Hunsrück-Radweg (Hunsrueck Cycle Route)

Stage 1: Saarburg - Kell am See

After a short roll-in along the Saar and a gentle climb through the vineyards, the route starts in the small village of Irsch and climbs more steeply on an asphalt path through the tranquil countryside. At the "Speiner Bildchen" chapel, most of the altitude metres are covered and from the Kalfertshaus at the highest point, the cycle path leads down into the idyllic valley of the Ruwer. From Zerf, the route follows the Ruwer-Hochwald cycle path on a section of the upgraded former Hochwald railway line to Kell am See.

Stage 2: Kell am See - Morbach

Between Kell am See and Hermeskeil, the former Hochwald railway line has left its route to the cycle paths. Then begins the long climb towards Erbeskopf, at 816 m the highest peak in Rhineland-Palatinate. On both stretches, the cycle path also passes through the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park. This last, steep stitch counts as the "freestyle" of the cycle tour!  The long, winding descent along well-maintained forest paths finally leads down to Morbach, a centre of traditional timber industry and modern energy industry.

Stage 3: Morbach - Simmern

Past the Baldenau moated castle ruins, the Hunsrück Cycle Route skirts the Idarwald forest and follows its own paths between Büchenbeuren and Sohren at Hahn Airport. Passing through Kirchberg, the oldest town in Hunsrück, the cycle route follows the same course as the Ausonius Trail, the Roman road from Bingen to Trier.

Stage 4: Simmern - Bacharach

From Simmern, the Hunsrück Cycle Route offers magnificent views of the region. Through Argenthal and Ellern, the trail stays far away from the motor roads and reaches the beginning of the Guldenbach valley in Rheinböllen, from where it climbs significantly in a final effort to the heights of the Bingerwald above the Rhine. The cycle route then winds rapidly downhill in a few sharp bends, crosses Niederheimbach and the vineyards greet you to the right and left - as they did at the beginning on the Saar - and accompany the route all the way to the Rhine. After a few kilometres on the Rhine cycle path that runs parallel here, you finally reach Bacharach.

Observe the traffic rules, pay attention to other road users and drive at an appropriate speed, especially in the exits. Be considerate of other cyclists and pedestrians.

• Helmet
• Mobile phone with full battery
• Cash, ID card
• Navigation device, maps
• Air pump / compressed air cartridge
• Spare inner tube
• Sufficient beverages
• Energy bar / gel
• Wind / rain jacket

Be sure to plan a detour to the highest elevation in Rhineland-Palatinate, the 816-metre Erbeskopf with its wind sound sculpture.

Via the B 51 or B 419 from Trier or Saarbrücken.

Parking is available in Brückenstraße opposite the post office. Multi-day tickets can be purchased here.

Saarburg station is on the Trier-Saarbrücken line. Bacharach and Niederheimbach are on the Middle Rhine line. The return journey by Deutsche Bahn is possible.

www.bike-region-hunsrueck-nahe.de