Dream Loop Ruwer-Hochwald Loop

The hike is characterized by secluded forest paths and beautiful meadow trails with views of the Black Forest High Forest and the Hunsrück region. Along the way, imposing quartzite rock formations await, some of which require climbing. A certain degree of sure-footedness is necessary for this. The view from the summit cross of the Gipfelkopf, across the heights of the Black Forest High Forest, is breathtaking.

Beyond Hentern, you reach the banks of the Ruwer River, which originates at Rösterkopf. You cross the Ruwersteg footbridge and leave the river. A long climb lies ahead. During the ascent, you cross the former route of the Hunsrück Railway, which is now used as a cycle path from Hermeskeil to Trier. Impressive quartzite formations rise up in the middle of the forest.

Tales and legends surround the "Marjeterfelsen" rock formation, including one about the Marjeter ghost, which is said to still dwell in the caves and ruins of the massive rock. After circling the rock formation, the trail continues on a level forest path before the second part of the ascent begins. The 490-meter-high Heckelbüschfelsen in the Schillinger Forest is the highest point of the hike.

The trail then descends towards Hentern. The Ruwer River is crossed a second time later via a wooden footbridge. The final part of the hike begins with a long climb up a forest path that winds its way through the woods like a serpent.

The trail was rated with 79 experience points by the German Hiking Institute.

We cross the babbling brook via a new wooden footbridge. The next 1500 meters will be the most challenging, but also the most exciting part of the route. First, the Ruwer-Hochwald cycle path intersects our route, and we follow the Mertesbach stream for a short distance. The path then climbs steeply to two imposing quartzite rock formations – first to the Marjeterfelsen and shortly after to the Heckelbuschfelsen (490 m), which also marks the highest point of the hiking trail.

Once at the top, a seating area invites you to a well-deserved rest. After passing the rocks, the trail descends again towards Hentern. Within sight of the former forester's lodge, we turn left into the woods. A short stretch now leads along the district road to Zerf train station. The path then takes us across the Ruwer River a second time and steeply uphill again to another viewpoint – the Drehscheibe (turntable). We continue our hike along a narrow path below the village of Baldringen and at the end of the loop, we reach the Hentern sports field again.

Arrival by bus, current timetable can be found at: www.vrt-info.de

B 407 (Hunsrückhöhenstraße) to Zerf, exit K 47 to Hentern

B 268 Exit K 145 to Baldringen - Hentern

This route includes some short but steep inclines, so good footwear is required.