The Grubenweg Nordfeld is a varied but also challenging circular hiking trail with the Höcherberghaus as a refreshment opportunity at the end of the route. Besides nature, the stories and relics of the former mining dominate the themed marked trail, which mostly leads over forest paths. Besides the pleasures nature offers, the round route does not skimp on historical attractions. Hikers will learn a lot about the "Old Hunter's House Nordfeld" as well as the "adit mouth", the shaft systems "Wilhelmine" and "Fortuna", and the impressive "loading wall".
The remains of the shaft systems "Wilhelmine" and "Fortuna" can still be seen today among the tall trees. In the middle of the forest, beside the then-largest winding tower of the Saar region and the two shaft systems, spacious manor houses were built. Not much remains of them, but some garden plants have survived and cover the ground between the trees.
The adit mouth, from which water flows with a very high iron content, therefore coloring the soil red, recalls a particular history of the former mining. Here, after the mine was closed, a tragic accident occurred. Five young people aged between 11 and 17 years tried to enter the adit. For this, they lit matches which caused a huge explosion. The adit collapsed over a length of 350 meters, and four of the five teenagers died.
From here runs a particularly attractive section of the historic Grubenweg along the former track of the narrow-gauge railway. Over this impressive embankment, the coal mined from the adit was once transported to the mine station. The remains of the monumental loading wall made of sandstone, which served to transfer coal from the narrow-gauge railway to normal coal wagons, still stand here today.
In the last third of the hike, the "Diana spring" in the Kerb gorge refreshes before the last part of the route becomes somewhat more challenging again.
Autorentipp
Read on the erected boards what the mining history back then was about.
Refreshment options:
Höcherberghaus
Owner Patric Jacob
Römerstraße, 66450 Bexbach / Höchen
Phone: 0 68 26 / 9 65 84 44, Email: feinkostjacob@t-online.de
Website: www.feinkostjacob.de
Wegbeschreibung
The Grubenweg Nordfeld begins at the "Old Hunter's House Nordfeld" in Bexbach-Höchen. The starting point is easily accessible from Höchen and Waldmohr. From this historic starting point, the route leaves the wide path and follows a trail to the left into the forest, winding along the old "Fortuna shaft" to the Brandsbach and the well-known "adit mouth". Once there, the path leads past the idyllic Brandsbach. This section of the path is particularly charming and shortly reaches a staircase and the former "loading wall". This impressively rises in the middle of the forest, and after descending the stairs, the hiking trail turns left and follows a wider forest path to the next sharp left turn. Past a rest area, the route ascends over a wide forest path until after some turns it reaches the "Diana spring". Here the water babbles, and you can refresh yourself before crossing a small bridge and then climbing stairs further uphill. On the last section, the path only turns left twice until the wide forest path leads to the wind turbine and finally back to the starting point.
Ausrüstung
All important information about equipment can be found in our packing list.
Sicherheitshinweise
Attention:
Basically, entering the forest and walking on hiking trails is at your own risk.
Seasonal or weather-related, increased surefootedness is required on certain sections of the trail.
Therefore, wear clothing and hiking boots with appropriate tread adjusted to the season and weather.
Please especially note:
Careful walking on the stairs built in the forest (they may be slippery due to fallen leaves).
TOGETHER WITH RESPECT
Friendliness, understanding, and consideration for each other are fundamental principles for the respectful use of our natural spaces. The code of conduct is:
- Use existing paths, follow signs and respect trail closures
- Leave no traces such as rubbish or dog waste and treat the path gently
- Respect other users of forest and fields
- Be considerate of animals and plants
- Plan ahead and use daylight
DISCLAIMER:
Despite repeated checks and careful elaboration of the trail descriptions, the publisher assumes no liability for the accuracy and completeness of the information presented here.
USAGE NOTICE:
Dear hikers, the trails also lead along natural paths through untouched nature reserves and forests. Preserving and protecting nature is an important concern to us.
We also want to point out the risks and therefore ask you to stay on the designated paths and not to enter existing rock formations for safety reasons. Furthermore, we point out the presence of natural forest hazards. Due to weather, some places on the path can be softened and slippery and should therefore be traversed with particular caution. Sturdy footwear is recommended on all routes, surefootedness is essential.
Use of hiking and premium hiking trails is at your own risk.
MARKING AND SIGNAGE:
All quality trails are circular routes that can be walked in both directions. Therefore, the signage is done both ways. Try walking the route the other way around and you will discover completely new perspectives and different viewpoints.
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