Daubach: Tree Trail and Apfelstein Loop

Daubach combines nature education with a clearly defined hiking option: the Tree Trail introduces the Trees of the Year, while “Around the Apfelstein” is a moderately rated circular hike. A seasonal village café complements these nature and outdoor activities with a place to stop for refreshments at certain times of the year.

Hiking: “Around the Apfelstein”

The loop is 11.1 kilometres long and takes about three hours. You can start or finish at the village square. The moderate rating provides an initial guide, while the distance and approximate duration help you estimate the time needed for your hiking day. From the route, there are views towards Höchst above Daubach. It also passes through the protected Stelzenbach meadows and woodland, and by the Stelzenbach stream and Erbenmühle mill. The tour is therefore defined not only by its key figures, but also by specific landscape features. Set aside about three hours for the hike and check trail conditions and access details before setting out.

Tree Trail: Trees of the Year

The Tree Trail has a different focus from the Apfelstein Loop: it presents the Trees of the Year, offering an educational introduction to trees. While the circular hike is shaped by its landscape, this trail centres on a clearly defined nature theme. It gives you another way to discover Daubach based on a particular interest when planning your trip.

Getting there and stopping for refreshments in the village

From Montabaur, you can reach Daubach via the Rhein-Mosel Transport Association (VRM) and bus route 458. Free parking is available at the village square near the exit towards Horbach. As the Apfelstein Loop can start or finish there, the village square can serve as a shared reference point for your arrival and hike. Check bus services and parking regulations before setting off, as both may change.

The seasonal village café is at or near the Heimathaus (local heritage centre). It is open on Sundays and public holidays from 2 pm to 5 pm, from 1 May to 3 October. It serves homemade cake, coffee, tea or hot chocolate, cold non-alcoholic drinks and ice cream. If you plan to stop for refreshments, bear this limited opening window in mind and check the opening hours for the year of your trip.

Westerwald: Hiking and geological history

The wider Westerwald destination offers hiking on a larger scale. The WesterwaldSteig is a 235-kilometre long-distance trail through the Westerwald, divided into 16 stages. The Druidensteig covers 94 kilometres in seven day stages, passes through seven river valleys and features more than 30 geo-information points. Compared with the Daubach loop, these trails place greater emphasis on distance and stage structure; check the latest route information before planning.

The geological history of the Westerwald is another theme: the former basalt quarry at Stöffel-Park, covering around 140 hectares, brings together industrial heritage, geological history and nature. The TERTIÄRUM features a fossil exhibition that includes the famous “Stöffel mouse”; the fossils document around 25 million years of geological history. In addition to hiking trails, the wider destination therefore offers a distinct way to explore natural and cultural history.

Discover more destinations: Hübingen.

Return to the wider travel overview: Montabaur.