"Dream Loop: Young Forest"

From the parking lot at the Buch sports field, we begin our entertaining discovery tour along the “Junge Wald” dream loop. Passing the Old Water House, from which we can enjoy sweeping views over the Hunsrück heights toward the Moselle Valley and all the way to the Eifel, we reach the first signpost at the tripoint of the loop. Since it’s best to hike clockwise, we head straight ahead here onto the dirt road. We now hike along wide paths with a few changes in direction through the open countryside. These are marked partly by signposts and partly by markings on the ground.

At an information board on agriculture, we reach the edge of the forest, and soon we’re able to venture into the dim green for the first time along a winding path. After a break in a small shelter, we’re soon rewarded at the edge of the forest with a view of Bell and a physical challenge: at a jumping pit, we can compete with the forest animals to see who can jump the farthest. Afterward, we devote ourselves once again entirely to the joy of forest hiking and gain wonderful insights into the multi-layered forest, where young trees struggle toward the light in the shadow of the “big ones.” A little later, we feel as if we’re being watched—and sure enough, isn’t that a deer standing there? Only upon a second glance does it become clear: these are deceptively lifelike figures eyeing the hikers…

Finally, the “Traumschleifchen” trail leaves the forest and leads us to a rolling meadow of wild herbs. Here, a bee display case offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of bees, while hikers can treat themselves to a break at the rest area. The route then gently descends and winds leisurely between the forest edge and the fields.

After passing the lowest point of the tour—which features another rest stop—we can leisurely regain elevation on a path through the forest. Touch boxes along this section of the trail challenge our sense of touch. A few twists and turns later, a clearing opens up where numerous young trees reach toward the sun: this is the Family Forest, at the edge of which another rest area invites us to linger. Shortly afterward, the idyllic biotope offers a delightful change of scenery; with a bit of luck, we can watch the dragonflies perform their aerial acrobatics. Near some anthills, the “Traumschleifchen” trail turns back onto a forest path that winds through the dense woods. Suddenly, we reach the edge of the forest and are overwhelmed by the magnificent panoramic view of the Hunsrück. It’s a good thing there’s another bench here to enjoy the view!

We follow the forest edge for a short while, then, at a stone table, we head back under the canopy of leaves and indulge once more in the pleasure of hiking along the trail. But eventually, it’s time to say goodbye to the forest and stroll along a farm road to the outskirts of Buch. There, the balance station offers one last tricky challenge before we cross the bike path through open meadows, head toward the sports field, and then reach the signpost at the tripoint again. A few steps later, this eventful hike ends at the parking lot.