Dream Loop Wilderness Trail Weiskirchen

In complete seclusion, the hiking trail leads along narrow, natural paths across the heights of the Black Forest highlands around Weiskirchen. The route passes through the "Wahnbachtal" nature reserve and the "Behlengraben" ravine. Also along the way is the Herberloch, an old quarry that has developed into a natural habitat over the years.

Passing the natural monuments "Iltisfels" and "Hoher Fels," the trail climbs steadily upwards. Sometimes steep, sometimes gentler, the path winds its way along narrow forest trails towards the Schimmelkopf. Below the Schimmelkopf, at 694 meters one of the highest elevations in Saarland, the trail meanders through the woods. Solitude and silence reign in this seemingly endless forest.

A path leads through the Wahnbach Valley nature reserve. This narrow, steep-sided valley carved by a stream in the low mountain range is also known as the "Wahnbach Valley Soul Sanctuary." The valley is exited via a steep path leading uphill along the so-called Behlengraben ravine.

Passing old quarries, the trail leads to the Schlittentaler Bach stream. Once again, the hike continues uphill for a considerable distance. The idyllic scenery at Herberloch awaits. In the hollow of a former quarry, recognizable by its ochre-colored rock, lies a small, almost mirror-like, fairytale-like lake.

Following another forest stream and crossing several bridges, we descend from Herberloch before the dream loop leads back to Weiskirchen on further forest paths.

The trail was rated with 60 experience points by the German Hiking Institute.

The first 2.5 kilometers lead through the wildly romantic Holzbach Valley. The path runs close to the stream, crossing it twice. Along the way, we encounter two impressive rock formations. After the last stream crossing, there is a short section on a forest path. The trail then turns right, climbing steeply along a partly stony and root-covered path that runs along the border with Rhineland-Palatinate. 

After about 3.5 km, turn right again. The gradient becomes somewhat less steep, and the path runs mostly along trails through ever-changing forest formations, along the slope of the "Schimmelkopf".

After about 6.5 km, the path descends to the right into a small sunken lane. This leads us further along the trail through a light beech forest. After a bend, the path widens and leads to a large crossroads. The wider forest path leads us along a nature reserve directly down into the Wahnbach valley. 

The path turns left and leads down towards Weiskirchen along root-strewn natural trails and the stream bank, which is overgrown with ferns and mixed mountain forest. Upon reaching the lower part of the valley, the stream is crossed via a bridge.

The path continues straight ahead, up a steep slope, parallel to a small ridge (gully). At the end of the ridge, the terrain becomes somewhat flatter, but the path continues slightly uphill until the next major junction.

Continue straight ahead at a constant elevation through a section of coniferous forest, then turn sharply left and descend past an old quarry to a small stream. Turn right here and follow the stream gently uphill.

After a short stretch along a forest path, the trail turns left onto a beautiful uphill section through the woods (a short, steeper section follows), leading directly to the "Herberloch," a small, idyllic pond in an old quarry.

Follow the path along the Schlittentaler Bach stream once more. Afterwards, the route leads back down to Weiskirchen and the starting point of the tour via wider paths and trails.

Take bus R1, 470, 204, 211, 216, 470 to Weiskirchen Kirche, then walk for about 20 minutes.

www.saarfahrplan.de

Parking lot at the Weiskirchen forest swimming pool

Weiskirchen can be reached from the A8 motorway via Merzig and Losheim. Alternatively, take the A1 motorway and exit at Primstal towards Wadern. In the center of Weiskirchen, follow the signs towards the spa center. The forest swimming pool, the starting point of this tour, is located along the way.

Report road conditions

We welcome feedback on the condition of the paths.

To do this, click on the compass icon in the top left corner of the app's map view.

Simply send your current location coordinates to wegezustand@tz-s.de using the "Share" button

Photo and description are welcome.

Thanks for your support!

Danger:

Entering the forest and using the hiking trails is generally at your own risk!

Depending on the season and/or weather conditions, increased sure-footedness is required on certain sections of the trail. Therefore, wear clothing and hiking boots with appropriate tread for the season and weather. Be careful of falling branches and damaged trees. In strong winds and during winter with snow and ice, the danger from falling trees and debris increases.

Restaurants can be found in the town center of Weiskirchen, 2 km from the starting point.

Did you enjoy this tour? Then help us maintain the trail with your hiking donation!

Send a text message with "TRAUM" to 81190 to donate €2 - Thank you!