The first part impresses with phenomenal panoramic views towards the Eifel. Before descending into the Ehrbach valley, we enjoy a great view of the valley and the medieval Ehrenburg castle towering above it.
At the bottom, we pass through the small village Ehrenburgertal and take a long ascent to the impressive, fully preserved medieval Ehrenburg castle, which can be visited for a fee.
Via beautiful paths we enter the Ehrbach valley with its numerous old mills. Just behind the Eckmühle, the wild romantic Ehrbach gorge begins, one of the most beautiful sections of the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig. We experience a spectacular route along the Ehrbach with narrow paths, stepping stones, waterfalls, rock formations, bridges, and rope-secured passages.
The Daubisbergermühle offers a good stop for a short break. Before leaving the Ehrbach valley, we pass a former medieval slate mine, then ascend via a small side valley with serpentine paths to Schloss Schöneck. The climb to the plateau near Windhausen is rewarded by several beautiful viewpoints into the Ehrbach valley. From Windhausen it goes flat through agricultural land with numerous views to the stage destination Oppenhausen.
Autorentipp
Ehrenburg
The mighty castle was first mentioned in documents in 1161.
In 1688 it was largely destroyed by French soldiers under Louis XIV. Since 1993 it has been preserved, restored, and rebuilt by a non-profit association using private funds. Regular events are offered. The castle also features gastronomy and overnight accommodations.
Schloss Schöneck
The castle was originally built around 1200 by Konrad von Boppard as a fortress. In the 17th century it was first referred to as a castle. The Frankfurt artist Wilhelm Steinhausen acquired the castle in 1910 and established a family foundation there.
Wegbeschreibung
The route starts at the northern exit of Morshausen. From the starting point at Enger Weg we first follow a short section of the country road, then cross it and turn onto a field path that leads us along the edge of the forest towards the northeast. Along our way there are repeatedly open fields and shady forest sections until we reach the Ehrenburg valley after a total of 4.5 km.
There we cross the Ehrbach and make a loop to Sonnenwinkel before ascending to Ehrenburg. After the visit, we descend back into the Ehrbach valley and follow the course of the stream past Linkemühle, Brandengrabenmühle, Eckmühle, Rauschenmühle, and Daubisbergermühle to Schloss Schöneck.
There we leave the forest and go over adjacent fields to Windhausen, finally our path leads cross-country to Oppenhausen, today’s stage destination.
Ausrüstung
On all stages we recommend sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate hiking clothing.
Sicherheitshinweise
The Saar-Hunsrück-Steig is a nature-friendly path that runs 65% over soft forest floor, grassy paths, or along streams. This special quality can make parts of the path harder to walk after longer rainy periods. Therefore, sturdy footwear is absolutely recommended.
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