Hunsrück Cycle Path

Away from the popular river cycle paths and far from crowds, the Hunsrück cycle path offers a peaceful cycling experience where you can immerse yourself in the idyllic natural surroundings.

On the Hunsrück Cycle Path between Saarburg and Bacharach on the Rhine, cyclists immerse themselves in the rugged low mountain landscape of the Hunsrück. It connects the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park, the Erbeskopf mountain, the Baldenau castle ruins, the Schinderhannes Tower in Simmern, and the Rhine River.

Along the route, you'll find many member businesses of the regional brands Ebbes von Hei! and SooNahe. Ebbes von Hei! means "something from here" and represents products and services from the Saar-Hunsrück region that are characterized by quality, care, and dedication. SooNahe stands for high-quality, regional products from the Hunsrück and Nahe regions. Discover the regional diversity of farms, mills, cider presses, bakeries, butcher shops, and many other businesses.

You can find the businesses along the route in the individual stages.

Stage 1: Saarburg - Kell am See.
After a short warm-up along the Saar River and a gentle climb through the vineyards, the route begins a steeper ascent from the small village of Irsch on an asphalt path through tranquil countryside. At the "Speiner Bildchen" chapel, most of the elevation gain is behind you, and from the Kalfertshaus at the highest point, the cycle path descends into the idyllic Ruwer Valley. From Zerf, the route follows the Ruwer-Hochwald Cycle Path along a section of the converted former Hochwald Railway line to Kell am See.

Stage 2: Kell am See - Morbach
Between Kell am See and Hermeskeil, the former Hochwald Railway line has been converted into cycle paths. Afterwards, the long climb towards Erbeskopf begins, at 816 m the highest peak in Rhineland-Palatinate. This section of the cycle path also leads through the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park. This final, steep climb is the highlight of the tour! A long, winding descent on well-maintained forest roads then leads down to Morbach, a center of traditional timber industry and modern energy production.

Stage 3: Morbach - Simmern
Passing the Baldenau moated castle ruins, the Hunsrück Cycle Path skirts the Idarwald forest and runs on its own dedicated path between Büchenbeuren and Sohren near Hahn Airport. Passing through Kirchberg, the oldest town in the Hunsrück region, the cycle path follows the same route as the Ausonius Trail, the Roman road from Bingen to Trier.

Stage 4: Simmern - Bacharach.
From Simmern, the Hunsrück Cycle Path offers magnificent views across the region. Passing through Argenthal and Ellern, the path stays away from main roads and reaches the beginning of the Guldenbach Valley in Rheinböllen. From there, a final, significant climb leads to the heights of the Bingerwald forest above the Rhine. The cycle route then descends rapidly in several sharp bends, crosses Niederheimbach, and vineyards – as seen at the beginning along the Saar – line both sides of the path, accompanying the route all the way to the Rhine. After a few kilometers on the Rhine Cycle Path, which runs parallel to the main route, Bacharach is reached.

Saarburg station is located on the Trier-Saarbrücken line. Bacharach and Niederheimbach are on the Middle Rhine line. Return travel by Deutsche Bahn is possible.

Parking spaces are located on Brückenstraße opposite the post office. Multi-day tickets can be purchased there.

Via the B 51 or B 419 from Trier or Saarbrücken.

Observe the traffic rules, pay attention to other road users, and drive at an appropriate speed, especially on descents. Be considerate of other cyclists and pedestrians.

• helmet
• Mobile phone with full battery
• Cash, ID
• Navigation device, map data
• Air pump / compressed air cartridge
• Replacement hose
• Plenty of drinks
• Energy bar / gel
• Wind/rain jacket

Be sure to plan a visit to the highest elevation in Rhineland-Palatinate, the 816-meter-high Erbeskopf with its wind chime sculpture.