Mengerschied: Lametbach Valley and Soonwald Foothills

Mengerschied lies in the foothills of the Soonwald and stretches through the widening valley of the Lametbach. Dense Soonwald forests rise steeply to the south of the village. The valley, stream and forest connect the village closely to its landscape; the local trails each offer a different focus.

Hiking along the Lametbach

A nature-focused hike leads from Mengerschied to Plackenstein, following the Lametbach along forest and farm tracks. Along the way, the focus is on regional geology and its influence on drinking water. The route follows the largely natural stream through protected areas and wet meadows; one of its stops is a rock face at a former quarry.

From Plackensteiner Höhe, views extend into the valley and across the Hunsrück, weather permitting. This tour thus combines the themes of water and geology with a river landscape and a viewpoint. If joining a guided tour, it is worth checking the current schedule.

The Soonwald Dream Loop

A second hiking option starts at Seibels Platz in the centre of Mengerschied: the Soonwald Dream Loop returns to the village via Layenkaul, following a disused railway line. Along the way, there are views across the Simmerbach valley towards Idarkopf. Near the end of the hike, a detour to the Hohe Klopp viewpoint is recommended.

The two routes differ in character: the Lametbach valley hike focuses on geology, drinking water and the stream, while the Dream Loop combines a return along the former railway line with views across the Simmerbach valley. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Cycling route and bus connection

A route description from 2020 takes the Schinderhannes-Soonwald cycle route through Mengerschied, on the stretch between Simmern and Dickenschied. As route conditions can change, check them before setting out. A bus connection links Mengerschied with Simmern and continues towards the Nahe near Martinstein. When choosing where to stay, it can help to first decide whether hiking, cycling or the bus connection will be the main focus of your plans.

Picnic and barbecue area at the edge of the forest

The barbecue area lies at the edge of the forest below a former quarry and beside the Lametbach. Facilities include a barbecue shelter, a shelter and toilets with running water. A large meadow offers the option of camping. The site can be reached by car via two paved tracks. Check current availability and camping rules before using the site.

In the wider Rhein-Hunsrück destination

Within the wider Rhein-Hunsrück destination, the Rhein-Hunsrück district encompasses large parts of the Hunsrück plateau and the quartzite ridges to the south, including the Soonwald. In the Middle Rhine Valley area, the Rhine also forms the district’s eastern boundary.

The House of Regional History in Kastellaun presents the region’s development from the Middle Ages to the Cold War, with themed exhibitions, text panels and original documents. From 25 April 2026, the museum is open Thursdays and Fridays from 12 noon to 5 pm, and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 11 am to 5 pm. It is advisable to check the current opening hours before visiting.

Another distinctive nature experience in the Rhein-Hunsrück district is the Geierlay suspension bridge between Mörsdorf and Sosberg: it is 360 metres long and 100 metres high. Several circular trails, ranging from 3 to 14 kilometres, start and finish at the visitor centre in Mörsdorf. The Geierlay Dream Loop is 6.6 kilometres long and classified as moderately difficult. Regional destinations like these complement the hikes in Mengerschied with other landscape and excursion options.

Discover more destinations: Boppard, Lautzenhausen, Kastellaun, Leiningen, Damscheid, Ney, Schwall, Hahn.

Back to the wider travel overview: Rhein-Hunsrück.