National Park Dream Loop Gipfelrauschen

Today we went with the TVO (Travel Operator) over the Gipfelrauschen dream loop. It truly deserves its title. Great root-filled trails, a small moor, and views (in good weather).

After a super good and hearty breakfast at https://www.cafe-hunsrueckhaus.de/ Hunsrückhaus, we set off for the summit in wintry weather. At the top we noticed that the route of the TS had been changed. The beautiful, exposed and partially blocked section of the path on the other side of the mountain is simply closed because of trees lying across it. It's a shame, because it's such a small highlight on the tour. The forestry department can't keep up, or the national park administration isn't interested in clearing the paths. Some nasty mountain biker could get lost there 😬 Well, all in all a nice little tour in the best company😁

This morning I went to Erbeskopf to hike the TS Gipfelrauschen! Phew, what an icy wind that greeted me at the Hunsrückhaus! Luckily I had taken precautions!! Since the route isn't particularly long, it feels like it's always up or down! 🙄 The routes through the forest have also become less frequent, as so much deforestation has taken place! As is unfortunately the case almost everywhere, climate change says hello! But I found a large 🐜pile along the way; I hadn't seen one in a while! There are several rest areas along the route, but due to the strong, cold wind, that was out of the question for me today! So, at the end, I had a hot drink in the Hunsrückhaus!!! 🥰

After the Börfinker Ochsentour I had to satisfy my hunger. I drove to the forest inn in Hüttgeswasen, where I had actually planned to stop for the long tour. I was still in a dead zone, but with WiFi I was able to see where I could do another round after eating. The decision was made quickly. The starting point of the also short Gipfelrauschen dream loop is right at the Erbeskopf. Well fortified, I set off. With a full stomach I had to fight my way straight up to the summit. The tour only has a total of 200 meters of elevation, but they are distributed quite unevenly. Once you have managed the first climb, you can enjoy the view at the top. After that it continues fairly flat before going all the way down again. At the end there is a footbridge through the moorland. I also really enjoyed the second round of the day.

Parked at the summit of the Erbeskopf at 814m. Under very cloudy skies, we went down narrow paths, wide forest paths, and rocky paths. The many tree fungi, ferns, and trees infested by bark beetles and dead trees are striking. We cross a moorland area over a footbridge with beautiful benches. Finally, we reach the climbing park, the trail park, and the toboggan run. Strengthened with a ☕️, we head steeply up the last kilometer to 814m again. On the platform, we enjoy the view again with the sun now shining. Another very well signposted path that was fun to walk. Normally 7km is quicker, but due to the nature of the path (roots, stones) it takes considerably longer.

Interesting, varied tour around the Erbeskopf.

The valley was shrouded in fog, so we headed up to the Erbeskopf. There, we were greeted by a clear blue sky. We hiked through the forest and over some rather slippery planks. Then the fog rolled in, enveloping everything in a quaint gray. We continued through the quiet forest, encountering only one other couple along our path. Otherwise, it was quite deserted. We had planned to stop for a snack at the viewpoint, but the wind had blown the fog out of the valley, leaving us with dreary, damp weather. So, we bundled up again, including gloves. We descended through the fog and quickly made our way home.

Great circuit around the Erbeskopf, largely oriented towards the "Saar-Hunsrück-Traumschleife Gipfelrauschen"