Beautiful family hike starting from the shelter hut in Heckenmünster through the Forest of the Year 2012, the Meulenwald. The undisputed highlight for children are the bubbling mineral springs Victoria Spring and Sulfur Spring, about one kilometer from Heckenmünster. Drinking directly from the walled Victoria Spring is a unique, unforgettable experience for both young and old. The spring water tastes sour, with carbon dioxide of volcanic origin responsible for the flavor. In nearby Dierscheid, a short break at the beer garden of the café barn Berggeist is recommended. Afterwards, the same path leads back to the shelter hut in Heckenmünster.
The hiking trail through the Meulenwald with the bubbling mineral springs near Heckenmünster is perfect for the whole family!
From the shelter hut, follow a narrow forest path uphill for a short distance until the path joins a wide forest road. Turn right here and follow the forest road and the marker "Im Meulenwald." Soon a sign indicates a turn to the left towards the Victoria Spring. Continue past the Victoria Spring and follow the wooden sign to the right towards the Sulfur Spring. The path joins the wider forest road again. Now turn left and follow the forest road to the next junction. Two paths lead left; here please follow the forest road "all the way left." Before reaching the country road, turn left onto a narrow forest path. Caution: at the end of the path, the L 49 country road is reached and must be crossed carefully. On the other side of the road, go straight ahead for a short distance, then turn right. For a detour into the village, continue past the shelter hut. The return to Heckenmünster follows the same route.
Shoes with good tread, hiking poles for support, trekking backpack with drinking cups. If two cars are available during the family hike, it is recommended, depending on the children's ages, to park one car at Dierscheid/shelter hut and another at Heckenmünster/shelter hut to "save" the return journey.
The mineral springs are an extraordinary experience for children. Please be sure to remember to bring drinking cups to sample the spring water.
