Stage 1: Herborn to Beilstein – Greifenstein Loop Wäller Tour

The Greifenstein loop starts in Herborn, which you can easily reach by train. The picturesque old town with many places to stop for a bite to eat and shops is a good tip for a snack before the hike.

In the south of the city, the official hiking trail begins in the area of the KulturScheune and the manor house. From there, you climb a hill above the Merkenbach district, on which there is a water tower that can be seen from afar. Up here you have a fantastic view that will get you in the mood for the following kilometers of hiking.

After a short descent, you hike back uphill through the picturesque Fleisbach valley. Beautiful (and pleasantly cool in summer) forest paths, which often run along small streams, take you up to Greifenstein. The charming town is known above all for its spectacular hilltop castle. A detour here is definitely worth it, not least because of the bell world and the double church located on the castle grounds. There are also places to stop for a bite to eat in the town.

Then you dive back into the secluded forests and follow the Ulmbach for a while until you reach the idyllically located Ulmbachtalsperre. Shortly before that, you will find good opportunities for a picnic at the "Kleine Wiege" shelter with a wonderful view of the glittering water of the dam. In summer, you can go swimming at the dam and give your legs a breather. You will also find a place to stop for a bite to eat here. You can take a little more time, because it is only about three kilometers to the end of the stage.

It goes uphill a few meters and then you have reached Beilstein. There is still a lot to discover here at the end of your hiking day: you can learn a lot about the rock on the BASALT PARK course and, to round off the day, stop off at one of the restaurants. In the village you will find holiday apartments and guest rooms. The campsite at the Ulmbachtalsperrre offers a natural overnight option.