Saar-Hunsrück-Steig

Between the Saar river and the Hunsrück hills

The Saar-Hunsrück Steig crosses the Hunsrück hills on its way from the Saar Bow to Idar-Oberstein, the gemstone capital of Germany. With its quality-assured route in the Saar-Hunsrück nature reserve, the trail offers memorable hikes in a landscape to leave you spellbound. The Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, which runs for around 180km through south-west Germany, is divided into five stages suitable for one-day walks.

The first virtually guarantees spectacular views as you stride from the Saar Bow in Mettlach-Orscholz to Weiskirchen, a total of 41km. Next is a 33km section through the heart of the Hochwald forest to Hermeskeil. Number three is the 40km stretch to Morbach, which is all about walking at a high altitude. The ridges reach between 600 and 800 metres in height and offer plenty of daylight, lots of woodland and tranquillity in abundance.

The penultimate stage from Hermeskeil to Trier (33km) offers relaxed walking on mostly natural tracks, with wine, history, culture and the odd town and village thrown into the mix. Last but not least is the 30km leg from Morbach in the Hunsrück hills down to Idar-Oberstein on the River Nahe.

Here, you meet the German Gemstone Route whose hallmarks are steep descents, panoramic views and breathtaking rock and quartzite formations. The Saar-Hunsrück Steig, which stands out for its high proportion of naturally surfaced tracks, bears the seal of quality awarded by the German Institute of Hiking.