The approximately 16-kilometer-long Dreis circular hiking trail no. 2 to the Dörbacher Hexengraben with the sparkling mineral spring leads from the Dreyshalle at Salmpark over soft, leaf-covered forest paths through the historic tree population in Meulenwald. Birdsong, the babbling of the Bennersbach, and the rustling of the treetops slow down and calm the senses. Wonderful panoramic views and the mineral spring in the legendary Dörbacher Hexengraben complement the varied hiking experience. The walled natural monument is a so-called calcium-magnesium-hydrogen carbonate acid spring, which gives the water a "rusty" taste. Back in Dreis, you pass through the lovingly created Salmpark. Enjoying a cup of coffee with a delicious piece of cake in the woodland hotel "Sonora" or dining at "Sashas Esskultur" rounds off a beautiful day of hiking. Please reserve in advance.
Wonderful panoramic views, the old sandstone quarry, and the extensive, quiet forest passages up to the spring in the Dörbacher Hexengraben are guarantees for pure hiking happiness.
Via the L43 or L50 to Dreis into Talstraße to the Dreyshalle
By train to Wittlich main station, then continue by bus towards Wittlich ZOB,
from Wittlich ZOB by bus line 320
More information at www.vrt-info.de
Free parking at the Dreyshalle
From the Dreyshalle, the path initially leads westward, passes the Schorbach, and then continues straight along the Römerstraße heading north. At the end of Römerstraße, turn left into the street "Im Gartenfeld." At the next intersection, continue straight ahead. Along the Salm, the "Salmstraße" leads to the "Brückenstraße." Turn left there and follow the L43 to the town exit. Shortly after the town sign, turn right, keep left after 120 m, and walk uphill past the Schützenhaus. At a sandstone cross from 1746, continue straight and soon reach a power line, from whose clearing there is a beautiful view towards Salmtal and the Mosel mountains. After 500 m, you reach a fork. Here, continue straight for about 60 m.
Attention, now be sure to follow the signage.
The hiking trail now sharply turns left onto an inconspicuous forest path, which leads to a former sandstone quarry. The path, along which the broken stones were once transported, leads uphill through the forest along the red sandstone cliffs that rise several meters high. At the end of the quarry, a narrow path leads partly steeply down through beech forest to the forest path below. Upon arrival, turn right and walk south to a large hunting stand. Now turn left downhill, follow the dirt road to the L43, and cross it. At the junction on the other side of the street, continue straight and follow the forest path for about 1 km. Then a trail branches off to the right and leads through the forest down into the "Dörbacher Hexengraben." Witch burnings supposedly once took place in the Hexengraben.
At the bottom, turn right and walk along the wide forest path beside the Bennersbach (not to be confused with the Bendersbach), steadily ascending slightly to the west. After passing a small shelter, you soon reach the "Quelle im Hexengraben." The sour-tasting water of this stone-framed mineral spring invites you to refresh yourself.
After 200 m, you cross the Bennersbach on a left curve and walk downstream on the other side of the stream until shortly before the K40. Via the path branching off to the left, you return through meadows to the Bennersbach, cross it again, and take a left on an asphalt path to the forest edge. At the junction with a bench and a wooden cross, turn right onto the gravel path and walk in curves uphill through orchards into the forest.
It is worth stopping from time to time to enjoy the wide views.
After the ascent, keep right and follow the path for about 800 m northeast. At the next crossroads, turn right onto the asphalt path. At the next fork, turn left and reach a meadow with a small pilgrimage chapel of the Schönstatt community at the forest edge.
From the eastern edge of the meadow, there is a wonderful view over Salmtal. Past the chapel, follow a narrow path downhill to the sports field of Dörbach, a district of Salmtal. Below the sports field, turn right then bear half-left into the street "Am Waldrand." Above a riding stable, a forest path branches off to the left, which you now follow quite steeply uphill to a fork. Here, keep left. After another 450 m, two paths branch to the left. Here, according to the signage, change to the upper of the two paths. The incline gradually decreases. Shortly after, the path merges into a paved forest road.
Here, turn right and walk for one kilometer through a beautiful mixed forest southwest. At the next intersection, turn right and go downhill about 350 m. Keeping right, you reach the L43 again, from which the return path to Dreis follows the same route as the way out.
If you want to avoid the steep ascent to the old quarry, continue straight for about 400 m at the fork and rejoin the marked route.
Arriving at the street "Im Gartenfeld," the hiking trail turns right at a green power distribution box onto a gravel path. This later becomes a meadow path and leads the hiker through the beautiful "Salmpark" back to the parking lot. Several seating areas in "Salmpark" invite you to linger.
The route is sufficiently marked with the logo "Dr2" and can be walked in both directions.
Please wear sturdy footwear.
Pack a backpack with provisions and wear sturdy shoes; weatherproof clothing depending on the weather.
Dreis is one of the oldest villages in the Wittlich region, its old German name means Sauerbrunnen (sour spring). For around 1000 years, the picturesque village belonged to the Abbey of Echternach and was Luxembourgish. Beautiful landmarks like the imposing castle and many restored wayside crosses still testify to this today. Numerous circular hiking trails, marked by committed locals of Dreis, offer hikers a comprehensive nature and cultural experience.
www.wittlicherland.de and www.gemeinde-dreis.de
