Oberhambach: Springs, Enchanted Forest and Trails in the Hunsrück

Oberhambach combines the history of Petersquelle and Sauerbrunnen with trails through the Enchanted Forest and an e-bike loop. The mix of spring history, hiking and cycling offers different options for your stay—from historic spa facilities to routes of varying lengths.

Spring history at the Petersquelle-Sauerbrunnen complex

People were collecting water at Petersquelle and Sauerbrunnen more than 2,000 years ago. Written evidence of spa operations at the spring complex dates back to the late 15th century. A spa house at this site was completed in 1791. The complex reopened to visitors in 2015. These key dates trace the site from early water use through documented spa operations to a specific year of construction.

A water-themed information area adds to the site; there is also a watercourse with modern play equipment. This means water features not only in the history of the springs but also in the design of the grounds. The Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park lies right next to the Petersquelle and Sauerbrunnen site.

Enchanted Forest: trails of varying lengths

The Enchanted Forest is considered a premium walking trail in the Hunsrück. The Enchanted Forest Route is considered easy to walk, with only a few somewhat more challenging sections. Seasonal conditions can affect a hike. Another option is the approximately 4 km route around Hambacher Felsen, which has numerous activity stations to try out.

At about 10 km, the Traumschleife Rund um den Zauberwald offers a different route length. It connects ancient forests, species-rich meadows and small historic sites. For planning purposes, you can first compare the trail lengths: about 4 km around Hambacher Felsen or approximately 10 km on the Traumschleife. The landscapes described offer different highlights, from activity stations to woodland, meadows and small historic places.

Cycling and getting here

The RadLust-Schleife HimmelReich is a moderately difficult 43.7 km e-bike loop. Its route features in Oberhambach include the Enchanted Forest and Sauerbrunnen; a detour leads to Sauerbrunnen and Petersquelle. This adds a longer cycling route to the hiking trails, with its stated distance and difficulty level to take into account when planning your day.

The Enchanted Forest Route is accessible by public transport. Check connections and timetables before you travel. By car, take the turn-off toward Hunsrück-Ferienpark Hambachtal on the B269 at Oberhambach. After 200 metres, turn left toward the Enchanted Forest car park. Before setting out, you can check local road conditions and parking availability.

When choosing accommodation, your planned excursions may determine the location you want. Compare the locations of potential accommodation with the places and trails you plan to visit during your stay.

In the wider destination of Birkenfeld

In the wider destination of Birkenfeld, the Birkenfeld State Museum has permanent exhibitions on the Celts and Romans; Birkenfeld and the Wittelsbach family; the iron industry in Birkenfeld district; an old classroom from around 1930; and the Oldenburg period. The 2.5 km Götterallee between the local communities of Schwollen and Leisel offers a different cultural highlight: it features ten life-size, colourful statues of gods.

Nature is also a theme in the wider destination of Birkenfeld. The “In the Land of Kites, Storks and Co” nature trail has 18 stations around Niederhambach, Schmißberg and Rimsberg. At Schmißberg, the trail includes an aviary with the stork pair Lotte and Bernie, as well as information about the habitats of red kites, black storks and other species.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Mackenrodt, Elchweiler, Niederhambach, Sonnenberg-Winnenberg, Bundenbach, Frauenberg, Hellertshausen, Horbruch.

Go to the main travel overview: Birkenfeld.