In Allenbach, nature trails meet visible traces of copper smelting. The village borders the HunsrĂĽck-Hochwald National Park; at the same time, old smelting sites and historic buildings tell of its past. When planning your trip, it is worth choosing activities around the Allenbach Pond, the trails and the cultural attractions to suit your interests.
National Park and Trails Around Allenbach
The HunsrĂĽck-Hochwald National Park is accessible from Allenbach. The Idarbach Valley Nature Trail and the forested HunsrĂĽck landscapes are also nearby. The national park covers 10,000 hectares of the HunsrĂĽck highlands and is considered a biodiversity hotspot; characteristic forests and a diverse range of animal and plant life define this natural landscape. Six Dream Loops run directly through the national park. HunsrĂĽck premium trails mostly follow narrow, natural paths along streams and rock formations to viewpoints as well as natural and cultural monuments.
One specific hiking option near Allenbach is the “Between the Forests” Dream Loop. It starts at Allenbach Pond, passes the historic grain mill and includes a section of the Idarbach Nature Trail. At Krahloch Geopark, rock displays and information panels offer insights into geology, rocks, mining and nature. The nature trail explains the diversity of local animal and plant life. The route therefore combines several themes, without requiring you to plan a separate visit for each one.
Allenbach Pond: Circular Trail and Rules
Allenbach Pond is a biotope with about one hectare of water and three hectares of natural area dedicated to conservation. A circular trail approximately one kilometre long is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. Numerous benches offer places to sit and observe. A foot-wading pool is located right next to the circular trail; restroom facilities are available on site. Trail conditions and facilities are maintained locally, so it is a good idea to check their condition before your visit.
Clear restrictions apply at the pond: boating, fishing and swimming are not permitted. If you are planning a short walk, you can choose the circular trail, which is about one kilometre long; the “Between the Forests” Dream Loop also starts at the pond and passes several other named stops. Route information may change, so check it before setting out.
Cycling with a Challenging Stage
There is also a specific starting point for a cycling trip: the first stage of the National Park Cycle Route ends in Allenbach. It is rated difficult, is 55.5 kilometres long and has 949.1 metres of elevation gain. The route is designed for sporty e-bike riders. This makes it easy to distinguish the cycle route from the hiking options at the pond: the stated distance and elevation gain show the scale of this stage for your own scheduling and trip planning. The route specifications are considered stable, although temporary diversions may occur.
Church, Castle and Allenbach’s Industrial History
Allenbach was first mentioned on 22 January 1265 in an agreement between the brothers Gottfried and Heinrich of Sponheim. From the Middle Ages until the end of the 19th century, the village was an industrial centre. The old copper smelter is documented from 1400, and the new one from 1450. Remains of the former smelting works can still be seen; the course of its water channel is also visible in the meadows below Allenbach. These traces give the village’s history a tangible connection to the landscape.
Other historic attractions include Allenbach Castle, which is protected as a cultural monument, and the simple Neoclassical church. The church was completed in 1781. Inside is a Stumm organ in the Empire style, dating from 1832, with one manual and twelve stops. The castle can be visited as part of Open Monument Day; the date of the event varies. To reach the castle, take bus routes 800, 845 or 890 to the Allenbach stop, then continue on foot. Check connections before travelling.
This makes it possible to decide in advance whether nature trails, local history or cycling will be the main focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Kempfeld, Heimbach, Fischbach, Horbruch, Vollmersbach, Bundenbach, Bruchweiler, Oberkirn
For the overview of the wider area: Birkenfeld.
