopf offers views of the Taunus and even the Rheingau in good weather. Then it goes leisurely down along the Lahn to Aumenau.

Ascent

166 m

Descent

165 m

A highlight awaits the hiker right at the beginning. The old town of Limburg from the 12th century is almost completely preserved. On a rock with seven towers stands the landmark of the city - the Limburg Cathedral. Even if it is hard to leave Limburg: it's worth it! Runkel with its massive castle complex above the lock and the old bridge is fascinating. It is also particularly beautiful above the Wehrley nature reserve. The "Wehrley" has been a nature reserve since 1978. And to finish, the Lahn Marble Museum in Villmar. Hiking heart, what more do you want?

Ascent

159 m

Descent

148 m

Right at the beginning, the Lahn Marble Museum. With a view of the König-Konrad rock on the opposite side of the Lahn, you say goodbye to the marble town of Villmar. It is also especially beautiful above the Wehrley, which has been a nature reserve since 1978. Runkel, with its impressive castle complex above the lock and the old Lahn bridge, is fascinating. At the end of the stage, another highlight awaits with Limburg. High on a rock, the city’s landmark with seven towers – the Limburg Cathedral – towers above. And the Limburg old town from the 12th century has been almost completely preserved.

Ascent

164 m

Descent

163 m

In Balduinstein, with its beautiful Lahn promenade and castle ruins, one likes to stay. But the farewell is richly rewarded. Fachingen is especially known for the water of the same name. With a 26% market share, it is Germany's most important healing water source. The Grafenschloss Diez high above the Lahn and the town itself invite you to linger. Viewpoints like the Katzenkopp and Franzosenley line the way. And the beautiful town of Limburg is a worthwhile destination of this hike.

Ascent

329 m

Descent

328 m

It's hard to leave the beautiful town of Limburg. But the farewell is richly rewarded. The Grafenschloss Diez high above the Lahn and the town itself invite you to linger. Fachingen is especially known for the water of the same name. With a high market share, it is the most significant medicinal water source in Germany. Wonderful viewpoints are the Franzosenley and the Katzenkopp. In Balduinstein, with its beautiful Lahn promenade, you can end the day with Fachinger water or with barley beer.

Ascent

327 m

Descent

333 m

Forest and wine, sporty ascents and descents, wonderful views like Gabelstein, Wolfslei, or Goethepunkt, lonely valley cuts. In Balduinstein and Laurenburg, castles tower high on the slope - hiking heart, what more do you want? The stage is quite sporty because some climbs await. So slow down the pace and go slowly. Over rocks, partly secured by ropes, you climb along a ridge. Surefootedness and a head for heights are necessary, but there is also an easy (climb-free) alternative. And in Obernhof, cosy wine taverns with delicious Lahn wines await in the evening.

Ascent

774 m

Descent

798 m

Forest and wine, sporty ascents and descents, wonderful views such as Goethe point, Wolfslei or Gabelstein, lonely valley cuts. Castles rise high above the slope in Balduinstein and Laurenburg – hiking heart, what more do you want? The stage is quite sporty, as several climbs await. So reduce speed and go slowly. Over rocks, partly secured with cables, you climb along a ridge. A head for heights and sure-footedness are necessary, but there is also an easy (without climbing) alternative.

Ascent

798 m

Descent

774 m

The route continues multifacetedly up the Lahn. Especially lovers of views and culture will be thrilled by this stage. Whether Nassau Castle, the Leaning Tower of Dausenau, a winged altar from the 15th century, or the second oldest half-timbered town hall in Germany – the day is actually too short to see everything. Nice dining options in Nassau ensure physical well-being. On the Concordia Tower, the Hohe Lay, or at the Kuxlay, "viewers" get their money's worth. A real route of superlatives – it should be mentioned that about 750 meters of elevation are managed. You can then treat yourself to a hearty Lahn wine in one of the cozy wine taverns in Obernhof. So plan enough time to enjoy everything.

Ascent

751 m

Descent

710 m

The journey continues multifaceted down the Lahn. Whether Nassau Castle, the Leaning Tower of Dausenau, a winged altar from the 15th century, or the second oldest half-timbered town hall in Germany – the day is actually too short to see everything. Nice dining options in Nassau and Bad Ems ensure your physical well-being. At Hohe Lay, Kuxlay, or Concordia tower, "viewers" get their money's worth. A real tour of superlatives – it remains to be mentioned that about 720 meters of elevation must be overcome. So plan enough time to enjoy everything.

Ascent

738 m

Descent

750 m

Say farewell to the Facttenreich! Where the Lahn flows into the Rhine, an eventful hike through three federal states comes to an end. And the last stage offers once again everything that defines the Lahnwanderweg. Historically interesting and in a stylish glow, you start in Bad Ems. Pure relaxation can be found in magnificent beech forests and at viewpoints high above the Lahn. Then it gets wild and romantic on the partially secured path through the Ruppertsklamm. In Niederlahnstein, the hike concludes very peacefully on the banks of the Rhine and Lahn. Melancholy? Why not just make new plans?

Ascent

389 m

Descent

395 m

The start! Right at the beginning, the full variety of the path reveals itself: tranquil, spectacular, romantically wild, scenic and relaxing. Where the Lahn must flow into the Rhine, an exciting hike begins. In Niederlahnstein, it is still very peaceful on the banks of the Rhine and Lahn. Then it becomes spectacular and romantically wild on the partly rope-secured path through the Ruppertsklamm gorge. Pure relaxation and tranquility can be found in magnificent beech forests and at viewpoints high above the Lahn. The stage ends in Bad Ems, interesting historically and in a sophisticated atmosphere. Hiking in the Realm of Facets!

Ascent

395 m

Descent

389 m