Breitenthal combines an early written record with surviving traces of slate mining. When planning your visit, you can choose between two different activities: the Medieval Trail, a hiking route near Breitenthal, and the panoramic tour on the Sonnenplateau, which passes through the village by bike. There is also the Jammereiche oak, a natural monument with its own local legend. You can tailor your visit to your interests, balancing local history, scenery and activity.
Slate and Early Local History
Breitenthal was first mentioned in a document on 29 September 1282 under the name Breydendal. The village developed from a manorial estate. Today, Breitenthal lies on the edge of the HunsrĂĽck, at an elevation of about 400 metres above sea level, in a broad valley.
Slate from Breitenthal was considered high quality and was used in house construction. Old spoil heaps and mine tunnels remain from mining operations, which continued until the end of 1959. Bats live in the former tunnels. These remnants of past mining therefore bring together two themes: the use of slate and the animals’ present-day habitat.
The Jammereiche Oak and Its Legend
The Jammereiche oak near Breitenthal is a natural monument and is protected as a historic monument. An event from the Thirty Years’ War is associated with it. Local legend tells of soldiers who are said to have set fire to the forest at the time. The account of the fire should therefore be understood as local lore, while the Jammereiche oak is also part of the natural and cultural heritage.
Hiking and Cycling
The Medieval Trail runs near Breitenthal, is approximately 8.5 kilometres long and consists of 72 percent natural surface. Its scenery features streams, woodland edges, rocks and far-reaching views. Natural sections include ascents and descents; take the trail conditions into account when planning your time and energy. Regular guided hikes are offered on the Medieval Trail. If you plan to join a guided hike, check the dates before your visit.
If you prefer to get around by bike, consider the panoramic tour on the Sonnenplateau: it passes through Breitenthal and is suitable for e-bikes. Some sections follow the Nahe-HunsrĂĽck-Mosel Cycle Route; at Fischbach, it connects with the Nahe Cycle Route. The two routes therefore offer different activities: hiking the Medieval Trail or cycling a tour that passes through the village.
More to Explore in the Wider Birkenfeld Destination
The wider Birkenfeld destination also offers cultural and nature-related options for planning your trip. Part of the HunsrĂĽck-Hochwald National Park lies within the Birkenfeld collective municipality. Visitors tackling the Birkenfeld section of the Nahe Cycle Route are recommended to visit the Birkenfeld State Museum. Its permanent exhibitions cover, among other topics, the Celts and Romans, Birkenfeld and the House of Wittelsbach, the ironworks industry in Birkenfeld district, an old classroom from around 1930, and the Oldenburg period.
Another cultural highlight is the 2.5-kilometre-long Götterallee (Avenue of the Gods) between Schwollen and Leisel, featuring ten colourful, life-size figures of gods. The nature-focused “In the Land of Kites, Storks and Friends” nature trail has 18 stations around Niederhambach, Schmißberg and Rimsberg. Near Schmißberg, it includes an aviary with the stork pair Lotte and Bernie and provides information about the habitats of red kites, black storks and other species. The wider destination therefore offers a choice of different themes: a museum and cultural route as well as nature trails and information about habitats.
Discover more destinations: Veitsrodt
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