The best running trails around Hochscheid

Okay, this thing is really interesting

Along with agriculture and livestock farming, the mills were not only one of the main sources of income in the Dhron Valley, but also the primary breadwinners of the population. They also shaped the upper Dhron Valley, as the use of hydropower was essential in pre-technological times. The "Heckenmühle" (Hedge Mill) here in the Waldbach Valley was already recorded on maps at the beginning of the 19th century. Since the miller families also farmed, the Waldbach stream ran through an open meadow valley at that time. For a long time, the mill was operated by a Hinzerath milling community. After World War II, the mill was abandoned. The bricks were gradually reused.

How long this cross has stood on the so-called "Totenweg" (Path of the Dead) and for what reason it was erected cannot be determined today. This section of the trail on the Dream Loop LandZeitTour is still commonly known as the "Totenweg" (Path of the Dead). For many centuries, until around 1835, the deceased from Hinzerath were buried in Bischofsdhron at the parish church because Hinzerath belonged to the local parish. The coffins were transported to Bischofsdhron by teams of cows or horses along this path, along fields or burial grounds. It was a long and arduous journey in those days, and incidents could certainly occur. One possible explanation for the location of the cross is that an accident occurred here during the transport of a body. Another story says that there was a fatal industrial accident in the nearby small quarry (about 100 meters to the west). But perhaps the cross was erected as a memorial on the so-called "Totenweg" (Path of the Dead) long ago.

How long this cross has stood on the so-called "Totenweg" (Path of the Dead) and for what reason it was erected cannot be determined today. This section of the trail on the Dream Loop LandZeitTour is still commonly referred to as the "Totenweg" (Path of the Dead). For many centuries, until around 1835, the deceased from Hinzerath were buried in Bischofsdhron at the parish church because Hinzerath belonged to the local parish. The coffins were transported to Bischofsdhron by teams of cows or horses along this path, either on farm roads or along the "Totenweg" (Path of the Dead). It was a long and arduous journey in those days, and incidents could certainly occur. One possible explanation for the location of the cross is that an accident occurred here during the transport of a body. Another story says that there was a fatal industrial accident in the nearby small quarry (about 100 meters to the west). But perhaps the cross was erected as a memorial on the so-called "Totenweg" (Path of the Dead) long ago.

This legendary place lies between gnarled trees and jagged rocks – with a simple wooden sign, yet a mystical aura. The name "Witches' Dance Ground" lends the scene a very unique atmosphere, which is particularly intense in the frosty winter. A quiet, slightly eerie place with a sense of historical magic. 💡 Tip 🔮 Stand for a moment in the middle of the square – history can almost be felt in the quiet snow.

The tower was unfortunately closed during our visit, but it's still a striking landmark on the tour. Even from below, it looks impressive and fits perfectly into the landscape. 💡 Tip: It's worth a quick stop even without climbing it—the area around it is a great place to linger.

The predecessor of the Wildenburg was a presumably Celtic refuge castle with a double rampart from the La Tène period (ca. 450–50 BC). The Wildenburg Wall is one of a series of Celtic ramparts in the southern Hunsrück between the ring wall of Otzenhausen, the Ringkopf, the Altburg and the Alteburg in the Soonwald. A short section of the wall was reconstructed as a "Gallic wall" (murus gallicus). Around the year 350 AD, a late Roman fortification was set up on the Wildenburg for a short time. In the late Middle Ages, Wildgraf Friedrich von Kyrburg built the Wildenburg on the rock at the western tip of the ring wall (first mentioned in 1330) and in 1651 it was plundered and destroyed by marauding Lorraine troops. After partial reconstruction in 1660, the lower castle served as the administrative headquarters of the Wildenburg office until the county was abolished in 1792. Only a few remains of the walls of the upper castle, which is located on a rock, have survived. A 22-meter-high observation tower was built on the top of the rock in 1980 and completed in 1981. It offers a very good view in all directions from its 15-meter-high observation platform, which is arranged in a ring around the tower body. Orientation boards on the parapet explain the destinations. From 1859, the buildings of the lower castle with gate tower, farm buildings and surrounding wall had already been restored to set up the Prussian district forestry office. After further renovations, these buildings now house a castle restaurant and are the headquarters of the Hunsrück Association. The Knights' Hall is used as a registry office and for smaller festivities.

Sturdy shoes and surefootedness required. Not suitable for strollers.