Vital Tour Around the Desert

The OFFICIAL route description - The scenic, idyllic, and tranquil hike...

Starting from Bockenauer Schweiz, the path leads through the forest towards Daubach. The view from the viewpoint "Weih" sweeps over the village and a diverse cultural landscape. Pastures, arable farming, and various biotope structures shape the colorful landscape.

The German Hiking Institute rated the premium trail with 56 experience points!

All Vital Tours

Between Nahe and Hunsrück
Length
approx. 10 km
Duration
approx. 4 hrs
Difficulty
2/3
Fitness
4/6
Experience
6/6
Landscape
6/6
Ascent
441 m elev.
Descent
441 m elev.
Season recommendation
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Scenic Resting opportunity Flora Premium trail German Hiking Seal Circular tour cultural / historical

Additional information

From the parking lot "Bockenauer Schweiz," we hike along a short stretch of the Ellerbach stream, gradually ascending to the ridge of the "Bockenauer Forest." On a path through the high forest, we experience an impressive and individual route through the wooded terrain ridge. South of the village of Daubach, we leave the forest and reach open terrain. The view from the viewpoint "Weih" extends over Daubach and the surrounding ridges of the Soonwald. Along the county road (K 22), we now arrive in the village of Daubach. The small settlement is characterized by several agricultural estates and is a popular residential location. We head west. Our path continues in the Daubachtal, an idyllic meadow valley. Just before the Eckweiler Church, the direction of our path changes and leads us north. After a short steep ascent, we cross the K 24. The hiking trail now takes us along the chain-link fence of the former military area Pferdsfeld.

With a view from the viewpoint "Auf dem Eckweiler Berg" to the surrounding villages, which harmoniously integrate into the landscape, the path descends southward into the romantic Tonnenbachtal. The avenue-lined path leads us to Winterburg. Through the narrow village location in the valley floor, we reach our way up a steep ascent with steps to the "Winterburger Schloss". A sublime feeling arises when looking over the landscape. After a steep descent to the Ellerbach valley, we ascend again to the viewpoint "Hahn". Through another steep ascent and descent with the viewpoint "Schlicht", we reach the next ridge "Am Meerhölzchen." After the challenging section of the path, we are rewarded with impressive distant and close views. Deciduous forests accompany our way, leading us past imposing rock outcrops. The summit of the ridge now runs over an open landscape. Back in the forest, the path continuously loses height. Along a hollow way that was used in past centuries for the church visits of the Allenfelder to the former monastery at Bockenau, we return to our starting point and the inn "Bockenauer Schweiz."

Shorter path sections should be noted.

Hiking shoes recommended!

Our tips for a carefree hiking experience

Hiking is the perfect sport. With the right clothing and shoes, it is twice as enjoyable. Functional clothing, trekking poles, and breathable backpacks are comfortable while hiking. However, good shoes are essential. Sturdy jogging or leisure shoes are only suitable for short distances on flat paths. For longer routes, we recommend stable hiking shoes with a non-slip sole. Also, think about sun protection and bring a drink. One liter of water is ideal.

Refreshment options at the start and end point "Bockenauer Schweiz"

More information & GPX download

In the tour planner you will find all further information, e.g. on route changes, closures or diversions, as well as the GPX file for download.

To the tour planner (www) Download GPX