Right at the beginning, you can - if you wish - start with a brilliant prelude: the ascent of the Geierlay suspension rope bridge, the most beautiful suspension rope bridge in Germany at 360 meters. However, it can also be bypassed.
The first part of this stage leads through the valley of the Mörsdorf and Mastershausen streams, a pristine valley with stunning flora and wonderful tranquillity. At the mouth of the Sosberg stream, we meet the "Masdascher Burgherrenweg" dream loop and conquer the castle hill together on a partly rocky path.
After a well-earned break in the original refuge, we hike over a plateau and return from there to the dreamy stream valley. There, the restored ruins of Balduinseck take us back to the Middle Ages. We pass relics of ancient
mills and mysterious tunnels that bear witness to mining. We conquer the plateau near Bell via the Dielaysteig trail.
We walk through the village of Bell and uphill to the Hunsrückhöhenstraße. Here an access path connects to the Bell animal adventure park. After crossing the road, we pass long-forgotten Celtic graves in a high mixed deciduous forest before enjoying a fantastic view of Kastellaun from the "Hohe Buch" vantage point. We descend gently into the castle town.
Autorentipp
Geierlay suspension rope bridge - Germany's most beautiful suspension rope bridge
The suspension rope bridge is connected to the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig via an access path.It swings 360 meters long and 100 meters high over the Mörsdorfer Bachtal from Mörsdorf to Sosberg. Current information about the bridge can be found under "Current information".
Balduinseck castle ruins
The ruins date back to 1325 and were built by Archbishop Balduin of Trier to secure his possessions against the Sponheimers. From the 17th century onwards, the once imposing castle went into decline until it finally became uninhabitable and fell into ruin in the 18th century.
Bell Animal Adventure Park
Kastellaun Castle and House of Regional History
Opening hours of the castle grounds: Mon - Wed 8 am - 5 pm and Thu - Sun 8 am - 10 pm / 11 pm
Kastellaun Castle was built in the early 13th century by the counts of Sponheim.
The history of the castle is very eventful. After its destruction in the Palatinate War of Succession, it came under French rule in 1815 before the Prussians took over the long dilapidated walls. The town acquired the castle in 1884 and it has been extensively restored ever since. Today, the castle houses the "House of Regional History Kastellaun" with interesting exhibitions.
Historic old town of Kastellaun
Slate, quarry stone, half-timbered houses and winding, narrow alleyways characterize the old town.
Ausrüstung
The Saar-Hunsrück-Steig is a near-natural trail, 65% of which is over soft forest soil, grass paths or along streams. However, this special quality can also lead to problems after long periods of rain and make parts of the trail difficult to walk on. Sturdy footwear is therefore highly recommended.
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