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Volksmarching Notes
- The calendar for volksmarching in Germany, Terminliste 2016, is available for €5 in the start hall at most events. This useful booklet, now in a new format, lists dates, locations, points of contact and other information for each of the scheduled events in Germany. Also provided is an extensive list of permanent trails. Kaiserslautern-area wanderers may also want to pick up the 2016 volksmarching calendars for France, Luxembourg or Belgium; some or all of these may be available for €2 or €3 from the Rheinland-Pfalz DVV Awards Officer when present at an event.
- Interested in volksmarching but not sure how things work? Send an email message to volksmarch@gmail.com with the subject “Getting Started KA.”
- Many thanks to Spangdahlem volksmarchers Pat & Cheryl Patterson, Wiesbaden’s Dale Robison, and Ramstein’s Lew Harrison & Johnette Scott and Klaus & Gale Waibel for providing event brochures.
- Take a moment to grab a set of brochures from the Werber table and send them via no-cost MPS to Donald Seltzer, PSC 2 Box 10684, APO AE 09012.
- The postal code is included in the listings for readers using navigation devices. Autobahn exit numbers are being added for those without such devices. Unless noted otherwise, all events are in Germany.
- 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 KA.”
- 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 KA” in the subject line.
Look for additional event choices at www.wiesbaden.army.mil/hunion/Takeahike.htm.
Weekend of Nov. 7 to 8
Boofzheim, France (F-67860) — This event is south of Strasbourg and due west of the former Canadian airbase at Lahr, Germany. It’s way too far (easily 2.5 hours from Ramstein) but some of KMC’s volksmarchers will make a day out of it with visits to Strasbourg, Lahr, Baden-Baden, Bad Dürkheim, etc. From the KMC, use A6 toward Mannheim, A61 south toward Karlsruhe, and A65 toward Landau. Exit at Kandel-Süd (22) to follow B9 to the border and connect French Autoroute A35 toward Strasbourg. You’ll merge onto A4 briefly but continue southbound on A35 to use exit 6 toward Offenburg/Illkirch-Graffenstaden. Follow secondary roads past Fegersheim, Erstein, Gerstheim, and Obenheim to reach the start at Boofzheim.
Start: Salle des fêtes Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km) Trail: Fields and woods Award: None.
Cocheren, France (F-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 A6 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 Balavoine at the Place Ste Barbe – Belle Roche Sunday: 7 a.m. to noon (12 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Mandel (55595) — Here’s an event midway between Idar-Oberstein and Wiesbaden. From Baumholder, pick up B41 at Idar-Oberstein and head toward Bad Kreuznach. Turn onto a secondary road at Weinsheim for the final few kilometers to Mandel.
Start: Schloßberghalle at Sponheimerstraße 1 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, fields and woods Award: From previous events.
Monreal (56729) — This event is west of Koblenz and within reach of the more adventurous wanderers from the KMC at about an hour and three-quarters. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Mendig (34) and use secondary roads, to include B262 and B258, past Mayen to reach Monreal.
Start: Sportheim/Sportplatz Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to noon (5, 10 and 20 km) Trails: Expect hilly trails in wooded areas Award: None.
Neunkirchen/Furpach (66539) — This Saarland event is just southeast of Neunkirchen. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken. Connect with Autobahn 8 toward Neunkirchen and take the first exit at Kohlhof (26). Use a minor road to Furpach and the start.
Start: Hirschberghalle at Sebachstraße 41 Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 11 km) Trails: Somewhat hilly, woods Award: None.
Neunkirchen-lès-Bouzonville, France (F-57320) — This just-across-the-French-border volksmarch is northwest of Saarlouis. The drive from the KMC is about 70 minutes. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken and Saarlouis. Exit at Rehlingen (7) to use minor roads through Siersburg and Niedaltdorf to the French border. Once across the border, use D956 and D256D to Neunkirchen-lès-Bouzonville and the start.
Start: Salle des Fêtes du Foyer Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Wormeldange, Luxembourg (L-5480) — This event brings volksmarchers to Luxembourg to wander along the Mosel River on that country’s border with Germany. It’s about a 90-minute drive from the KMC but should be easily done using autobahns. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 0 toward Saarlouis, Merzig, and Perl. Exit at Perl (2) toward Thionville then connect with B419 to drive along the Mosel river toward Wincheringen. Cross the river toward Wormeldange and use CR122 to reach the start.
Start: Centre Culturel at 95, rue Principale Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 and 20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Wednesday, Nov. 11
Neufgrange, France (F-57910) — This French event is found due south of Saarbrücken and Sarreguemines. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 620 to Saarbrücken, then take the B51 exit toward Sarreguemines. At Kleinblittersdorf (and just before Auersmacher), cross the Saar River into France and pick up N61 south to Hambach. Connect with D99 and D119A to reach Neufgrange.
Start: Salle des Sports at 7, Rue du Stade Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. 1 p.m. (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Weekend of Nov. 14 to 15
Lautzkirchen (66440) — This walk is west of Zweibrücken and easily reached by autobahn from the KMC. From the KMC, head toward Saarbrücken on the A6 and exit at Rohrbach (7). Take a minor road past Kirkel to Lautzkirchen and follow signs to the start hall.
Start: Schützenhaus on Auf dem Gänshorn Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: From previous events.
Weekend of Nov. 21 to 22
Holz/Saar (66265) — This Saarland event is north of Saarbrücken and west of Neunkirchen. From the KMC area, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Saarlouis and Saarbrücken. Exit at Quierscheid (144) to follow IVV signs to the start at Holz.
Start: Glück-Auf-Halle on Glück-Auf-Weg (Brochure suggests Nav./GPS users input Holzer Platz 1, 66265 Heusweiler) Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6, 11 and 20 km) Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 20 km) Trails: Unknown Award: None.
Spabrücken (55595) — This event, in the Naturpark Soonwald-Nahe, is northwest of Bad Kreuznach and southwest of Bingen, and should be easily reached. From the KMC, expect a 70-minute drive using Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Bad Kreuznach (51) to pick up B41 toward Idar-Oberstein. At Rüdesheim an der Nahe, take the exit off of B41 heading toward Stromberg and use secondary roads leading to Spabrücken and the start.
Start: Soonwaldhalle Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) Trail: Hilly, fields and woods Award: None.
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26
Ramstein-Miesenbach (66877) — The Ramstein Roadrunners club plays host to their annual Thanksgiving Day volksmarch. Wanderers will find the event to be a friendly and relaxing family activity. Ask about becoming a club member — information is available at the start hall. As far as driving directions from the KMC, well, drive over to Miesenbach and look for parking.
Start: Mehrzweckhalle at Am Kiefernkopf 22 Thursday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Slightly hilly, fields and forests Award: Beer glass.
Weekend of Nov. 28 to 29
Fontoy, France (F-57650) — This event is west of Thionville. The drive from the KMC will take about an hour and three-quarters. The drive will take you by St. Avold with its beautiful, but sobering, American Military Cemetery. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken to the border. Continue on French Autoroutes A320/E50 and A4/E25/E50 (toll road with automated collection points) toward Metz. Connect with A31/E25 toward Longwy and A30/E411 toward Hayange. Take exit 5 for Fontoy/Boulange/Audun-le-Roman, pick up D59A, and follow IVV signs to the start.
Start: Collège Marie Curie Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Ketsch (68775) — This Sunday event is roughly midway between Speyer and Heidelberg — both cities worth a visit themselves — and about an hour’s drive from the KMC. From Kaiserslautern, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 61 towards Karlsruhe, and exit at Hockenheim (64) toward Ketsch. Take minor roads to the start at Ketsch.
Start: Rheinhalle Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Weekend of Dec. 5 to 6
Hüttigweiler (66557) — This Nikolauswanderung 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 Illingen (142) and take secondary roads through Hosterhof to reach Hüttigweiler. From the Baumholder area, use Autobahn 62 toward Trier. Connect with Autobahn 1 toward Saarbrücken and exit at Illingen (142) to follow minor roads to the start.
Start: Illtalhalle on Pfarrstraße (at Verzy Platz 1) Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5, 10 and 20 km) Trails: Unknown Award: From previous events.
Weekend of Dec. 12-13
Bockenau (55595) — This event is due west of Bad Kreuznach on the year-round, permanent Hunsrück trail system. The trails will take wanderers to the town’s Christmas market. From Baumholder, use the road adjacent to the training area to reach B420 toward Bad Kreuznach. Connect with B270 toward Idar-Oberstein and B41 toward Bad Kreuznach. Pick up the secondary road at Waldböckelheim that leads to the start at Bockenau.
Start: Bockenauer-Schweiz-Halle on Waldböckelheimer Straße Sunday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Fairly hilly, woods Award: None.
Hamm, Luxembourg (L-1713) — This event is at Hamm, a town on the eastern edge of Luxembourg City. It’s a 95-minute drive from Kaiserslautern. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken; 62, 1, and 602 to Trier; and 64 to the border. Continue on A1 in Luxembourg, then take exit 7 to pick up N2 and CR225 to the start.
Start: Sport- und Kulturzentrum at 159, rue de Hamm Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Metz, France (F-57050) — A hugely-popular Saturday-only evening walk offers wanderers a tour of this historic city with many of its monuments and buildings illuminated; the trail also passes through a Christmas market. Go early to avoid crowds or later to enjoy the lights; dress warmly regardless. This event is well worth the time to reach it. West of Saarbrücken, this walk is easily reached via autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken; cross the border into France and continue toward Metz using A4/E50. As you approach Metz, follow signs toward Stade Saint-Symphorien and the Metz Illuminée directional signs.
Start: Complexe Sportif on Boulevard Saint Symphorien Saturday: 2-7 p.m. (10 km) Trail: Flat, city streets Award: None
Notes: The highway between Germany’s border and Metz is a toll road with automated collection stations. A German Esso station is located at a rest stop on the eastbound side (direction Kaiserslautern/Mannheim) of A6 near Homburg/Saar (just past exit 9).
Weekend of Dec. 19 to 20
Luxembourg-Limpertsberg, Luxembourg (L-1750) — A few years ago, this event was recommended by volksmarching enthusiast Kay Garsnett who especially enjoyed “…December volksmarches that combine St. Nick or Christmas celebrations.” This writer has also participated in the event and can second Kay’s thoughts. This Saturday-only walk has its trails passing by the town’s Christmas market. It’s a long drive from the KMC (about 90 minutes) but, if you’ve got the time and the weather is nice, should be a worthwhile trip. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 toward Saarbrücken. At Kreuz Neunkirchen connect with A8 toward Luxembourg and continue across the border where it becomes A13. At the Croix de Bettembourg interchange, take A3 toward Luxembourg. Just past the Croix de Gasperich, the autobahn ends at a roundabout; take the second exit onto B3. Use N3, N50, N57, Boulevard Royal, N52, Avenue Victor Hugo, Square Edouard Andre and Rue Jean-Baptiste Fresez. Watch for IVV signs leading to the start at Limpertsberg.
Start: Hall Victor Hugo at 60, Avenue Victor Hugo Saturday: 1-5 p.m. (6 and 12 km) Trail: Hilly in places, passing by the Christmas Market Award: None.
Weekend of Dec. 26 to 27
Beringen, Luxembourg (L-7590) — This Sunday event, north of Luxembourg City, is about two hours from Kaiserslautern. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62, 1, and 602 toward Trier, then 64 to the Luxembourg border. Continue across the border on Autoroute A1 to the Potaschbierg exit (13). Connect with secondary roads N1, N14, N11, and N14 to Larochette, then pick up D119 and D118 to Berschbach. Use D123 to the start at Beringen.
Start: Hal Irbicht on rue Irbicht Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (16 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Weekend of Jan. 2 to 3
Leudelange, Luxembourg (L-3361) — This event brings volksmarchers southwest of Luxembourg City on the first Sunday of the new year. It’s a long drive from the KMC (about 1 hour 45 minutes) but should be easily done using autobahns. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken, Saarlouis and Merzig to the border at Perl. After crossing into Luxembourg, continue west on Autoroute A13 to connect with the A4 toward Luxembourg City. Use the Leudelange Sud exit (2) and follow secondary roads to the start. IVV signs should be available after exiting the autoroute.
Start: Hall Omnisports at 7, place des Martyrs Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 8 a.m. to noon (15 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Weekend of Jan. 9 to 10
Soleuvre, Luxembourg (L-4413) — This event is southwest of Luxembourg City and about 1 hour 45 minutes from the KMC. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 past Saarbrücken, Saarlouis and Merzig to the border at Perl. After crossing into Luxembourg, continue west on Autoroute A13 to Esch-sur-Alzette; once there, connect with A4 to its end, then take CR174 to the start at Soleuvre.
Start: K.U.S.S. Kultur-Sport-Scheierhaff at 3, rue Jean Anen Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km) and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 km) Trail: Unknown Award: None.
Weekend of Jan. 16 to 17
Schweppenhausen (55444) — The trails at this event are part of the IVV-Rundwanderweg Hunsrück, a year-round system of permanent trails offering participants seven routes totaling 160 kilometers. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Waldlaubersheim (47) to use secondary roads to the start at Schweppenhausen.
Start: Schloßgartenhalle Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 km) and 8 a.m. to noon (20 km) Trail: Hilly trails, fields and woods Award: None.
Questions? Send email to volksmarch@gmail.com.
