Dream loop Dünnbach route

We start at the barbecue hut in Zilshausen, which is located just outside the village on the edge of the forest. Directly at the entrance is the marble run opened in 2017 – an experience for young and old. Immediately the Dünnbach route dives into the varied mixed forest and leads past a first viewpoint and an old quarry downhill. After a sharp right turn, we soon reach the viewpoint "Heierts Stück" at a rock ridge: a side path leads to a bench from which we can enjoy the view into the valley.

The further course is characterized by rustic, low-growing forest and not only at the inviting rock viewpoint do rocks repeatedly emerge, giving us insight into geological history. Finally, the path rises again along the hillside of the Petershauser Graben and then makes a sharp left turn in the middle of a coniferous forest area back towards the Dünnbachtal.

There, after 2.5 km we meet a forest road: here we can turn right onto the connecting path, which divides the Dünnbach route into the south loop (from Zilshausen: 5.3 km) and the north loop (from Lahr: 6.7 km). The Dünnbach route turns left after 15 m before descending to the Dünnbach via a stair path. There is a side path to Mörsdorf (2.6 km), and at the nearby rest area we can enjoy an idyllic picnic right next to the rushing brook. The dream loop continues to the right over the meadow, briefly follows the mill channel, then turns into the hillside and climbs first steeply, then somewhat moderately uphill.

Soon we reach the K38, which is crossed after a short path section. This is followed by a wonderful forest section leading directly to the Dünnbach. The route follows the winding brook on a path and offers the finest enjoyment of nature. Far too quickly, after 4.5 km, we say goodbye to the valley, as the ascent to Lahr begins. When the forest recedes, we are presented with wonderful wide views, which can be especially enjoyed in full at the rest area at the Lahr biotope. Afterwards, the path meanders a bit to Lahr, which is well suited as an alternative starting point.

Past the inviting host, we reach open fields again via the tree nature trail. We briefly use a field path next to the L108 before returning to the forest along the Petershauser Graben. After a marked descent, we meet the connecting path at the Zwergenplatz after 8.5 km. Before continuing, stopping at the forest swing is a must!

The Dünnbach route now climbs on the left and steadily gains elevation on a wide forest road. Finally, we switch right onto a path that leads to the forest edge after a last steep section. There we follow a gently ascending field path into nearby Zilshausen, where a host invites you to stop for refreshment on the main street. The dream loop circles the church and leaves the village quickly. Through open fields, we hike with the best panoramic views to a wayside cross, where it turns left and soon reaches the access to the barbecue hut. But this is not reached via the road, but along the parallel, springy grassy strip. After 10.8 km, the circle of this charming hike closes at the barbecue hut.

The dream loops partly have steep, difficult and slippery sections in rain or winter weather. Therefore, surefootedness and good fitness are essential prerequisites to hike these premium circular trails.

Sturdy footwear (hiking boots) is strongly recommended.

The almost untouched Dünnbach valley with the Dünnbach as a small stream in Rhineland-Palatinate is the highlight of this hike. Also impressive are the panoramic views near Lahr and Zilshausen.

From the Hunsrück high road (B327) near Kastellaun via L 108 to Zilshausen or via L204 to Mörsdorf and Lahr.

Parking lot at the barbecue hut Zilshausen
Location: N50° 06' 35.8" E7° 22' 26.5"

Parking lot in the center of Lahr (access path 350 m)
Location: N50° 07' 34.7" E7° 21' 55.4"

Access path 2.6 km from the center of Mörsdorf

Zilshausen and Lahr are accessible with limited public transport:

Bus lines 650 + 637 (change in Beltheim), Monday to Friday, several times daily

or bus lines 736 or 741 from Treis-Karden

Mörsdorf is accessible with limited public transport:
Bus line 742 from Treis-Karden

Information at www.vrminfo.de

Free of charge:
Brochure "Erlebnis Traumschleifen" with route sketches, elevation profiles, brief descriptions, and dining tips for all 111 dream loops
and dream loop overview map – a light folding map with a rough overview of all 111 dream loops

Information and ordering at www.saar-hunsrueck-steig.de/prospekte

Paid guidebooks and books available in the shop at www.saar-hunsrueck-steig.de

Tourist Information Kastellaun, Marktstraße 16, 56288 Kastellaun
Tel. 06762 401873, www.kastellaun.de

Hunsrück Tourism GmbH, Building 663, 55483 Hahn Airport
Tel. 06543 507700, www.hunsruecktouristik.de