RuT5 Sternfeld Nature Trail in the Osburger Hochwald - The Dragonflies' Nursery
- start: Farschweiler, Hiking Parking Lot at Sternfeld GPS: N 49° 42.707' E 6° 49.263'
- destination: Farschweiler, Hiking Parking Lot at Sternfeld GPS: N 49° 42.707' E 6° 49.263'
- medium
- 9,53 km
- 3 hours 5 minutes
- 202 m
- 586 m
- 393 m
- 80 / 100
- 40 / 100
This themed trail in the Osburger Hochwald is subtitled "The Dragonflies' Nursery" and explores the Misselbach and Eschbach valleys as habitats for numerous small animals.
The Eschbach and Misselbach streams accompany you on this 9.5-kilometer circular hike. These typical low-mountain streams, which carry water year-round, provide a habitat for numerous small animals. Along the fast-flowing Misselbach, from about June through August, you can spot a rare species of dragonfly: the two-striped spring damselfly. It requires oxygen-rich, clean streams that also feature calm pools with sand and fine gravel—and that’s exactly what it finds in the idyllic Misselbach Valley. In the past, the meadows in this remote valley were farmed, as there used to be a farmstead here. Today, they are mowed only about once every two years, creating a habitat for beautiful orchids.
Upstream along the Eschbach, the Pionierweiher pond is a magnet for wildlife almost year-round: in the spring, grass frogs, Alpine newts, and smooth newts frolic here, while in the summer, dragonflies hunt for prey. Well into the fall, water striders and diving beetles dart across the water’s surface in search of food.
General information
Directions
From the starting point, we hike into the tranquil Misselbach Valley. From June through August, we can marvel at the rare dragonfly species, the two-striped spring damselfly, as we walk along the stream. At the confluence with the Riveris, we leave the Misselbach and hike uphill along the Eschbach on the left. After about 3 km, we reach the first information sign, which focuses on headwater streams and their role as habitats for animals. With its coarse substrate and strong current, the Eschbach is a typical low-mountain stream. The water provides a habitat for numerous small animals that have adapted to the strong current.
After 5.8 km, we reach the Pionierweiher, where an information board provides details about the waterway project. After just under 7 km, we reach the highest point of the loop trail and continue through the Osburger Hochwald to the hiking parking lot at the Sternfeld Forest House.
Since the trail mostly follows paved or gravel paths, it is considered family-friendly. It is possible to bring a stroller.
Safety Guidelines
As a general rule, entering the forest and walking on the trails is at your own risk.
Depending on the season and weather conditions, some sections of the trails require extra sure-footedness. Therefore, please wear clothing appropriate for the season and weather, as well as hiking boots with adequate traction.
Equipment
Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Tip
We take a break at the Pionierweiher and enjoy the wonderful tranquility in the heart of the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park. Timber was once rafted down the river here.
Getting there
From the A1: Take the Reinsfeld exit onto the country road toward Trier; at the Farschweiler junction, turn left into the hiking parking lot.
From Trier: Take the B52 toward Osburg until you reach the Farschweiler turnoff; turn right onto the hiking parking lot.
Parking
Hiking Parking Lot at the Sternfeld Forest House, Farschweiler
Additional Information
The nature trail is funded as part of the Ruwer Waterways Project through the federal Riparian Zone Program, with support from the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The goal is to preserve and develop the Ruwer River and its tributaries, along with their floodplains, over a stretch of approximately 186 km as a near-natural water and floodplain landscape within the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park.
A total of 6 themed hiking trails (Rut1–Rut6) are part of this project, offering hikers a vivid and informative way to experience the Ruwer River and its various uses up close.
Weather
This tour is presented by: Tourist-Information Ruwer, Author: Touristinformation Ruwer