Rodenbach: Hiking, Cycling and Rhineland Traditions

Rodenbach offers two distinctly different tour profiles: the 10.7 km NR6 – Märkerwaldweg, a circular hike of moderate difficulty, and Tour Tip 2, a challenging 44.1 km circular cycling route. In addition to the routes, Buchbachtal, the Limes and local traditions give the destination a historical dimension. To plan your day, you can first choose between a hike and an extended cycling tour.

Hiking and cycling on routes with different profiles

The NR6 – Märkerwaldweg descends into Buchbachtal to a barbecue shelter near Rodenbach. In Buchbachtal near Rodenbach, the route follows the Limes hiking trail northwest along the historic Roman frontier fortification known as the Limes. At 10.7 km long and of moderate difficulty, this circular trail is the shorter and less demanding of the two tours.

Tour Tip 2 follows a different route profile and connects with the Limes Cycle Route. From the sports ground in Rodenbach, the tour joins the cycle route and follows it to the Wied in Segendorf. After leaving the cycle route near Feldkirchen, it climbs along the K112 towards Rodenbach. At 44.1 km, this circular route is considerably longer and classified as challenging.

This information offers clear guidance when choosing a tour: the Märkerwaldweg is a moderately difficult hike, while Tour Tip 2 is a long, challenging cycling loop. This allows you to weigh up which activity profile you prefer for your stay without confusing the two different types of route.

Buchbachtal, forest and local history

The name Rodenbach appears in a deed of donation dated 24 June 773. Buchbachtal is also historically linked to the former settlement of Auf dem Roth, which is documented from 1209. The place name and a former settlement thus serve as distinct points of reference in Rodenbach’s history.

The 1835 Burschenverein (young men’s association) keeps Rhineland May and Pentecost traditions alive. These recurring annual customs complement the area’s historical connections. The Rodenbach forestry district also contains extensive areas of woodruff-beech forest. This forest community provides a distinctive natural feature alongside the routes through Buchbachtal and along the Limes.

Culture in the wider destination of Neuwied

In the wider destination of Neuwied, the Roentgen Museum houses a collection of Roentgen furniture and Kinzing clocks that is unique in the world. Abraham Roentgen (1711–1793) and his son David Roentgen (1743–1807) were the most important furniture makers of the 18th century. With their state-of-the-art luxury furniture, known as “Neuwied furniture,” they supplied European royal courts from Paris to Saint Petersburg. This cultural and historical focus differs from Rodenbach’s hiking trails, woodland and traditions.

Further cultural attractions in the wider destination of Neuwied include Rommersdorf Abbey and several venues in the city. The former Premonstratensian abbey is now a venue for theatre, concerts and readings, including events in the English Garden, the cloister and the abbey church. The Schlosstheater is located in an annex of Neuwied Castle and hosts regular performances by the Rheinland-Pfalz State Theatre. The STADTGALERIE Mennonitenkirche is located directly on the dike in the heart of downtown Neuwied, in the former premises of a Mennonite church built in 1768.

Discover more destinations: Neustadt, Kleinmaischeid, Ehlscheid, Oberraden, Buchholz, Rheinbrohl, Bauscheid, Ratzert.

Return to the wider travel overview: Neuwied.