The Lahnhöhenweg passes through Birlenbach and Fachingen; both places also serve as starting points for walks in the surrounding area. Both places have designated parking areas with information boards about local circular trails. This provides two different options when choosing a route: the Lahnhöhenweg, which passes through both places, and the local trails described on the boards. Check route and parking information on site before setting off.
Getting there via Fachingen
Birlenbach is connected via Fachingen (Lahn) station by the RB 23, the Lahn-Eifel-Bahn. Trains run approximately once an hour in each direction. The route runs via Limburg, Diez, Nassau, Bad Ems, Koblenz, Andernach and Mendig to Mayen Ost. The approximate hourly frequency is intended for initial planning; check the current timetable before travelling.
Fachingen and the mineral spring
The Fachinger mineral spring in the Birlenbach district of Fachingen is a historic landmark. It was discovered in 1740, and its healing water is distributed worldwide. The district thus combines a specific local history with the story of healing water that is distributed far beyond the region.
Rhein-Lahn as the wider setting
As a wider travel destination, the Rhein-Lahn district includes the area on the right bank of the Rhine at the mouth of the Lahn and the Lahn Valley as far as just before Limburg near Diez. The district also includes the southern foothills of the Westerwald towards the Lahn Valley, as well as the northern Taunus uplands between the Rhine and the Aar.
The Roman Limes crosses the district; its remains are still visible today and form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper German-Raetian Limes. The wider travel destination also includes the Upper Middle Rhine Valley: the World Heritage Site covers a 65-kilometre stretch between Bingen, Rüdesheim and Koblenz, with historic small towns, terraced vineyards and castle ruins. The section on the right bank of the Rhine from Kaub to Lahnstein lies in the Rhein-Lahn district. The Loreley Rock is within the Loreley collective municipality in the district; its villages and towns are part of the core area of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Marksburg Castle is also within the Loreley collective municipality. It is the only medieval hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine that has never been destroyed.
Bad Ems preserves a historic spa ensemble comprising the Kurhaus, the Kursaal, villas, former hotels, churches, a spa park and historic panoramic paths. This ensemble forms the “Historic Spa of Ems” conservation area. In Bad Ems, the Emser Therme offers wellness facilities with thermal water from healing springs and a river sauna. The spa and town museum explores the history of the former world-famous spa town; the mining museum offers insights into the lives of miners.
In the Diez area, the Lahn Valley Cycle Route, the Aar Valley Cycle Route and a well-developed network of local cycling routes offer opportunities for cycling. Oranienstein Castle is a sight in the Diez area. It was built in the 17th and 18th centuries as a widow’s residence; direct ancestors of the Dutch royal family once lived there. On guided tours, you can visit the historic rooms and the Nassau-Oranien Museum; advance reservations by phone or email are required. As a culinary highlight of the wider travel destination, Riesling grapes grow on the steep slopes of the Middle Rhine in the Loreley area and are made into high-quality wines there.
Discover more destinations: Steinsberg, Laurenburg, Aull, Altendiez, Gückingen, Hirschberg, Dörnberg, Holzappel
Go to the wider travel overview: Diez.
