Lake Cycle Route

Arrival and Route Description for the Seenradweg

If you leave the Lahntalradweg at Wallau and continue on the R8 towards Dillenburg, you will reach the Perfstausee, a popular local recreation area. Here begins the Seenradweg heading towards the Aartalsee.

If using public transport, you can take the Oberlahntalbahn from Erndtebrück to Marburg (line 623) to Wallau; this line also runs every two hours on weekends and allows bicycle transport. Groups larger than five people should register in advance.

If you want to start the tour in Breidenstein and arrive by car, there are free parking spaces near the Perfstausee.

If you want to cycle the Seenradweg from the Aartalsee towards Perfstausee using public transportation, take the "Blue Line" (line 407 of RMV Bad Endbach – Hartenrod – Niederweidbach – Herborn). This line carries a bicycle trailer from April 1st to October 31st. Again, groups larger than five should register beforehand.

For those arriving by car, there are plenty of paid parking spaces near the Aartalsee in Niederweidbach.

Signage The Seenradweg runs from Breidenstein towards Aartalsee along the same route as R8 for the first few kilometers.
The signage of the Seenradweg is marked as shown here, so you can easily follow the path even when it diverges from R8 after Breidenbach.


City of Biedenkopf Breidenstein When you arrive at the Perfstausee, you should definitely linger a bit to enjoy the beautiful view and perhaps dip into the cool water. Information panels offer interesting insights into the creation of the Perfstausee.

But not only the Perfstausee, Breidenstein itself has much to offer. First mentioned in the 13th century, the town has a beautiful old half-timbered castle still inhabited privately.

There is also a still functioning bakehouse used frequently by locals. On Corpus Christi, the local singing association hosts a bakehouse fest where you can enjoy freshly baked regional delicacies.

How about a small snack at the "Zum Seeblick" inn, true to its name, or at the "Stadtschänke", which uses products from local farms? Refreshed, you then proceed on the 44 km route to Aartalsee.

Municipality of Breidenbach district Breidenbach The stretch is well-paved up to Breidenbach and runs through the forest away from roads. After just over three kilometers, you reach Breidenbach. Breidenbach is a business location with extensive shopping options, many restaurants, and accommodation options. If you ask locals where to eat well and affordably, you will hear names like Café Helfrich, Runkel inn, Röttig inn, or Lang hotel.
Be sure to see the leaning tower of the church built around 900, one of only three of its kind in Germany. If you stay longer, the old Jewish cemetery (keys available at municipal administration) and the House of Nature and Environment (opening hours from Mr. Hartmut Becker, 06465/7224) are a must. A visit to the picturesque Wiesenbachtal is also recommended.
If you happen to visit Breidenbach on the first weekend in May, don't miss the biennial May market. Alternatively, visit the fair held directly on the cycle route at the last weekend in July.

Wolzhausen After cycling through beautiful scenery, you reach Wolzhausen, a district of Breidenbach with about 760 inhabitants, notable for the diversity of denominations (up to seven) compared to other municipalities of this size. The former brewery Thomé, an interesting old industrial building dating back to the 16th century, lies directly on the cycle path. Today, five young people have revived it under the new name "Hinterländer Brauhaus." You might get lucky and visit during one of the beer festivals. Otherwise, stop by the pub next door to try regional beers.

Municipality of Steffenberg Quotshausen Now you reach the over 600-year-old district of Quotshausen. Framed by the foothills of the Rhenish Slate Mountains, the Perf river here runs swiftly due to the steep gradient. Originally Quotshausen had three mills, symbolized by three mill wheels in the coat of arms. The cycle path passes the last operational mill, Klein Mill, where you can take a break on weekends with fresh sheet cake, coffee, and cool drinks.
The village center includes the lovingly restored half-timbered church and the old bakehouse, currently being turned into a local museum.

Every two years, the traditional bakehouse festival takes place around church and bakehouse. Following Quotshausen, the route runs on a former railway line, allowing a varied landscape experience on a well-maintained path.
Rural structures shape the area, characterized by half-timbered buildings, orchards, and old mills along the entire route. Along the entire Seenradweg you will repeatedly encounter traces of its mining past.

Niedereisenhausen Niedereisenhausen, the largest district of Steffenberg, offers many recreational activities. How about a round of mini-golf or a jump into the cool waters of the local outdoor pool? Want to rest a bit at the playground so your children can let off steam? You can also find shopping and accommodation options here.

Besides many shopping options, an overnight stay at the campsite is possible.

Every year after Pentecost, a fair is held, which you might want to plan into your itinerary.
If you organize a group tour, renting the available shelter is worthwhile (info: Erhardt Schwarz, 06464/8897), offering a wonderful view over the Gansbach valley.

Municipality of Angelburg Gönnern The path continues to Gönnern, where the route passes a notable old bakehouse worth a closer look and reading its information panels. Nature enthusiasts can arrange a visit to the Bird Protection Society's museum. If you like horses and riding, the Haflingerhof Gönnern offers accommodation by prior arrangement and the opportunity for a ride. The farm offers a wide range of overnight options: camping, hay sleeping, or holiday apartments. More info at www.haflingerhof-goennern.de or directly from Mr. Heinz Kurt Müller at 06464/466.
Here's a recent anecdote: in February 2006, an old church bell missing for over 60 years from WWII was rediscovered at the US Air Base near Frankfurt Airport and returned to the municipality amid media attention. It now hangs in the cemetery in Gönnern.

Frechenhausen After about 2.6 km of leisurely riding through the idyllic Gansbach valley, you arrive at the district of Frechenhausen. As in many towns in the Lahn-Dill-Bergland, not just along the Seenradweg, traces of centuries-old mining are found here. The residents have embraced this in their local, bird, and mining museum to inform visitors.

The museum is located in the old town hall and is open from May to September on the first Sunday of each month or by appointment.

On the first Saturday in August, Frechenhausen holds a village festival with a flea market, so you might plan your tour accordingly and enjoy shopping in a cozy atmosphere.

Lixfeld The old fortified church in Lixfeld is an impressive witness to the over 700-year history of this Angelburg district. Coming from Frechenhausen on the cycle path to Lixfeld, on the left side lies a teaching garden about traditional orchards. Such orchards are typical for Hesse but sadly increasingly rare. Information panels give interesting details on the topic.
Lixfeld has more to offer: How about a guided tour offering a view of Lixfeld or through the local schnapps distillery (contact Mr. Karl-Heinz Böhm, 06464/8322), a visit to the local museum, or a tour of an artist's gallery (contact museum and gallery Mr. Hubert Blanck, 06464/7066)?

In the old quarry of Lixfeld is the Angling Association's hut. Drinks are sold on weekends. If you plan a longer trip with a larger group, you can book a small snack beforehand (contact local mayor Hans Willi Mai, 06464/7812). You can also hike from the parking lot behind the church on the certified extra route "Hirzenhainer Höhenflug".

Between Lixfeld and Hirzenhain, the path climbs about 1.5 km with grades up to 8%, but the effort is rewarded with a beautiful view of the picturesque Gansbach valley.

Hirzenhain (station - municipality of Eschenburg)
On the cycle path to Hirzenhain station, you pass the Kaltmühle, where you can stay overnight in a cozy atmosphere, giving you time to explore Hirzenhain and its surroundings.
Hirzenhain was first mentioned in 1269. It is also known as the "glider village" because gliding has been practiced there since 1923. The gliding club is one of the oldest in the world. If you want to take off, this is the place. Every year at Pentecost, the famous glider festival with many attractions takes place here. The Hirzenhain settlement (station) is a largely industrial and commercial zone that has existed since the 1950s.

The Wilhelmsteine (municipality of Siegbach)
The path now leads uphill to the Wilhelmsteine located in the forest. Take a break at this historical site.

The Wilhelmsteine are a group of iron concretions that rise prominently from the surrounding landscape.
The presumed ancient cult site is named after Duke Wilhelm of Nassau, who rested here while surveying his land. Even today, it is a suitable spot for a pleasant picnic and rest.

The route continues with steep gradients over gravel forest paths towards Wallenfels.

Wallenfels (municipality of Siegbach)
The small village of Wallenfels lies directly at the forest edge. Its existence is owed to a castle built in the 14th century.
Stones from the castle were later used by former castle servants as building material to establish the Wallenfels settlement. The size of the settlement has hardly changed and is characterized by many beautiful old buildings.

Every May 1st, the fire department celebrates a festival, which you should attend for a small drink. You will find the residents very welcoming and hear many anecdotes.

Route between Wallenfels and Eisemroth
The bike path descends about 7% towards Eisemroth. Up to the natural swimming pool Eisemroth, the path follows public roads.

Eisemroth (municipality of Siegbach)
At the natural swimming pool in Eisemroth is the snack bar, open May to September during pool opening hours, seven days a week.

Here you can take a rest after the long downhill and recharge for the remaining way to Aartalsee.
A few refreshing laps in the lovingly designed natural pool will surely prepare you for the rest of the route.

Übernthal
You cycle from Eisemroth along the level, well-developed bike path to Übernthal.
The village features a half-timbered building from the 18th century that used to be a church and is now used as a community center.
Nearby is another historic 13th-century building still used as a bakehouse.
Interested in mining and minerals? Be sure to visit the Übernthal local museum; appointments can be made with Mr. Erwin Ruschil (02778/2961).

Route between Übernthal and Bischoffen
Watch closely as you pass through the forest between Übernthal and Bischoffen to spot a memorial stone commemorating the deserted village Altbischoffen.

Bischoffen
After a restful ride through the forest, you reach Bischoffen. Here the Siegbach flows into the Aar. Historically, five mills operated on very close proximity here – unique in all of Hesse.
The mills are still all present but no longer operational. Just at the entrance to town, the cycle path passes the Pfeiffers Mill where you can still see the mill pond and a large waterwheel.
In Bischoffen, a small tunnel allows you to cross the main road, but be sure to dismount before entering as the signage advises – otherwise, you risk a headache.

Aartalsee
Now you have reached the destination of your stage: the Aartalsee. Covering an overall area of 82 hectares, it offers many leisure opportunities.
You can sail, surf, or swim. Camping and fishing are possible, or you can simply observe nature in the lake's protected area.

On the well-developed network of cycle paths around the lake, you can explore the area to your heart's content.