recommended route
Schwarzbachtal - Schwarzbach Valley East of Kirchhundem-Heinsberg
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Arbeitsgemeinschaft Biologischer Umweltschutz im Kreis Soest e.V Verified partner
Arbeitsgemeinschaft Biologischer Umweltschutz im Kreis Soest e.V Verified partner
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/ SchwarzbachtalPhoto: Petra Salm, Arbeitsgemeinschaft Biologischer Umweltschutz im Kreis Soest e.V
Situated in the forests of the Rothaar mountain ridge, the nature reserve "Schwarzenbach System with Haberg and Krenkels Valley" is an ideal refuge for rare and shy species, including the Black Stork and the Wildcat.
moderate
Distance 7.5 km
2:00 h
149 m
149 m
The main watercourse of the reserve, the Schwarzenbach stream, is a reference water for the good ecological quality of all source streams of the River Weser catchment area. Thanks to land purchases and targeted management measures carried out by the District Authority of Olpe, the Schwarzbachtal has evolved since the mid-1980s from a dark valley covered with spruce plantations into a colourful mosaic of rare forest and open-land habitats. These include Sphagnum-Alder swamp forests, mountain-slope spring moors and species-rich wet meadows.
One of the most important components of the nature reserve is the "Rüsper Forest", a 61.4-hectare pocket of natural forest, with its 100-year-old stands of Downy Birch and Black Alder, as well as more than 200-year-old Beech trees. One of the characteristic species of the nature reserve is the Monkshood, a blue aconite whose blooms are mainly to be seen along the lower reaches of the Schwarzbach stream in July and August. In May the numerous white fruit tufts of Hare's-tail Cottongrass shine in the mosaic of Purple Moorgrass meadows and sedge moors which cover the floor of the valley floodplain. The clear stream waters hold Brown Trout, Brook Lampreys and Bullheads. In the vicinity of the destroyed railway bridge you have a good chance of seeing a Dipper or a Kingfisher.
Difficulty
moderate
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
628 m
Lowest point
482 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Tips and hints
The listed monument tower, the Rhein-Weser-Turm, offers a fantastic view over large parts of the Rothaargebirge mountains.Start
car parks at the "Heinsberger Weidekamp" hut and at the "Hochheide" rest area. (612 m)
Coordinates:
DD
51.042220, 8.174126
DMS
51°02'32.0"N 8°10'26.9"E
UTM
32U 442101 5654844
w3w
///group.pulled.nodule
Destination
car parks at the "Heinsberger Weidekamp" hut and at the "Hochheide" rest area.
Turn-by-turn directions
The 7.4 km long circular trail is consistently marked as A 4 and consists of well-constructed forest paths. In the area of the Heinsberger Heide the path is asphalted and almost flat, so that this part of the protected area can be experienced even by people with limited mobility. The "Rothaarsteig", one of Germany's most important long-distance hiking trails, crosses the reserve.
Note
all notes on protected areas
Getting there
You reach Heinsberg on the L713 road from Kirchhundem or Hilchenbach. In Heinsberg, turn into the street called "Bergstraße", which leads to the car park.GPS (UTM): 32 U 442662, 5654304
Google coordinates: 51.037313, 8.182342
Parking
From Kirchhundem-Heinsberg a steep side road leads to the car parks at the "Heinsberger Weidekamp" hut and at the "Hochheide" rest area.Coordinates
DD
51.042220, 8.174126
DMS
51°02'32.0"N 8°10'26.9"E
UTM
32U 442101 5654844
w3w
///group.pulled.nodule
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Equipment
Basic Equipment for Hiking
- Sturdy, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots or approach shoes
- Layered, moisture wicking clothing
- Hiking socks
- Rucksack (with rain cover)
- Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket and suitable legwear)
- Sunglasses
- Hiking poles
- Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
- First aid kit
- Blister kit
- Bivy / survival bag
- Survival blanket
- Headlamp
- Pocket knife
- Whistle
- Cell phone
- Cash
- Navigation equipment / map and compass
- Emergency contact details
- ID
- The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
- For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
- Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.
2D
3D
Maps and trails
Duration
: h
Distance
km
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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Rating
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