38 km of non-stop cycling fun for young and old is on offer on the cycle path along the former railway lines between Emmelshausen, Kastellaun and Simmern/Hsr. Far away from the busy streets, you can cycle through the wonderful landscape with fantastic views of the Hunsrück Heights.
Emmelshausen
The Schinderhannes cycle path starts in Emmelshausen directly in front of the tourist information centre.
Emmelshausen, a town which is just 60 years old, has become the centre of Vorderhunsrück. The train station was the nucleus of the town and cyclists still arrive there with the Hunsrück Railway. In addition to the Schinderhannes cycle path you can also explore the river valleys of the Rhine and Moselle. Before the start of the cycle tour, it is worth visiting the agricultural museum. The farmhouse from 1660, the village blacksmiths and the Backes offer a fantastic insight into the year dot.
The gastronomy on offer in Emmelshausen is wide ranging and extends from local to international cuisine. How about a snack before the start or an evening meal after the end of your tour?
The end to a wonderful day can be spent at the Zentrum am Park or in the Kleinkunstbahnhof. Whether you like musicals or theatre, cabaret or classical music; there is something for everyone.
Pfalzfeld 9 km
Take a break in the "Alten Bahnhof" with its fantastic beer garden. For all those who like things a little bit special: how about staying the night in one the railway’s original sleeping compartments (Tel.:06746/1216) or in Pfalzfeld: stay at the well equipped campsite "Schinderhannes" (Tel.:06746/1674) with a "Mc Donald’s" restaurant. Attractions: the replica of a Celtic stone carving from the 5th century B.C. and the protestant church in Pfalzfeld.
Lingerhahn 13 km
Pure relaxation is on offer at the "Am Mühlenteich" campsite. It is situated in the woods and has been honoured with many awards. (Tel.:06746/533) directly on the cycle path: "Zur Linde" guest house (Tel.:06746/295)
Ebschied 17 km
The ideal stop over with accommodation is on offer at the "Zum grünen Baum" bed and breakfast: You are offered a relaxing stay in this old, restored guest house and your palate is spoiled for choice with traditional home cooking and a well-stocked wine cellar. (Closed on Wednesdays, tel.:06762/7418)
Kastellaun 23 km
The cultural meeting point is in Kastellaun. Whether you would like to enjoy theatre on the castle’s stage, exhibitions in the gallery or matinees in the castle grounds; the range on offer is huge. Numerous restaurants and bars invite you to spend some the time there. You can view the castle ruins on high cliffs high above the town, have a stroll around town, browse through little shops and relax with coffee and a slice of cake or in the beer gardens; that is bound to raise the spirits. Do not miss it: the Kastellaun Toy and Town Museum (closed on Mondays. Tel.:06762/960396). Kastellaun is at the centre of an extensive cycle network throughout the varied of landscape of Hunsrück.
Bell 25 km
Whether you want to have a little peek into the past at the castle ruins of Balduinseck or if young and old want to have some fun at Bell theme park – there is no limit to the fun here. Bell theme park is open from April-October from 09.00-19.00 (Tel.:06762/8035)
Alterkülz 27 km
Take a little break in the cosy "Zur Post" beer garden. Open daily from 16.00 and from 10.00 on Sundays (Tel.: 06762/7220)
Neuerkirch 32 km
The centre of the picturesque village of Neuerkirch offers restored timber houses which are typical to Hunsrück, a cultural history museum and an art workshop. The museum consists of a residential home and a barn. In the art workshop you will find a paint and ceramics studio. Changing exhibitions at the cultural history museum (Tel.:06761/7009) and the art workshop (Tel.:06761/13399)
Simmern 38 km
The landmarks of this county town are the Schinderhannes Tower and the castle with the castle square. The notorious bandit Schinderhannes was imprisoned in the Schinderhannes Tower for half a year before he managed a spectacular escape. Nowadays the Hunsrück Museum, several ballrooms, the town library and an exhibition by the painter and sculptor, Friedrich Karl Ströher, can be seen in the castle.
The evangelical Stephanskirche and the catholic parish church of St. Josef are other places of interest in the town. In the centre of the attractive pedestrian zone, you are invited to spend time enjoying the variety of gastronomy on offer. Cultural events of all kinds are organised throughout the year. From Simmern/Hunsrück there are other signposted routes with information signs through the natural landscape of the Hunsrück.