Mengerschied brings together the course of the Lametbach and the forests of the Soonwald. The village lies in the foothills of the Soonwald and extends through a widening valley. Two hikes offer different experiences: one follows the Lametbach and focuses on geology and drinking water; the other starts in the village center and leads to viewpoints. You can plan your visit according to whether you would prefer to experience the stream and its surroundings or a trail with changing landscape views.
Lametbach Valley between forest and meadows
South of Mengerschied, dense Soonwald forests rise steeply. In the valley, the Lametbach shapes the landscape. The Lametbach Valley nature trail runs from Mengerschied to Plackenstein, following the stream along forest and farm tracks. The route passes through protected areas and wet meadows, and also leads to a rock face at a former quarry. From Plackensteiner Höhe, views open out over the valley and the Hunsrück; how far you can see depends on visibility conditions.
This hike is about more than the route itself: it also introduces the region's geology and its influence on drinking water. This makes it especially interesting if you would like not only to enjoy the landscape but also to learn about its geological connections. The program and trail conditions may change; check the latest tour information before setting out.
Two hiking trails, different highlights
The Soonwald Dream Loop starts at Seibels Platz in the center of Mengerschied. On the return, it passes through Layenkaul and follows a disused railway line back to Mengerschied. Along the way, the route offers views across the Simmerbach Valley toward Idarkopf. Near the end, you can plan a detour to the Hohe Klopp viewpoint. Visibility, signage, and trail conditions may vary; check the latest route information before your hike.
Compared with the Lametbach Valley hike, this route places greater emphasis on the trail and its viewpoints, while the other tour focuses on geology and drinking water. A route description from 2020 also shows the Schinderhannes-Soonwald Cycle Route passing through Mengerschied on its way from Simmern to Dickenschied. If you are planning a cycling trip, check the current route and conditions along the way.
Getting there and finding your way
Mengerschied is connected to Simmern by bus; another route heads toward the Nahe near Martinstein. Plan your journey using the relevant timetable. The same applies to the Schinderhannes-Soonwald Cycle Route: the route described is a guide, but you should check current conditions before setting off.
The barbecue area is another useful landmark along the Lametbach: it is located at the edge of the forest below a former quarry. It can be reached by car via two paved roads; check current road conditions before driving there.
Barbecue area on the Lametbach
The barbecue area has a barbecue hut, a shelter, and toilets with running water. Camping is possible on a large meadow. Since availability and camping rules may change, check the current conditions before using the site. The area offers a place to spend time by the stream, with options for barbecuing, taking shelter, and staying overnight in a tent, provided these uses are currently permitted on site.
In the wider Rhein-HunsrĂĽck travel region
The Rhein-HunsrĂĽck district encompasses large areas of the HunsrĂĽck, part of the Rhenish Slate Mountains, as well as the section of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley on the left bank of the Rhine. The district includes much of the HunsrĂĽck plateau and the quartzite ridges to the south, such as the Soonwald. In the Middle Rhine Valley area, the Rhine forms the district's eastern boundary. This broader landscape provides context for Mengerschied, whose local setting is shaped by the Lametbach Valley and the forests south of the village.
Discover more destinations: Raversbeuren, Mannebach, Weiler, Holzbach, Erbach, Pfalzfeld, Heyweiler, Mörschbach.
Go to the main travel overview: Rhein-HunsrĂĽck.
