Lahn Ridgeway, Main hiking route of the Sauerland Mountain Association
The Lahn Ridgeway is a long-distance trail in Germany that stretches about 290 kilometers along the Lahn River. The route passes through forests, meadows, rocky gorges, and small villages while mixing different surfaces such as farm tracks, unpaved paths, and asphalt roads.
The route connects historic towns like Marburg, where the Brothers Grimm studied, and Limburg with its impressive cathedral overlooking the river. The Lahn River served as an important trade and settlement route for centuries, and these connections are still visible in the villages and fortifications scattered along the valley.
The trail's name comes from the Lahn River region it traverses. As you walk, you notice how people in small villages along the route have built their daily lives around the river, with gathering spots like cafes and bakeries where both travelers and locals meet.
The trail is well-marked and can be walked in day trips or over several days, with many hikers planning overnight stays in local inns or campgrounds along the route. The terrain is gentle enough for most walkers, though some sections can be rougher, particularly through the Ruppertsklamm gorge.
The Ruppertsklamm gorge is a dramatic section featuring towering rock walls that feel like walking between giant stone barriers. This narrow passage offers an intense hiking experience that contrasts sharply with the open valley and forest sections found elsewhere on the trail.
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