Dream Loop Schillinger Panorama Trail

Alternating between narrow paths and wide trails, the Traumschleife (Dream Loop) leads through seemingly untouched forests and expansive meadows and fields. Nestled in a large valley between the Schwarzwald Hochwald (Black Forest High Forest) and the wooded source area of ​​the Ruwer River, the trail encircles the village of Schillingen and offers wonderful panoramic views of the Hunsrück forests. Following the barefoot path along the Flonterbach stream, you leave the recreational area with the Schillinger Waldsee (Schillingen Forest Lake) behind and, a few minutes later, find yourself in the middle of the forest in front of the Fatima Chapel.

From the meadow path between Heddert and Schillingen, one can see the long ridge of the Schwarzwälder Hochwald (Black Forest High Forest) beyond the valley floor in which Schillingen lies. The border between the German states of Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland runs partly along this ridge.

The path leads between pastures and farmland to the edge of Schillingen. The wooded ridge of the Osburg High Forest, the source of the Ruwer River, which rises at the Rösterkopf, is clearly visible. 

The trail leads through forests and meadows to the Keller Reservoir. This 13-hectare lake is a popular local recreation and holiday area in the heart of the Saar-Hunsrück Nature Park. The hike continues along the Lehbach stream to the Schillinger Mill. Shortly before reaching the Hellberghof farm, the path turns to reach the highest point of the hike. From there, you have a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding, entirely wooded ridges. The Flonterbach stream flows in the valley below. Following the stream, the trail leads around the forest pond back to the Schillingen recreation area, which is equally popular with day-trippers, hikers, and mountain bikers. 

The trail was rated with 68 experience points by the German Hiking Institute.

The starting point is the recreation area at Lake Schillingen. We enter the barefoot path through a wooden gateway, which also marks the beginning of the "Dream Loop" trail. For a few meters, we walk along the Flonterbach stream before turning right and reaching the Fatima Chapel. Here, the bell tower tempts hikers to break the silence of the pine forest with its ringing. We continue following the stream to its source, then the path leads through dense woodland towards the village of Heddert. Shortly before Heddert, we cross the main road and pass a barbecue area. Here, a first panoramic view of the Black Forest High Forest unfolds. The path leads us along fields and pastures to the village of Schillingen. Here, the panorama opens up towards the Osburg High Forest. After 2.5 km of panoramic trail, we cross a farm track and reach a 3.5 km loop that leads us to the Kell Reservoir. Our route then leads across the dam of the lake towards the campsite and outdoor swimming pool. Just before the recreation area, we turn right and follow the signs towards Schillingen. After a set of steps, we turn left, enter a long tunnel of leaves, cross the L 143 road, and hike along the Lehbach stream until just before the Schillingen mill. Before the first houses, we turn left over a small footbridge, then along a meadow path and the road "Im Käswieschen," until we finally reach the highest point of the hike, amidst beautiful meadows. Another panoramic view awaits. The final stretch of the tour leads first through meadows, then through a forest down to the Flonterbach valley. We follow the stream and arrive back at the forest pond and the Schillingen recreation area.

Parking lot of the leisure facility at Schillinger See, 54429 Schillingen

L 143 to Schillingen, from the edge of Schillingen follow signs for the leisure facility

The premium circular hiking trails include some steep, challenging sections that can be slippery in rain or winter weather. Therefore, sure-footedness and good physical condition are essential for hiking these premium trails.

Sturdy footwear (hiking boots) is strongly recommended.

Two well-marked shortcuts offer the possibility of reducing the route to 11 or 13 kilometers in length.

A botanical highlight in March/April are the daffodil meadows along the middle reaches of the Ruwer River between the Schillingen recreation area and the village of Zerf. The path to the daffodil meadows is signposted from the recreation area. A daffodil festival takes place annually at the end of March/beginning of April.