Wendelinus Round

We start at the beginning of the Wendelinus cycle path behind St. Wendel station heading towards Oberthal. Completely flat and perfectly developed, we cycle on the railway embankment through the upper Blies valley. Benches appear again and again along the path inviting you to linger and enjoy the landscape. Sculptures by a local artist along the way delight both young and old cyclists. After just a few kilometers – we haven’t even properly warmed up yet – a cyclist’s kiosk with a small beer garden at the former Bliesen station offers chilled drinks.
We can take this early break calmly, as the climbs will come in the second part of the circular route. It continues to Oberthal. Here the Saar-Nahe Heights cycle path crosses our railway embankment and those who want can combine the relatively short Wendelinus Round with the Bostalsee Round at the former Oberthal station and expand it into a wonderfully beautiful full-day tour.
We continue on the railway embankment towards Tholey, and it gets more and more beautiful. Completely secluded, almost enchanted, the Wendelinus cycle path leads us slightly elevated through the idyllic cultural landscape of northern Saarland. Again, benches stand along the way where you can let your soul dangle.
Shortly before Tholey, the railway embankment disappears into a tunnel and we are led to the right uphill. But it is only about 40 meters in altitude up to the cycle and hiking parking lot.
Clearly signposted, we follow the Wendelinus cycle path to the right into the old town center of Tholey. Here a visit to the early Gothic abbey church from the 13th century is worthwhile. We meet the Schaumberg cycle path, which we follow towards Marpingen. First, it goes along quiet side streets, then turns right for a few meters on the main street until we are guided left onto a farm track.
We are now on Mistenberg high above the Alsbach valley and enjoy the distant view. Through beautiful meadows and like on a lookout tower, we cycle over to Kumpberg (367 m) and then descend rapidly to Marpingen.
Down in the valley floor we cross the Alsbach and from now on it goes uphill: a total of 150 meters in altitude have to be overcome up to the Weinhausköpfchen near the small Marpingen district Rheinstraße. Our Wendelinus Round turns right here towards Habenichts on the Saar-Oster and Saar-Nahe Heights cycle paths with the red and orange Saarland logos.
Before that, we can still visit the Marian chapel only a few meters to the left and there is also a hearty inn.
Freshly strengthened, we ride along the very beautiful old Roman road on the heights at the forest edge to Habenichts. Here both paths fork and we follow the red Saarland logo, turn left and rush down to Remmesweiler at full speed. There, very beautiful southwest German farmhouses have been preserved. In the village we come across the main street, which we follow briefly to the right. Our path soon branches left again towards St. Wendel and the route becomes beautiful once more.
Past the idyllic gravel mill, we cycle through the Sulzbach valley towards the Blies valley. Fruit trees and beautiful valley meadows line the way. We approach the Linxweiler gate. This is what a narrow place in the upper Blies valley is called, through which today the federal road, railway, Blies river, and our cycle path squeeze.
Attention in Oberlinxweiler: here we turn left from the Saar-Oster Heights cycle path in the direction of St. Wendel station. Always following the station symbol we will be led via local roads back to the start at the Wendelinus cycle path parking lot. In St. Wendel, a visit to the historic town center with the Wendelinus Basilica from the 14th century and the beautiful medieval ambiance around the Schlossplatz is worthwhile. The sculpture street also starts here.

The route is fully paved and therefore recommended even in damp weather conditions. A smaller ascent just before Tholey and a steep climb of 150 meters in altitude from Marpingen to the small district Rheinstraße can still be easily managed by experienced children with suitable multi-gear bicycles.
The Wendelinus Round can be combined into a larger tour with the Bostalsee Round and the Sankt Wendeler Round.