The Hunsrück is a region in the middle of Rhineland-Palatinate. The four rivers Moselle, Nahe, Saar, and Rhine surround the low mountain range. The heights of the Hunsrück are gently rolling and covered with extensive beech or spruce forests, blooming meadows, or cultivated fields. Streams have carved deep into the slate, forming valleys and gorge-like ravines. Bogs and quartzite rock formations are also part of the landscape.
In the Hunsrück, there are three protected areas: the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park, the Soonwald-Nahe Nature Park, and the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park. The national park's motto, "Let nature be nature," makes it clear that a "primeval forest of tomorrow" can develop step by step from the 10,000-hectare area in the western Hunsrück heights.
The castles and monuments tell a story of a turbulent history. Castle ruins such as the water castle Baldenau, the Grimburg castle complex, or the Kastellaun castle have been restored as far as possible under monument protection. The Hunsrück Cathedral shines impressively far beyond the small village of Ravengiersburg. The largest towns in the Hunsrück are the towns of Hermeskeil, Simmern, Kastellaun, and Kirchberg. Also well-known are the places Kell am See, Thalfang, Morbach, Rheinböllen, and Emmelshausen.
The most beautiful suspension bridge in Germany, the Geierlay, is also located in the Hunsrück. Spanning 360 meters in length and almost 100 meters in height between the towns of Mörsdorf and Sosberg, it swings from one bridgehead to the other. Built after the model of Nepalese suspension bridges, it is an impressive structure and a popular destination. The highest elevation in Rhineland-Palatinate, the 816-meter-high Erbeskopf, can also be found in the Hunsrück.
A high-quality network of attractive hiking trails leads through the region. Particularly impressive is the 415-kilometer-long Saar-Hunsrück Trail. Certified as the best long-distance hiking trail in Germany and already chosen twice as the most beautiful hiking trail in Germany, the hiking route clearly demonstrates its motto "Experience the diversity" multiple times. Far from civilization, the trail runs on narrow natural paths for more than 70 percent of its length. Unforgettable hikes can also be experienced on the Soonwald Trail or on the Saar-Hunsrück dream loops, the premium quality circular routes.
The designated cycling routes in the region have special qualities and a steadily growing number of enthusiasts. In the Hunsrück-Nahe bike region, both leisure cyclists, road cyclists, gravel bikers, and mountain bikers can find suitable tours.
A wide range of holiday apartments, holiday homes, or holiday parks, rustic village inns, family-run guesthouses, and excellent comfort hotels invite you to relax or enjoy an active holiday in the Hunsrück.
Tourist information can be obtained from Hunsrück-Touristik GmbH, info@hunsruecktouristik.de, Tel. 06543 507700.
