Dream Loop "Gemstone Grinder's Path"

The path leads from the parking lot across the grounds of the Historic Weiherschleife. After leaving the grounds of the Weiherschleife behind, we cross the road (B422). The first steep ascent of the hike awaits. From the "Flak Position" viewpoint, there are views over the Weiherschleife, the steep rock walls of a quarry behind it, and the tower of Wildenburg standing several kilometers away on a ridge in the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park.

On forest paths close to the city, which allow access from various points, we hike above Idar-Oberstein. After crossing Saar Street, we head towards Algenrodt. There, we cross another road at the roundabout with the ravens and then approach the Schachenkopf viewpoint with another view over the city. Shortly afterwards, we pass the shooting house of the marksmen's club, reach the Hasenklopp viewpoint, and hike above in the forest to the "Dietzenplatte" picnic area.

We first continue through the forest area, later cross the road at "Am Rilchenberg" and are on the way to the Enzweiler viewpoint. Above the district, we can take a break with extraordinary views into the Nahe Valley. Below in the valley runs the Dream Loop "Around the Kama." The "Krechelsfels," rising steeply from the Nahe inside the 49 ha nature reserve "Kammerwoog-Krechelsfels," is unmistakable. Only a few minutes later, we reach the "Morning Sun" viewpoint. Then we hike through another forest area on a narrow, shady path. From the "Rock Gate" viewpoint, the view extends to Rötsweiler. From Rock Gate, the path leads through forest passages towards Algenrodt, where we touch the edge of the town and are quickly on the way to the visitor tunnel of the Steinkaulenberg gemstone mines. Along the way, we pass many former adit entrances. The hiking trail runs over the waste dumps of former gemstone mines.

In the visitor tunnel of more than 400 meters of Steinkaulenberg, visitors are expected by a fairy tale world where rock crystals, amethyst, jasper, agate, and smoky quartz, still in the host rock, glitter and sparkle by the millions. After leaving the visitor parking lot of the gemstone mines behind, a steep, narrow forest path winds down into the Idarbach valley. There, we cross the B422 and arrive at the Historic Weiherschleife.

H I K I N G S H O E S A N D W A T E R

Our tips for an untroubled hiking experience:

Hiking is the perfect sport. With the right clothing and the right shoes, it’s twice as much fun. Functional clothing, poles, and breathable backpacks are pleasant when hiking. However, good shoes are essential. Robust jogging or casual shoes are at best suitable only for short distances on flat paths. For longer trails, we recommend sturdy hiking boots with a grippy, non-slip sole. Also think of sun protection and take a drink with you. One liter of water is ideal.

Some sections of the Dream Loops have steep, difficult, and slippery passages in rainy or winter weather conditions. Therefore, hiking boots, sure-footedness, and good fitness are essential for hiking these premium circular trails.

A61 exit Bad Kreuznach, direction B41 Idar-Oberstein, follow signs for "Historic Weiherschleife."

A62 to Birkenfeld exit, continue towards Birkenfeld B41 to Idar-Oberstein, follow signs for "Historic Weiherschleife."

Idar-Oberstein train station, continue with bus lines 800, 804, or 840, exit at Weiherschleife

Current timetable at www.rnn.info

Parking lot "Historic Weiherschleife" Tiefensteiner Str. 87 55743 Idar-Oberstein

Tourist Information in EdelSteinLand

Herrstein Office
Brühstraße 16
55756 Herrstein
Phone +49 6785 - 79 1400

Fax +49 6785 - 798 1400
info@edelsteinland.de
www.edelsteinland.de

Idar-Oberstein Office
Hauptstraße 419
55743 Idar-Oberstein
Phone +49 6781 - 64 6040

Fax +49 6781 - 64 9514
info@edelsteinland.de
www.edelsteinland.de

Plan a visit to the Weiherschleife and the "Steinkaulenberg" gemstone mines – it's worth it!