Take a Hike

VOLKSMARCHING NOTES

* The calendar for volksmarching in Germany, Terminliste 2015, is available for €3 in the start hall at most events as is the IVV-Europa 2015 Calendar for €10 (which replaced the worldwide IVV calendar). These useful books lists dates, locations, points of contact and other information for each of the scheduled events in, respectively, Germany and Europe’s 19 participating countries. Also provided is an extensive list of permanent trails. Local wanderers may also want to pick up the smaller, pocket-sized 2015 volksmarching calendars for France or Luxembourg; one or both of these may be available for €2 or €3 from the DVV Awards Officer when present at an event or in one of those countries.

* 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.”

* 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 volksmarchers Pat & Cheryl Patterson 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.

* Would you like to receive Take a Hike at the same time as the editor at the Kaiserslautern American? 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 FEB. 14-15

Dudelange, Luxembourg (L-3474) — This event is about an hour and three-quarters from the KMC to the start south of Luxembourg City. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken, Saarlouis, Merzig and Perl. Continue across the border on Autoroute A13 to connect with A3. Head south toward Metz to exit at Dudelange (3). Pick up secondary roads CR161 and CR160 to Dudelange.
Start: Centre Sportif Lycée Nic Biever Annexe Alliance on rue Reiteschkopp
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Schwalbach-Griesborn (66773) — Wanderers will find this Saarland event northwest of Saarbrücken and easily reached by autobahn from the Landstuhl/Ramstein area. Expect some fun and surprises as the club celebrates Fasching. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62 and 1 south toward Saarbrücken. Connect with Autobahn 8 toward Saarlouis and exit at Schwalbach/Schwarzenholz (15). Use secondary roads through Sprengen and Schwalbach to the start at Griesborn. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis to reach the Schwalbach/Schwarzenholz exit (15), then follow secondary roads through Sprengen and Schwalbach to reach Griesborn.
Start: Gemeindesaalbau at Hauptstraße 90
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km)
Sunday: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km)
Trail: Expected to be somewhat hilly, woods Award: None.

WEEKEND OF FEB. 21-22

Eimersdorf/Saar (66780) — This Saarland event is west of Dillingen and only a few kilometers from the Luxemburg border, yet it’s easily reached by autobahn by readers of the KA. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis and Merzig and exit at Rehlingen (7). Use secondary roads through Siersburg to reach Eimersdorf.
Start: Dorfgemeinschaftshaus at Im Steinrisser 2
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Ell, Luxembourg (L-8530) — This event brings volksmarchers north-northeast of Arlon, Belgium. Expect the drive to be slightly more than two hours from the KMC. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 8 past Saarlouis and Merzig to Perl and the border. After crossing into Luxembourg, continue on Autoroute A13 toward Bettembourg, A3/E25 toward Luxembourg City, and A6/E25 to the Belgian border. Cross the border and continue on A4/E25 to exit at Messancy (32). Use N81, N881, and N4 to skirt Arlon, then take N882 to the Luxembourg border. Continue on N24 to Oberpallen and N22 to the start at Ell.
Start: Centre Culturel Camille Ney on rue Principale
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 12 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber (91541) — This walk explores the medieval walled-city of Rothenburg. The Saturday-only old-town walk offers a mini-tour of its many shops and sights. The outside trails, including a half-marathon distance, are a great choice if you’ve already experienced the old-city trail. It’s crowded but not overwhelming; parking is plentiful. In conjunction with this special walk discounts on admission are offered by a number of museums and attractions by showing your IVV start card. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 7 past Mannheim, Heidelberg, Heilbronn and Crailsheim in order to reach Rothenburg.
Start: Sporthalle at Erlbacher Straße 5
Saturday: 7 a.m. to noon (6, 11 and 21 km outside of city) and noon to 4 p.m. (11 km old-city trail)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (21 km)
Trails: Old-City routes are paved and have steps; trails in the surrounding area are hilly and wooded
Award: From previous events.

WEEKEND OF FEB. 28-MARCH 1

Hemmersdorf (66780) — This Saarland event is west of Dillingen and only a few kilometers from the French border, yet it’s easily reached by autobahn from the KMC area. Reader Janice Lukacsko described one of the club’s recent events as having a “picturesque trail — the first half runs pretty much along the river.” From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarlouis and Merzig to exit at Rehlingen (7). Use secondary roads through Büren to reach Hemmersdorf.
Start: Grenzlandhalle on Niedaltdorfer Straße
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (15 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Hermesdorf (54636) — If you have a reason to drive to Bitburg, then consider participating in this event northwest of the base housing area and near Stausee Bitburg (Bitburg Reservoir). Readers making the drive will find four trails of various distances winding through the picturesque area. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62, 1 and 60 north to exit at Landscheid, take B-50 to Bitburg and connect with a minor road toward Wißmannsdorf and Hermesdorf. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 62, 1 and 60 toward Trier and Wittlich. Exit at Landscheid, use B-50 through Bitburg and connect with a road toward Wißmannsdorf and Hermesdorf.
Start: Westeifelwerke at Unter den Birken 2
Saturday and 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: Expect hilly, wooded areas; 6-km trail is stroller-friendly
Award: None.

Mondelange, France (57300) — This event is north of Metz and roughly a 90-minute drive from the KMC. The A4 toll road to Metz takes you past St. Avold and its American Military Cemetery. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken to the border. Continue on French Autoroutes A320 and A4 toward Metz. Connect with A31 toward Thionville and, at Mondelange (37), exit toward D8. Follow IVV signs to the start.
Start: Gymnase Marcel Cerdan
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF MARCH 7-8

Düppenweiler (66701) — This walk is a bit distant, but still reachable, with its location northwest of Saarbrücken and northeast of Saarlouis. As an incentive for challenge-seeking wanderers, the club offers their first 30-km trail as well as a half-marathon route. From the Baumholder area, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Nonnwieler and Saarbrücken, exit at Eppelborn (141) and use B-10 and B-269 past Lebach. Connect with a minor road at Bettstadt to Piesbach and Düppenweiler. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Saarbrücken and Trier. Exit at Eppelborn (141) to use B-10, B-269 and the same minor roads to reach the start.
Start: Kulter- und Sporthalle on Pfarrer-Gierend-Straße
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 km), 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (10 km), 7-11:30 a.m. (21 km) and 7-10 a.m. (30 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 km), 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (10 km), 7-11:30 a.m. (21 km)
Trail: Unknown, but expect hilly trails, woods
Award: None.

Mertert, Luxembourg (L-6686) — This event is down the road from Trier and just across the border making it a reasonably easy drive the KMC’s wanderers. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 to Trier, and 64 to the border. Continue onto Autoroute A1 to the Mertert exit (14). Follow IVV signs to Mertert and the start.
Start: Centre Culturel
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Sien (55758) — Not too far from Baumholder, this event offers flat and stroller-friendly trails that could be enjoyed by wanderers of all ages. From Baumholder, use the minor road bordering the training area to connect with B-420. Head toward Bad Kreuznach to pick up B-270 toward Idar-Oberstein and Sien. From the KMC, head north about 45 km on B-270 to Sien and the start.
Start: Turnhalle at Kirner Straße 6
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Hilly, mostly woods
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF MARCH 14-15

Brouch (Mersch), Luxembourg (L-7416) — This event, north-northwest of Luxembourg City, is roughly a two-hour drive for volksmarchers in the KMC. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken, 62 and 1 to Trier, and 602 and 64 to the Luxembourg border. Continue on Motorway A1/E44 toward Luxembourg City, exit onto A7/E29 toward Echternach, exit onto CR126 and CR 125 to Walferdange. Connect with N7 north toward Lintgen, then pick up A7 toward Mersch. Use Exit 4 to pick up N8 toward Reckange/Saeul and follow that to the start at Brouch.
Start: Hall an der Koll (Stade Feidt Frères)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 12 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Grolsheim (55459) — This walk is just south of Bingen and offers a variety of trail lengths, to include a Saturday marathon celebrating the club’s 60th event. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Bad Kreuznach (51) and follow B-41 to Gensingen, and B-50 to Grolsheim and the start.
Start: Nahelandhalle at Aspisheimer Weg 32
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to noon (20 and 30 km) and 7-9 a.m. (42 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 and 30 km)
Trails: Shorter trails are mostly flat, longer trails are hilly; fields, local neighborhoods and some woods
Award: From previous events or certificate and patch (marathon).

Moineville, France (54580) — This event is northwest of Metz and roughly a 90-minute drive from the KMC. The A4 toll road to Metz takes you past St. Avold and its American Military Cemetery and worth a visit. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken to the border. Continue on French Autoroutes A320/E50 and A4/E25 toward Metz and Thionville. Exit at Saint Marie (34) and use D181A, D643, D181, D136, and D130 to the start at Moineville.
Start: Base de loisirs de Serry
Sunday: 7 a.m. to noon (10 and 15 km) and 7-11 a.m. (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Petite Rosselle, France (57540) — This event is on the French border southwest of Saarbrücken and north of St. Avold. Volksmarchers will find the event easily reached via autobahn. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken toward the border, continuing toward Metz as it becomes A320/E50 in France. Use the Forbach exit (42) and follow D31E and D31 to the start at Petite Rosselle.
Start: Espace La Concorde
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Trier-Ehrang (54293) — Wanderers will walk in the area surrounding Germany’s oldest city of Trier as a reward for the time spent reaching this event. From Baumholder, head toward Autobahn 1 and connect with it at Freisen, then use Autobahns 1 and 602 to Trier. From the KMC, use Autobahns 62, 1 and 602 to Trier.
Start: Turnhalle at Oberstraße 8 in the Trier suburb of Ehrang
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 20 km)
Trail: Hilly, woods and fields
Award: From previous events.

Völklingen-Lauterbach (66333) — This walk is southwest of Saarbrücken and literally on the French border. The event should be within volksmarching range of wanderers in the KMC and easily reached in slightly more than an hour. Use Autobahns 6 and 620 past Saarbrücken and toward Saarlouis. Exit at Geislautern (8) and take the secondary road through Geislautern and Ludweiler to the start at Lauterbach.
Start: Lauterbachhalle at Fröbelstraße 3
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6, 11 and 16 km)
Trail: Expected to be somewhat hilly, wooded areas
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF MARCH 21-22

Aschbach bei Lebach (66822) — This event, due north of Saarbrücken, is about 45 minutes from Baumholder and slightly less than an hour from the KMC. From Baumholder, use Autobahns 62 and 1 toward Nonnwieler and Saarbrücken, then exit at Tholey (140). Take B-269 to Aschbach and the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6, 8 and 1 toward Saarbrücken and Trier. Exit at Tholey (140) and follow B-269 to Aschbach.
Start: Mehrzweckhalle on Koblenzer Straße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (5 and 10 km)
Trail: Hilly trails, woods and some fields
Award: None.

Kirn-Sulzbach (55606) — This scenic walk with a variety of trail lengths is literally just down the road from Idar-Oberstein and easily reached. From Baumholder, use minor roads to reach Idar-Oberstein and B-41, continuing toward Bad Kreuznach to reach the start at Kirn-Sulzbach. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 toward Trier, and exit at Birkenfeld (4). Take B-41 through Idar-Oberstein to reach Kirn-Sulzbach.
Start: Gasthaus Collet at Oldenburgerstr. 2
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trails: Hilly, fields and woods
Award: None.

Niederanven, Luxembourg (L-6906) — This event is east of Luxembourg City and a bit less than a 90-minute drive from the KMC. From the KMC, take Autobahns 6 toward Saarbrücken and 62, 1 and 602 to Trier; exit at Trier-Ehrang (2). Pick up B-52 to connect with Autobahn 64 to Luxembourg. Cross the border and continue on Autoroute A1 toward Luxembourg City, then exit at Munsbach (11). Use CR132 to reach the start at Niederanven.
Start: Centre de Loisir
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 11 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF MARCH 28-29
Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night!

Differten (66787) — This walk is west of Saarbrücken. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 620 past Saarbrücken and toward Saarlouis. Exit at Wadgassen (4b) and use minor roads through Wadgassen to the start at Differten.
Start: Bisttalhalle on Pater-Lorson-Straße
Saturday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 km)
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (15 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

Kappel (55483) — This event is in the scenic Hunsrück region west of Bingen, not far from Hahn airport. From Baumholder, take secondary roads to Birkenfeld and pick up B-269 headed north to Morbach. Connect with B-327 and B-50 to Kirchberg, then take B-421 to Kappel and the start. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 62 north toward Trier, exit at Birkenfeld (4), and take B-269 and B-327 through Morbach. Continue onto B-50 to Kirchberg and connect with B-421 to the start at Kappel.
Start: Gemeindehalle
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5, 10 and 15 km) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Somewhat hilly trails, fields and woods
Award: From previous events.

Mossautal-Hüttenthal (64756) — This event is in the beautiful Odenwald southeast of Darmstadt and offers 33- and 42-km trails in addition to the usual distances. Good weather will make this a pleasant trip. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 toward Mannheim, then continue southward on A6 at Viernheim. Connect with A659 to Weinheim, then continue onto B-38 to Lorzenbach and B-460 to the start at Hüttenthal.
Start: Sporthalle at Güttersbacher Straße 4
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km), 7-11 a.m. (33 km) and 6:30-9 a.m. (42)
Trail: Very hilly, mostly woods
Award: None or patch, certificate and beer glass (marathon).

Talange, France (57525) — This event is north of Metz and a long drive from the KMC, but one which takes you past St. Avold and its American Military Cemetery. From the KMC, use Autobahn 6 past Saarbrücken to the border. Continue on French Autoroutes A320/E50 and A4/E25 toward Metz. Connect with A31/E25 north of Metz in the direction Thionville and exit at Talange (36). Follow IVV signs to the start.
Start: Salle Maurice Baquet on Place des fêtes
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10, 15 and 20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 6

Florange, France (57190) — This holiday event is roughly midway between Metz and Luxembourg City. The drive from the KMC will take at least 90 minutes but it does offer the opportunity to stop at St. Avold for a visit to the 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 (toll road with automated collection points) toward Metz. Connect with A31 toward Thionville and A30 toward Longwy. Take exit 2 in the direction of Florange and follow IVV signs to the start.
Start: Complexe de Bétange
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF APRIL 11-12

Rhaunen (55624) — This walk is in the Hunsrück region west of Bingen, an area well known for its scenic beauty and year-round series of walking trails. Trail lengths of 42- and 50-kilometers are offered to challenge-seeking wanderers as are three Mountain Bike trails (which do not offer IVV credit). From Baumholder, use the minor roads skirting the training area to reach B-420. Head in the direction of Bad Kreuznach to B-270 and B-41 to Kirn. Connect with a secondary road through Hahnenbach and Bundenbach to Rhaunen.
Start: Idarwaldhalle at Am Sonnenschlicher 5
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (6 and 10 km), 7-11 a.m. (21 and 30 km), 6:30-9 a.m. (42 km), 6:30-8 a.m. (50 km) and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (25, 35 and 50 km mountain bike without IVV credit)
Trails: Hilly, mostly woods
Award: From previous events (shorter routes) or patch and certificate (marathon trails).

Sprendlingen (55576) — Look for this event south of Bingen. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 toward Mannheim, 63 toward Mainz, and 61 toward Koblenz. Exit at Gau-Bickelheim (52) and follow signs to the start hall.
Start: Wißberghalle at Stettiner Straße 1
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Stroller-friendly on 5 km; otherwise hilly, woods
Award: None
Note: Dogs are not permitted in the start hall.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15

Hohenöllen/Pfalz (67744) — This midweek event is closest to Baumholder and Kaiserslautern and, dependent upon an understanding boss, the start times may accommodate workers from those areas. From Baumholder, head east toward Lauterecken using the unnumbered road bordering the training area to reach B-420 at Rathsweiler. Take B-420 to Lauterecken, then B-270 south to Heinzenhausen to pick up another secondary road a short distance to Hohenöllen. From Kaiserslautern, use B-420 north toward Lauterecken to Heinzenhausen and the minor road to the start.
Start: Radsporthalle at Am Heidchen 6
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (cycling) and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (20 km)
Trail: Hilly walking trails, woods and fields; 30-km asphalt cycling trail
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF APRIL 18-19

Falck, France (57550) — This event is southwest of Saarlouis and just across the French border; a little more than an hour’s drive from Kaiserslautern. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 past Saarbrücken and 620 toward Saarlouis. Exit at Ensdorf (4b) in the direction of Überherrn and pick up B-269n toward Creutzwald and the border. After crossing into France, continue on N33 and D23B toward the start at Falck.
Start: Salle Rémy Schaefer
Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (10 and 20 km)
Trail: 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 B-41 toward Idar-Oberstein. At Rüdesheim an der Nahe, take the exit off of B-41 heading toward Stromberg and use secondary roads leading to Spabrücken and the start.
Start: Soonwaldhalle
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (6 and 10 km) and 7 a.m. to noon (20 km)
Trail: Hilly, fields and woods
Award: None.

WEEKEND OF APRIL 25-26

Bockenau (55595) — This event is due west of Bad Kreuznach on the year-round, permanent Hunsrück trail system. From Baumholder, use the road adjacent to the training area to reach B-420 toward Bad Kreuznach. Connect with B-270 toward Idar-Oberstein and B-41 toward Bad Kreuznach. Pick up the secondary road at Waldböckelheim that leads to the start at Bockenau.
Start: Bockenauer-Schweiz-Halle on Waldböckelheimer Straße
Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 10 km), 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (20 km) and 7-11 a.m. (30 km)
Trail: Fairly hilly, woods
Award: None.

Linger, Luxembourg (L-4797) — This event is west-southwest of Luxembourg City with the drive slightly less than two hours from the KMC. From the KMC, use Autobahns 6 and 8 toward Saarbrücken, Saarlouis, Merzig and Perl. Continue across the border onto Autoroute A13 west toward Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette and Pétange. Connect onto N31 and follow IVV signs a short distance to the start.
Start: Centre Sociétaire at 20, rue de la Libération
Sunday: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (5 and 11 km)
Trail: Unknown
Award: None.

(For more events in your area, visit www.wiesbaden.army.mil/hunion/Takeahike.htm.)