The Höcherberg trail starts at the Höcherbergturm and goes down via the Kohlweg to the "Schipp" and then past the loading wall and the Nordfeld to reach the well-known 518 m height again. Despite an ascent, the circular hiking trail is easy to hike and leads past the guesthouse Höcherberghaus for refreshment. Besides nature, the stories and relics of the former mining industry are the main theme of the signposted route, which runs along forest and field trails and briefly through the village of Höchen. Besides the natural delights, the route also does not lack historical appeal. Hikers learn about the "Altes Jägerhaus Nordfeld," the "Stollenmundloch," the shaft installations "Wilhelmine" and "Fortuna," and the impressive "loading wall."
The remains of the "Wilhelmine" and "Fortuna" shafts can still be seen today among the tall trees. In the middle of the forest, large manor houses were built alongside the largest headframe of the Saar region at that time and the two shaft installations. Not much is left of them, but some garden plants survived the time and cover the ground between the trees.
The mine shaft entrance, from which water with a very high iron content flows, coloring the ground red, recalls a special story of the former mining industry. After the closure of the mine, a tragic accident occurred here. Five young people aged between 11 and 17 tried to enter the tunnel at the mine shaft entrance. They lit matches, causing a huge explosion. The tunnel collapsed over a length of 350 meters, and four of the five youths died.
After the loading wall, the Höcherberg trail follows a long stretch along the Glan before briefly passing through the village past the sports ground back to the Höcherbergturm. Those who wish to climb the tower can do so on Sundays and holidays from morning to evening, as the tower is then always open. During the week, the key can be picked up at the guesthouse kiosk to access the tower.
Autorentipp
Read the information on the displayed boards about the history of the former mine.
Places to eat:
Höcherberghaus
Römerstraße, 66450 Bexbach / Höchen
Phone: 0 68 26 / 9 65 84 44, Email: info@gasthaus-hoecherberg.de
https://www.gasthaus-hoecherberg.de/
Wegbeschreibung
The starting point of this route is at the Höcherbergturm in Bexbach-Höchen. From there, the signposted loop leads over a wide forest path towards the "Altes Jägerhaus Nordfeld." At this historic point, the route leaves the wide path and follows a trail to the right into the forest, winding its way to the Brandsbach and the well-known mine shaft entrance. Upon arrival, the path leads past the idyllic Brandsbach. This section of the path is particularly charming and soon reaches a staircase and the old loading wall. This impressively rises in the middle of the forest, and after the descent of the stairs, the hiking trail turns right and follows a somewhat wider forest path. Shortly before the first turn, however, the round continues left and soon reaches the Glan. Here the Glan is still a small brook, as it springs in Höchen, until it later becomes a larger river and is even the strongest tributary of the Nahe. For a long time, the route passes along the Glan through the beautiful Höcherwald until it meets the "Dunzweiler Straße" in the last third. From there, it goes right onto the paved road and at the next turn left past houses and meadows. Upon reaching the upper paved walking path, the path turns left again and after a few hundred meters at the village entrance leaves the paved path to the right into the forest. After a short time and an ascent, the route ends again at the Höcherbergturm.
Ausrüstung
All important information about equipment can be found in our packing list.
Sicherheitshinweise
Attention:
Basically, entering the forest and walking the hiking trails is at your own risk.
Due to seasonal or weather conditions, increased surefootedness is required on some sections of the trails.
Please wear clothing and hiking shoes with appropriate soles adapted to the season and weather conditions.
Please especially note:
Careful walking on the constructed staircases in the forest (they may be slippery due to fallen leaves).
TOGETHER WITH RESPECT
Friendliness, understanding, and consideration for each other are principles for the partnership use of our natural area. The code of conduct is:
Use existing paths, follow the signage, and respect trail closures
Do not leave traces such as litter or dog waste, and treat the path carefully
Respect other users of the forest and fields
Be considerate of animals and plants
Plan ahead and make use of daylight
DISCLAIMER:
Despite repeated inspections and careful preparation of the trail descriptions, the publisher assumes no liability for the accuracy and completeness of the information in this description.
USAGE NOTICE:
Dear hiking friends, the trails also lead along natural paths through untouched nature reserves and forests. Preserving and protecting nature is a major concern for us.
We also want to point out the risks and therefore ask you to stay on the designated paths and not to enter any existing rock faces for safety reasons. Furthermore, we point out the presence of natural forest hazards. Due to weather conditions, some spots on the path may be soft and slippery and must therefore be walked with special care. Sturdy footwear is therefore recommended on all routes, and surefootedness is essential.
The use of hiking and premium hiking trails is at your own risk.
MARKING AND SIGNAGE:
All quality paths are circular hiking trails that can be walked in both directions. Therefore, signs are placed in both directions. Try walking the loop the other way round, and you will discover completely new perspectives and different viewpoints.
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