Druidensteig - Stage 4 from Daaden to Elkenrother Weiher

Description

Several nature and bird protection areas underline the natural landscape of the Westerwald during the third stage of the Druidensteig. Before setting out on the hike, it is recommended to get to know the mining town of Daaden with its baroque church, local history museum, and the town center with its decorated half-timbered houses more closely. On the approximately 14 km long hiking route, the information point at Schimmerich tells about the former basalt quarrying. In Friedewald, the castle with its distinctive onion dome tower and massive wooden gate stands out. Further on, you will reach today the highest point of the entire Druidensteig at 508 meters above sea level near Langenbach near Kirburg. The meadow paths over the high plateau of the Neunkhausen-Weitefelder plateau are simply magnificent. Not far away lies the Elkenrother Weiher, which is also the destination of this stage. You will learn more about the occurrences of lignite seams as well as the clay sand pits.

Approach

In Daaden, turn off the L 280 into Bahnhofstraße. Before the railroad crossing, keep left towards the parking lot and do not turn right to the station.

Public transport

Arrival by public transport

The Daadetalbahn connects Daaden station to the station in Betzdorf.
Timetable Daadetalbahn: www.dreilaenderbahn.de

Daaden is served by bus line 295 to the towns of Herdorf (approx. 13 min ride) and Kirchen (approx. 50 min ride). On weekends, the line can be ordered by phone.
Timetable info: www.vrminfo.de

Return to the stage start

Return trip from Elkenroth to Daaden: bus line 276 (daily, approx. 22 min ride). From May 5th to approx. December 31st, 2025, a construction site timetable applies (more information can be found on the VRM page!)

Bus stop Elkenroth: Elkenroth Marienberger Straße / Kirchstraße (a approx. 1.5 km long yellow-black marked access path to the Druidensteig leads from the center of Elkenroth)
Bus stops Daaden:
- Daaden station (an approx. 500 m long access path (yellow-black Druidensteig marking) leads from the station to the main trail)
- Daaden Hachenburger Straße (located directly on the Druidensteig)
Timetable info: www.vrminfo.de

Alternatively, you can continue hiking from Elkenroth on the Druidensteig to the Hexeneiche and then follow the yellow-black marked access paths to Niederdreisbach or Schutzbach to the Daadetalbahn stations. From here, Daaden station or Betzdorf station is regularly connected.
Timetable info: www.dreilaenderbahn.de

Parking

At the end of Bahnhofstraße in Daaden, numerous free parking spaces are available.

Navigation input: Bahnhofstraße 6, 57567 Daaden

A yellow-black marked access path to the Druidensteig leads from the parking lot to the starting point at the local history museum in the city center.

Directions

The local history museum in Daaden is the starting point of your today's stage to the Elkenrother Weiher. First, take some time to thoroughly explore the charming mining town of Daaden. From the local history museum itself to the baroque church and the pretty half-timbered houses, Daaden, which has had town rights since 2016, offers not only insight into the history of mining and smelting but also the opportunity for a little stroll. Cafes and restaurants invite you to stop by. Refreshed, you set off on your hike and follow the Druidensteig trail markers up a staircase towards the baroque church. It is worth taking a look inside the church, as the richly decorated organ loft above the altar is unique in the region. Now you leave the mining town and take your time on the steep ascent to the Kohlgarten hill, where you will find a large barbecue hut – ideal for a short break.

Now the GEOROUTE of the Druidensteig continues relatively flat towards the Schimmerich (former basalt quarry area). From a viewpoint, you overlook the nature reserve with a mining lake. Soon you will reach Friedewald with its castle visible from afar. At the edge of town, you can relax on the blooming meadows and numerous benches while enjoying the views. You reach the town center of Friedewald, and before you rises the impressive castle. You walk along a narrow forest path past the Galgenberg and encounter large basalt blocks.

Before you lies the Neunkhausen-Weitefelder plateau, and you reach the highest point of the entire Druidensteig at 508 m. In its course, the GEOROUTE touches one of the most significant bird protection areas of the Westerwald. Besides cranes and lapwings, the rare Laro limicolous birds also feel at home here, for example. The Westerwald high plateau presents itself here as a mosaic landscape worth protecting, including small moors and wet meadows. You have completed today's stage and arrive at your destination, the Elkenrother Weiher, with the last meters covered on a foot and nature trail.

Safety instructions

If you consider certain sections of the path not walkable for you, you should avoid them. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can become muddy and slippery.

Especially in autumn, note that fallen leaves can hide unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. You should expect such path impairments when hiking.

Although the path is very well marked throughout, for safety reasons you should always have a suitable hiking map with you or download the free app "Experience Rhineland-Palatinate".

Equipment

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

Take enough fluids with you. There are not always opportunities to stop for refreshments.

Please wear suitable hiking shoes that provide enough support even on slippery and steep or rocky and uneven paths.

Tips

The small local history museum in Daaden is worth a visit, and you will discover many treasures.

Literature

A KOMPASS hiking map North including the Druidensteig is available via the Westerwald-Shop.

Destination

Elkenrother Weiher, Weitefelder Straße, 57578 Elkenroth

Starting Point

Local history museum Daaden, Im Schützenhof 6, 57567 Daaden