Lahnwanderweg stage 17 upstream Obernhof - Balduinstein

There will be a couple of breathtaking viewpoints on this stage! Across the Lahnbrücke and past rustic wine taverns, the route goes steeply uphill through Obernhof. It is worth turning around every now and then to take a look at Arnstein monastery on the opposite bank of the Lahn. Now you have to decide: are you up for the via ferrata? The more difficult variant leads over rope-secured and non-slip passages, the comfortable variant is much easier to master.

A viewing plateau at Goethepunkt awaits you with a spectacular vista. From then on, the trail leads us quietly and idyllically through the forest, over meadow ways and past rock formations to the Wolfslei. After a panoramic rest, we will hike across the Flotationshalde further down to Laurenburg.

In Laurenburg you will cross the river Lahn. On the other side of the Lahn, the trail continues through the forest and zigzags down to the Ruppachbrücke. A sporty ascent is waiting for you to get in the direction of Steinsberg. Through the Höllenloch the trail leads to the refuge at the Gabelstein where another impressive view is waiting for you.

After leaving the forest of the Gabelstein-Hölloch nature reserve, the majestic Schaumburg castle appears. At the Saukopp you will have one last chance to have a gigantic view of the Lahnschleife after which the way leads down to Balduinstein. Restaurants and cozy pubs are waiting for you and invite you to stop for a bite to eat.

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On the via ferrata (Goethepunkt) you need a head for heights and should be sure-footed, but there is also an easy (non-climbing) alternative. 

For information on diversions and relocations, please see our "Current Information".

Information on restrictions in the rail network can be found here.

By train to Obernhof or Balduinstein, www.bahn.com

Obernhof, railway station or behind bridge over river Lahn

Balduinstein, riverside of Lahn