Dream Loop Dünnbach Trail

We start at the barbecue hut in Zilshausen, which is located just outside the village on the edge of the forest. The ball track, which opened in 2017, is located right at the start - an experience for young and old alike. The Dünnbach Trail immediately dives into the varied mixed forest and leads downhill past the first view and an old quarry. After a sharp bend to the right, we reach the "Heierts Stück" view a little later at a rocky ridge: a stitch path leads to a bench from which we can enjoy the view of the valley.

The rest of the route is characterized by rustic, low-growing forest, and it is not only at the inviting rocky viewpoint that rocks repeatedly come to light and give us an insight into the history of the earth. Finally, the path climbs again slightly along the slope of the Petershauser Graben and then bends sharply left in the middle of a coniferous forest area back towards Dünnbachtal.

After 2.5 km we come to a forest path: here we can turn right onto the connecting path, which divides the Dünnbachpfad into the southern loop (from Zilshausen: 5.3 km) and the northern loop (from Lahr (6.7 km). The Dünnbachpfad turns 15 m to the left before descending to the Dünnbach via a flight of steps. There, an access path leads to Mörsdorf (2.6 km), where we can enjoy an idyllic picnic right next to the rushing stream at the nearby rest area. The Traumschleife continues to the right across the meadow, briefly follows the Mühlkanal, but then turns off into the hillside and climbs steeply at first, then somewhat more moderately.

We soon reach the K38, which we cross after a short path. This is followed by a wonderful forest passage that leads directly to the Dünnbach stream. The route follows the meandering stream on a path and offers nature enjoyment at its finest. After 4.5 km, it is all too soon time to say goodbye to the valley, as the ascent up to Lahr begins. As the forest recedes, great views open up, which can be enjoyed to the full, especially from the rest area at the Lahr biotope. The route then takes a few detours to Lahr, which is a good alternative starting point.

Passing the inviting host, we reach open fields again via the tree nature trail. We briefly use a field path next to the L 108 before heading back into the forest along the Petershauser Graben. After a significant descent, we reach the connecting path at Zwergenplatz after 8.5 km. Before continuing, a stop at the forest swing is a must!

The Dünnbachpfad now swings uphill to the left and you steadily gain height on a wide forest path. Finally, we turn right onto a path that leads to the edge of the forest after a final steep section. From there, we follow a field path that climbs gently to nearby Zilshausen, where a restaurant on the main road invites us to stop for a bite to eat. The dream loop circles the church and quickly leaves the village. We hike through open fields with the best panoramic views to a crossroads, where it bends to the left and reaches the access road to the barbecue hut a little later. However, we do not walk there on the road, but on the parallel, springy meadow strip. After 10.8 km, this delightful hike comes full circle at the barbecue hut.

Some of the dream loops have steep, difficult and slippery passages in rainy or winter weather. For this reason,
sure-footedness and a good level of fitness are essential prerequisites for hiking these premium circular hiking trails.

Sturdy footwear (hiking boots) is strongly recommended.

The almost untouched Dünnbach valley with the Dünnbach as a small river in Rhineland-Palatinate is the highlight of this hiking tour. The panoramic views near Lahr and Zilshausen are also impressive.

From the Hunsrückhöhenstraße (B327) at Kastellaun via the L 108 to Zilshausen or via the 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 2.6 km from the center of Mörsdorf

Zilshausen and Lahr can only be reached by public transport to a limited extent:

Bus lines 650 + 637 (change in Beltheim), Monday-Friday, several times a day

or bus routes 736 or 741 from Treis-Karden

Mörsdorf limited access by public transport:
Bus line 742 from Treis-Karden

Information at www.vrminfo.de

You are welcome to order brochures free of charge here:

https:// www.saar-hunsrueck-steig.de/service/infomaterial

Tourist Information Kastellaun, Marktstraße 16, 56288 Kastellaun
Tel. +49 6762 401873, www.kastellaun.de

Hunsrück-Nahe Tourismus GmbH, Bahnhofstr. 37, 55606 Kirn

Phone +49 6752 137610 www.hunsruecknahe.de