Take A Hike: A Monthly guide to Volksmarching in your area

VOLKSMARCHING NOTES

• Many thanks to readers Pat and Cheryl Patterson for continuing to provide brochures.
• Got a comment? Found something you’d like to correct? Want to change ‘unknown’ to a useful trail description? Write me at volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Feedback.”
• Interested in volksmarching but not sure how things work? Send an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Getting Started.”
• Readers are asked to pick up extra event brochures and to mail them via MPS to Donald Seltzer, CMR 467 Box 5533, APO AE 09096.
• The postal code is included in the listings for readers using navigation devices. Autobahn exit numbers are being added for those without such devices.
• Would you like to receive Take a Hike at the same time as the newspaper editor? The complete, unedited version of the monthly volksmarching feature is available in its original Word document format by sending an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with ‘subscribe’ in the subject line.
• Look for additional event choices at www.wiesbaden.army.mil/hunion/Takeahike.htm.

WEEKEND OF JUNE 8-9

Herbitzheim, France (67260) — This Marche Populaire event is south of Saarbrücken in France. Wanderers from the KMC area will have a bit of a drive to reach this walk. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with the A4 toward Strasbourg and use the Sarreguemines exit. Use N 61 to Sarralbe and a minor road to the start at Herbitzheim.
Start: Salle polyvalente
Sunday: 3-8 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Niederkail (54526) — This club’s walk has frequently been recommended for the friendly nature of the event as well as for its scenic trails through the surrounding countryside. With the location east of Spangdahlem Air Base, it’s not too far for volksmarchers from Baumholder and the KMC. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 1 and 60 toward Trier and Wittlich, take the Landsheid exit (9) and travel west on B-50 to Niederkail. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 60 toward Trier, Koblenz and Spangdahlem. Exit at Landsheid (9) and use B-50 to reach the start at Niederkail.
Start: Kailbachhalle on Brückenstraße
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trails: Hilly, fields and woods
Award: None.

Seibersbach (55444) — This event is west of Bingen and adjacent to the scenic Hunsrück region. The town and its walk are easily reached. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 63 toward Mainz and 61 toward Koblenz, then exit at Stromberg (46). Follow a minor road toward Rheinböllen to pick up the road to Seibersbach.
Start: Dorfgemeinschaftshaus on Soonwaldstraße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Fairly hilly, fields and woods
Award: From previous events.

Stennweiler-Saar (66578) — This Saarland event is due south of Neubrücke and west of Landstuhl. From Neubrücke, use B-41 south to Ottweiler and connect with a secondary road to reach to start at Stennweiler. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Neunkirchen and exit at Neunkirchen-Spiesen. Take secondary roads to Schiffweiler and Stennweiler.
Start: Sportplatz at Waldstraße 30
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trails: Unknown
Award: None.

Wiesviller, France (57200) — This walk is south of Saarbrücken and just on the other side of the border. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken and 8 toward Zweibrücken. Exit at Einöd (30) to use B-423 toward Sarreguemines. After crossing the border, connect with N 62 toward Bitche to find a minor road to Wiesviller and the start.
Start: Salle polyvalente
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12

Deuselbach (54411) — This midweek event offers a start time late enough for readers in the Baumholder and KMC areas to enjoy a walk. Consult a map before heading to this walk as the brochure’s description of its location is unclear. If your GPS allows it, you may enter the start location’s coordinates 49° 44’ 13” N/07° 04’ 58” E. From Baumholder, take the secondary road leading to Neubrücke to connect with B-41. Head north through Birkenfeld and past Hüttgeswasen. Take a minor road west to Deuselbach. Watch for IVV directional signs that will lead you to the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 1 toward Trier. Exit at Reinsfeld (132) to pick up B-327 toward Morbach. Connect with a secondary road leading to Deuselbach and follow IVV signs to the start.
Start: Hunsrückhaus am Erbeskopf
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Hilly, mostly woods
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF JUNE 15-16

Holz/Saar (66265) — This Saarland event is north of Saarbrücken and west of Neunkirchen. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Saarlouis and Saarbrücken. Exit at Quierscheid (144) to follow IVV directional signs to the start at Holz. From the Baumholder area, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Saarbrücken and exit at Quierschied (144). Follow signs a short distance to Holz.
Start: Glück-Auf-Halle on Glück-Auf-Weg
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (21 km)
Trails: Unknown
Award: None.

Kordel (54306) — Wanderers will find this event north of Trier, Germany’s oldest city. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 1 and 602 to Trier. Exit at Trier-Ehrang and use B-52 and B-422 to Kordel and the start. From Kaiserslautern, Ramstein and Landstuhl, use Autobahns 6, 62, 1 and 602 to Trier and the Trier-Ehrang exit. Connect with B-54 and B-422 to reach the start at Kordel.
Start: Turnhalle on Friedhofstraße
Saturday: 1-6 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 1-5 p.m. (20 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown, but expect hilly, woods and fields
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF JUNE 22-23

Cocheren, France (57800) — This event is just west of the French border southwest of Saarbrücken and east of St. Avold. Volksmarchers will find the event easily reached via Autobahn 6. From the KMC, use A-6 past Saarbrücken toward the border, continuing toward Metz as it becomes A320 in France. While the brochure suggests the use of exit 41, a review of Google maps indicates an easier method might be to use exit 42. Take N3 in the direction of Merlebach and D29 south to Cocheren.
Start: Salle Schumann at the Place de la Fontaine
Sunday: 7 a.m. to noon (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Diefflen (66763) — This Saarland volksmarch event is the first for the host club and, as such, is a pleasant change from the disappearance of clubs that’s becoming a little too common in recent years as the sport’s participants age. The event is north of Saarlouis and easily reached by autobahn. From the KMC area, use Autobahn 6 and 8 toward Neunkirchen and Saarlouis. Exit at Rehlingen (7) and use minor roads to the start. From Baumholder, drive to Neubrücke to connect with B-41 and head south. Connect with B-269 and follow it through Tholey and Lebach to Nalbach where a minor road will take you to Diefflen.
Start: Sportplatz on Friedhofsweg
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7-11 a.m. (21 km)
Trail: Unknown, but expect hilly
Award: None.

Hangard (66540) — This Saarland event is just north of Neunkirchen. From Ramstein and Landstuhl, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Neunkirchen and exit at Neunkirchen-Spiesen. Take B-41 north to connect with a minor road through Rotenberg to reach Hangard.
Start: Ostertalhalle at Höcherbergstraße 14
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown, but incorporates the “premium hiking trail” Brunnenpfad
Award: None.

Heimbach/Nahe (55779) — Wanderers will find this enjoyable walk midway between Neubrücke and Baumholder. From Baumholder, use the secondary road leading to Neubrücke. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 to the Birkenfeld exit (4), then follow a minor road through Hoppstädten-Weiersbach to Heimbach.
Start: Besenbinderhalle on In der Au
Saturday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6, 10 and 20 km)
Sunday: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 10 and 20 km)
Trails: Hilly, wooded areas
Award: None.

Weekend of June 29-30

Haspelschiedt, France (57230) — This Marche Populaire event is southwest of Pirmasens and just across the border. Wanderers from the KMC area using B-270 to reach Pirmasens will certainly enjoy a scenic drive. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken. Exit at Zweibrücken-Ixheim (33) to take B-424 south where it becomes D35A in France. Pick up D962 and D162D through Breidenbach and Waldhouse to connect with D86 south to the start at Haspelschiedt.
Start: Salle Socio-Culturelle
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

St. Ingbert-Rentrisch (66386) — Another first walk for a Saarland club and deserving of our attention. Due east of Saarbrücken, KMC’s wanderers should be able to easily reach it. Use Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken and exit at St. Ingbert-West (5) to follow directional signs to Rentrisch and the start.
Start: Schulhof on Sebastian-Kurtz-Straße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Schwollen (55767) — This walk is due west of Idar-Oberstein and offers a variety of trail lengths. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 to the Birkenfeld exit (4). Take B-269 north to a secondary road leading through Hattgenstein to reach Schwollen.
Start: Sportheim SV Schwollen on Am Sportplatz
Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km), 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km), 6-9 a.m. (42 km) and 6-8 a.m. (50 km)
Trail: Unknown, expect fairly hilly, woods
Award: Stone elephant figurine (shorter trails) or patch and certificate (marathon trails).

Thalexweiler (66822) — This event is southwest of Baumholder and north of Saarbrücken in the Saarland area. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis and Autobahn 1 toward Trier. Exit at Tholey (140), take B-269 a short distance to Thalexweiler. From the Baumholder, area, use Autobahn 62 toward Trier. Connect with Autobahn 1 toward Saarbrücken and exit at Tholey (140) to use B-269 to the start.
Start: Don-Bosco-Halle on Friedhofstraße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 and 20 km)
Trails: Unknown
Award: None.

Voellerdingen, France (67430) — It’s hard to believe, but this is another first-ever volksmarch for the host club. The event, south of Saarbrücken, is easily reached from the KMC by autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with the A4 toll road toward Strasbourg and use the Sarre-Union exit (43). Take N61 to Sarre-Union and minor roads to Domfessel and Voellerdingen’s start.
Start: Etang APP de Voellerdingen on rue Principale
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

Bad Dürkheim (67098) — A midweek event for those in the KMC area who are free to enjoy a daytime walk in the pretty winemaking area of Bad Dürkheim. However, the event is about three-quarters of the way to Mannheim so expect a bit of a drive. From the KMC, use B-37 east directly to the start at Bad Dürkheim.
Start: Weingut Lang und Sohn at Weinstraße Nord 61
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: From previous events.

WEEKEND OF JULY 6-7

Altrich (54518) — If you don’t mind making the drive to Bitburg or Spangdahlem, then here’s an event in that area. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 1 and 60 toward Trier and Wittlich, take the Wittlich-Mitte exit (125) and follow secondary roads in the direction of Bernkastel-Kues and Altrich to reach the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62 and 60 toward Trier, Koblenz and Spangdahlem. Exit at Wittlich-Mitte (125) and follow signs for Bernkastel-Kues and Altrich. From Bitburg, use Autobahn 60 and exit at Wittlich-West (10). Head toward Wittlich and follow signs for Altrich.
Start: Altreia-Halle on Schulstraße
Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 11 km) and 6:30-11 a.m. (20 km)
Trail: Unknown but expect hilly, fields and woods
Award: None.

Niederstinzel, France (57930) — This French volksmarch, found south of Saarbrücken, is easily reached by autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with the A4 toll road toward Strasbourg and use the Sarre-Union exit (43). Take D8 through Sarre-Union and Sarrewerden to connect with D43 that takes you to Niedersteinzel’s start.
Start: Salle des Fêtes des Sapeurs-Pompiers
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF JULY 13-14

Otterberg-Drehenthalerhof (67697) — This event is located just a few kilometers north of Kaiserslautern and west of Sembach. From Baumholder, make your way to Autobahn 62 and head toward Kaiserslautern, connecting with Autobahn 6. Use the Kaiserslautern-West exit (15) to pick up secondary roads to Otterbach and Otterberg; from there take a minor road to Drehenthalerhof and the start. From the KMC, take Autobahn 6 Kaiserslautern-West exit (15) and B-270 north toward Idar-Oberstein. Connect with secondary roads through Otterbach and Otterberg to pick up the minor road to Drehenthalerhof.
Start: Bürgerhaus
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Hilly, woods and fields
Award: From previous events.

Sohren (55487) — This walk puts you near Hahn airport, home of Ryanair. Events in the Hunsrück area are always pretty and this one shouldn’t be an exception. Drivers should make their way to B-50 using the Rheinböllen exit (45) of Autobahn 61 (having connected to it from the KMC using A-63) or B-421 from Idar-Oberstein. Once on B-50, drive in the direction of Bernkastel-Kues. Sohren is at the bottom of a triangle formed by routes B-421, B-327 and B-50.
Start: Bürgerhalle at Talstraße 1
Saturday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 6 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trails: Fairly hilly, woods and fields
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF JULY 27-28

Glan-Münchweiler (66907) — Here’s an event just up the autobahn from Landstuhl and home to a number of Americans. From Baumholder, head south to connect with Autobahn 62. Use A-62 toward Landstuhl and exit at Glan-Münchweiler (8), then follow IVV signs to the start. From the KMC area, use A-6 and A-62 to head north toward Trier. Exit at Glan-Münchweiler (8) and follow signs to the start.
Start: Sportplatz
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: From previous events.

Hülzweiler (66773) — This walk is a bit distant from the KMC, but certainly reachable, with its location just east of Saarlouis. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Nonnwieler and Saarbrücken. Connect with Autobahn 8 toward Saarlouis and exit at Schwalbach (14), then use a minor road south to Hülzweiler. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken and Saarlouis. Exit at Schwalbach (14) and briefly head south to reach the start.
Start: Sportzentrum Schachen
Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (5 km), 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (10 km), 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 km), and 6 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Unknown, but expect hilly trails, woods
Award: None.

Nieder-Wiesen (55234) — This Sunday-only event is south-southeast of Bad Kreuznach and accessible to wanderers via Autobahn 63 south of Mainz. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 63 toward Mainz. Take the Erbes-Büdesheim exit (9) and follow secondary roads through Erbes-Büdesheim and Nack to reach Nieder-Wiesen.
Start: Sportheim
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Fairly hilly, fields and woods
Award: Woman’s scarf.

Sarralbe, France (57430) — This event is south of Saarbrücken and easily reached from the KMC by autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken and into France where it becomes A32. Connect with the A4 toll road toward Strasbourg and use the Sarreguemines exit. Take N61 to Sarralbe and the start.
Start: Centre Culturel Sportif on Rue de la Sarre
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF AUG. 3-4

Hottenbach (55758) — This walk is north of Idar-Oberstein and should offer wanderers a scenic trail in a very pretty area. From Baumholder, head toward Neubrücke to pick up B-41 north to Idar-Oberstein to connect with B-422. Briefly continue north on B-422 to Tiefenstein and then take minor roads through Herborn, Mörschied and Weiden in order to reach the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 to the Birkenfeld exit (4), then take B-41 north to B-422 at Idar-Oberstein. Use B-422 to Tiefenstein and then take minor roads through Herborn, Mörschied and Weiden to reach Hottenbach.
Start: Sportplatz
Saturday: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km)
Sunday: 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km)
Trail: Hilly, mostly woods
Award: Mounted gemstone.

WEEKEND OF AUG. 10-11

Konz-Krettnach (54329) — This walk is due south of Trier and fairly convenient for readers in the Kaiserslautern Military Community. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62, 1 and 602 to Trier. Continue on B-51 to Konz and follow IVV directional signs to the start at Krettnach. From Baumholder, begin by getting on Autobahn 1 in the direction of Trier, then connect with B-51 to Konz and the start.
Start: Bürgerhaus
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) and 7-11 a.m. (30 km)
Trail: Flat (5 km) or hilly with scenic views, woods and fields
Award: None.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14

Three different midweek events in the area between Bingen and Autobahn 61. The events have separate start locations but consecutive start times. Participants may earn three event stamps and up to 30 kilometers in a single day. From the KMC, use A-63 north toward Mainz then connect with A-61. Continue north toward Koblenz and take the Waldlaubersheim (47) or Stromberg (46) exits to then follow IVV directional signs. The events offered are:

Waldalgesheim (55425): Start: KVW-Halle on Neustraße Wednesday: 7-9 a.m. (6 and 10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: From previous events.

Waldlaubersheim (55444): Start: Autohof Waldlaubersheim Wednesday: 9 a.m. to noon (6 and 10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: From previous events.

Daxweiler (55444): Start: Forsthaus “Lauschhütte” Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (6 and 10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: From previous events.

WEEKEND OF AUG. 17-18

Clausen (66978) — This event is south of Kaiserslautern and should be rather enjoyable. From Kaiserslautern, use B-270 south toward Pirmasens. Connect with secondary roads at Waldfischbach-Burgalben leading to Donsieders and Clausen.
Start: Gräfensteinturnalle on Jahnweg
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF AUG. 24-25

Grosbliederstroff, France (57520) — This one-day French event is found due south of Saarbrücken and almost literally on the border. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 to connect briefly with Autobahn 8 at Saarbrücken. Exit at Saarbrücken-Unner to head south on a minor road that becomes N61 in France; Grosbliederstroff is on N61.
Start: Salle de Jeux et Loisires on Rue des Fermes
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (11 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Questions? Send email to volksmarch@gmail.com.