Dream Loop Kaltenstein Path

From the parking lot, a path leads directly into the forest past the tennis courts. Over a narrow path that then merges into a forest road, you reach the water treading installation. Continuing along the signs, you reach the historic boundary stones from 1762. These boundary stones point to the "Vierherrschaft" (four-lord rule) of Lebach. A detailed explanation can be found on an information board at the stones. Via a forest path, you reach a former horse trough. It was built in 1940 and served to provide horses with fresh spring water. The horses were used for the construction of the barracks in Lebach. However, the spring was already used by charcoal burners in the 18th century. Directly above the current trough was a charcoal pile where charcoal was produced. The path then leads down through a state succession area, the so-called fairy tale forest. Surrounded by mosses and ferns, you arrive at a wetland biotope, crossed by a specially laid boardwalk. Caution when wet - slippery!

The path now steeply ascends the Hoxberg. As soon as you reach the top, it goes downhill again to an old tunnel, home now to bats. After the tunnel, the path continues to the reservist square or the former Reich Labor Service camp at the edge of Zollstock. During the dictatorship of the Third Reich, the border to France was secured by a bunker line called the "Westwall." Its construction was carried out to a large extent by the RAD, the "Reich Labor Service." The "RAD camp" Zollstock, whose foundations are still visible, was built in 1937 for about 180 forced laborers. At the end of 1944, prisoners of war were quartered here as forced laborers.

From the reservist square, the path goes uphill, immediately turning left over a mossy path to the legendary natural monument "Kaltenstein." Geologically, it is a conglomerate rock from the "Rotliegend," i.e., a solid mixture of flint and sandstone, about 270 million years old. According to supposedly Celtic legends, Druids sacrificed to their gods at these stones over 2,000 years ago.

About 150 meters further, there is a relaxation bench inviting you to rest. From here, you have a great panoramic view over Lebach with its districts and the Schaumberg. At the viewpoint, continue straight ahead steeply downhill, then over some steps and finally via a path back to the foot of the Hoxberg. Over a forest road and forest paths, the route leads back to the parking lot, the starting point of the hike.