In the footsteps of the shepherd, Hungen

Start: The walk begins at the ‘Hungener Käsescheune’, which also houses the ‘Erlebnisraum Schaf und Natur’ (open Tue–Sun).

(S/E) The path initially leads towards the town hall and the shepherd’s monument, where you’ll find the first information board.

(1) The route continues past a school, through a small new-build area (second information board), and soon reaches the former railway line between Hungen and Villingen.

(2) You’ll soon reach the woodland and another information board.

(3) The peaceful town forest forms the next section of the route. At the edge of the forest, there is a bench from which you can enjoy the view. You then walk along the edge of the forest, turn left towards the railway, cross the tracks and turn right immediately afterwards.

(4) Soft grassy paths lead alongside the railway line to the next information board. A few metres away stands the Meßfelder Oak, an ancient natural monument. You’ll soon reach the sheep’s watering hole at ‘Heuern’, where another bench and an information board invite you to take a break.

(5) Passing numerous sheep, goat and horse paddocks, the path continues on to Gießener Straße.

(6) The signpost there indicates the shortcut (1.4 km) back to the “Hungener Käsescheune”.

If you opt for the main route, a further 6.4 km await the walker. After a few metres along the road on the footpath and passing under the main road, the path climbs gently, winding its way through meadows and fields towards the Feldheimer Wald. A rest area with two information boards (on the Limes fort and the theme of the walking trail) awaits visitors.

(7) The path then continues along the edge of the forest, through a stretch of mixed woodland and past a nature reserve with an orchard meadow. Out in the open countryside, the view stretches as far as the Taunus, and there is another information board.

(8) You walk briefly along the edge of the forest, then turn onto the forest path and follow it until just before Inheiden. After crossing the main road, you pass the grounds of the local horticultural society, skirt a new housing development and cross the railway line again.

(9) The signs once again indicate the proximity of the Limes and the nearby Limes Information Centre at Hof Grass. You’ll soon reach the Schützenberg with its volcanic basalt formation and another information board. The route soon narrows to a path and winds idyllically along the River Horloff.

(10) On reaching the town, you’ll need to cross two bridges and climb a few steps – then you’ll find yourself in front of Hungen Church.

(11) After a few metres, you’ll reach the entrance to the castle. The final information board is located by the castle wall – and it’s well worth taking a short detour into the castle grounds. A few metres further on, you’ll reach the market square and, after crossing Obertorstraße, it’s another 100 metres to your destination, the “Hungener Käsescheune”. (S/E)

Author: thh.tours

The main route takes you on an 11.9 km walk past 9 information boards and offers magnificent views stretching as far as the Taunus and the Hoher Vogelsberg.
If you take the shortcut, you can expect a 6.9 km route with gentle inclines.

Equipment: On every hike, as well as sturdy footwear, you should also bring a bin bag to take any rubbish you generate back home with you.