Druidensteig - Stage 2 from Kirchen (Sieg) to Herdorf-Sassenroth

Description

The 1 to 20 million years old namesake of this quality hiking trail, the legendary Druidenstein (National Geotope), welcomes you on this second stage in its very powerful form and represents the "geological highlight" of the hike as a natural monument. From Kirchen station (now Restaurant Casa), the hiking route in the Druiden.Hexen.SiegerLand of the Verbandsgemeinde Kirchen (Sieg) initially leads to Kahlberg with a unique view from the Ottoturm (GeoBlick) into the Sieg valley and to the Westerwald. Next to the Freusburger Mill, you experience an artistically designed historic cross path from the 1920s above Kirchen-Herkersdorf. At the stage destination Herdorf-Sassenroth, a visit to the Mining Museum of Altenkirchen district is absolutely recommended. It is a mining world for young and old. In the museum cellar, a complete mine was built according to the original sites in the region.

Approach

Access by car is via federal highway B62 between Siegen and Kirchen. Enter Bahnhofstraße.

Public transport

Arrival by public transport

Arrival is to the railway stop Kirchen (Sieg), which is directly on the Druidensteig. The stop is served by the Westerwald-Sieg-Bahn (RB90) and the Rothaar-Bahn (RB93), which also connect the stations in Betzdorf and Siegen.

Timetable information at www.dreilaenderbahn.de

Return to the stage start

There is a railway stop in Herdorf-Sassenroth (directly on the Druidensteig). From here the Hellertalbahn (RB96) runs to Betzdorf. At Betzdorf station, a change to the Westerwald-Sieg-Bahn (RB90) or the Rothaar-Bahn (RB93) is possible, both of which stop at the Kirchen (Sieg) railway stop. (daily, total travel time: approx. 21 mins.)

Timetable information at www.dreilaenderbahn.de

Parking

Large free P+R parking lot on Bahnhofstraße behind the Netto market (Bahnhofstraße 21) directly opposite the Kirchen station.

Directions

You start your hike directly in front of the station building (now Restaurant Casa) on Bahnhofstraße in Kirchen and follow the marking of the Druidensteig over the Sieg meadows to the Freusburger Mill. The hiking trail slightly ascends over the so-called Queckhahn and guides you further to Katzenbach. Here, the Hotel Zum Weißen Stein invites you to take a rest. Your next destination is the viewpoint with the 19 m high Ottoturm on the Kahlberg. You should definitely not miss this view. So it means climbing the 102 steps to be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view.

Over forest and meadow paths and connecting hiking trails, you enjoy views of Herkersdorf and shortly afterwards reach a historic cross path. Following this further, you suddenly stand before the regionally significant and legendary Druidenstein. Treat yourself to an extensive break and let this ancient rock take effect on you, knowing that you have conquered most of the climbs of the day. Several information boards inform you that in the 1950s/60s open-air plays regularly took place here in front of the natural monument and that the tribunes at that time offered a proud 1200 visitors seating. You discover a free-standing wooden druid and more wooden sculptures by the chainsaw artist Robin Rosenthal from Niederfischbach on tree stumps. These include the Herke and other motifs based on an old Celtic legend.

From now on, the path initially descends toward Hellertal and continues over the so-called Wasserberg. Occasionally, you notice so-called Pingen (deep pits) that remind you of open cast mining from the mining times. You are impressed by the great view of Herdorf and descend to Sassenroth. Here, you shortly afterwards see the destination of your stage, the Mining Museum of the Altenkirchen district.

Safety instructions

If you consider some sections of the path impassable, you should avoid them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can have muddy and slippery spots.

Particularly in autumn, note that fallen leaves on the ground can hide unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. You must expect such path impairments if you go hiking.

Although the path is very well marked throughout, for safety reasons you should always carry a suitable hiking map or download the free app "Rheinland-Pfalz erleben".

Equipment

Wear sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate, functional clothing that protects against cold and wet or heat and sun.

Take enough liquid with you. There are not refreshments available everywhere.

Please wear appropriate hiking shoes that provide sufficient support even on slippery, steep, rocky, and uneven paths.

Tips

In addition to the legendary Druidenstein, the show mine in the Mining Museum Sassenroth is highly recommended.

Literature

A KOMPASS hiking map North including the Druidensteig is available through the Westerwald shop.

Destination

Geo-Info Centre Mining Museum Herdorf-Sassenroth, Schulstraße 13, 57562 Herdorf-Sassenroth

Starting Point

Otto-Pfeiffer-Museum, Burgstraße 11, 57548 Kirchen-Freusburg