Altlayer Switzerland Dream Loop
- start: Altlay
- destination: Altlay
- medium
- 8,67 km
- 3 hours
- 326 m
- 407 m
- 213 m
- 80 / 100
- 60 / 100
The trail through Altlay Switzerland is characterized by sharp-edged, rugged slate cliffs, impressive rocky passages and serpentine forest paths. Idyllic, seemingly untouched stream valleys and extraordinary views are further special features of a half-day tour through extensive forest areas of the Hunsrück around Altlay.
A narrow forest path leads past rugged, sharp-edged rocks, some of which are covered in mosses, ferns and lichens, far above the Morschbach valley in the middle of Altlayer Switzerland.
The trail then follows a steep, serpentine section along huge slate cliffs into the valley. Shortly before reaching the Hitzelbach stream at the bottom of the valley, there is a covered forest hut, an ideal resting place. In the deep, dark valley of the Hitzelbach stream, hikers are accompanied only by the babbling of the water. The path winds between the watercourse and dead wood through the damp forest idyll.
Before later crossing the country road that connects Altlay with Zell, the route leads over a via ferrata secured with steel cables on rocky ground. Since 2015, the site of the former Altlay sports field has been home to a paintball arena.
An impressive view can be enjoyed just a few meters behind the sports ground at the Stahlkreuz viewpoint: opposite on the Hunsrück heights are the villages of Tellig, Schauren, Wahlhauen, Panzweiler, Peterswald-Löffelscheid, Rödelhausen and Würrich, and down in the valley, close enough to touch, is Altlay. The entire panoramic picture is framed by the towering Hunsrück forest.
The trail has been certified by the German Hiking Institute with 90 experience points.
Impressions
General information
Directions
After starting at the Altlay portal, the trail first leads us along an old grassy farm track. This is followed by the eponymous passage. A narrow path leads us over and through the rocky passages of Altlay Switzerland. The rocky ribs offer breathtaking views into and across the deeply incised Hitzelbach valley. The bizarre crown and trunk shapes of the oak trees on the slate cliffs create a special atmosphere. The first part of the following descent requires sure-footedness and can be quite slippery in wet weather. The hiker's hut in the middle of the descent invites you to take a break before the trail takes a wide loop downhill into the Hitzelbach valley. In the valley, the trail leads along a narrow path directly alongside the water - this part of the route is romantic and enchanted. We then walk along a field path to the Altlayer Bachtal. There is a very short rope-secured climb to reach an old forest path. Now the path leads steadily uphill, sometimes as a path, then again as a trail through the open deciduous forest. Information boards along the way provide information about the cultural history. At the highest point of the route, just under 400 m above sea level, we are once again offered a magnificent view. From the Wellenliege, we can enjoy the wide panoramic view over the open field. The hike ends with a varied passage that first leads along the edge of the forest, then along a forest path and finally along a narrow path back to the starting point. The hut offers another good opportunity for a rest. You can continue along the signposted access paths to one of the restaurants in the village.
Safety Guidelines
All dream loops have some steep, difficult and slippery passages in rainy or winter weather. Therefore, surefootedness and a good level of fitness are essential for hiking these premium circular hiking trails.
Equipment
Good footwear (hiking boots) is strongly recommended.
Tip
The rocky passages of Altlayer Schweiz are the highlights of the dream loop.
Voted "Germany's most beautiful hiking trail" in 2026:
This year, the "Altlayer Schweiz" dream loop has been nominated for "Germany's most beautiful hiking trail" in the routes category of the hiking magazine.
The hiking tour impresses with its impressive rock formations, natural trails, streams and more.
Cast your vote by 30.06.2026: https://wandermagazin.de/wahlstudio
Public transit
Line 723 between Bullay and Altlay
Literature
You are welcome to order brochures free of charge here:
https:// www.saar-hunsrueck-steig.de/service/infomaterial
Additional Information
Zeller Land Tourismus GmbH, Balduinstraße 44, 56856 Zell (Mosel)
Tel. +49 6542 96220 www.zellerland.de
Hunsrück-Nahe Tourismus GmbH, Bahnhofstr. 37, 55606 Kirn
Tel. +49 6752 137610 www.hunsruecknahe.de
Weather
This tour is presented by: Hunsrück, Author: Iris Müller