Neunkirchen is a municipality in the Siegen-Wittgenstein district of North Rhine-Westphalia. With forests covering 70 percent of its area, the municipality is nestled in a low mountain landscape. Hiking, geology and cultural history each offer a different focus. When planning your stay, you can first decide whether you mainly want to explore trails or focus on specific natural and cultural themes.
Landscape and Geological Features
The Mahlscheid nature reserve extends across Neunkirchen and the town of Herdorf-Daaden. Check the current access information before visiting. The Hohenseelbachskopf is a lava dome with a large crater and remnants of tall basalt columns. Silbersee was formed when water filled a former basalt crater at Malscheid, also known as Mahlscheid.
Hiking Trails with Different Themes
The E1 European long-distance path runs through the municipality; the Rothaarsteig passes near Neunkirchen. In the district of Wiederstein, the Luisenpfad is more than four kilometres long and includes play equipment for children. As the facilities may change, check the latest information about the play equipment before your trip.
Ansichten - Aussichten is a 39.43-kilometre circular hike rated as moderate. The route features 18 paintings and sculptures by local artists. Listed starting points are the “Steimel” hiking portal, Struthütten railway station and the Familienbad Neunkirchen - Salchendorf stop. The route length, difficulty rating, starting points and artworks may change; check the latest information when planning this hike.
There are also seven circular hiking trails with a combined length of around 26 kilometres. The Bergmannspfad in Salchendorf is more than eight kilometres long and passes sites associated with mining and iron smelting. You should also check current trail conditions locally before setting out on this route. The hikes therefore offer both a range of distances and different themes.
Cultural History and Special Experiences
The history of Schloss Zeppenfeld can be traced back to 1378. The building is privately owned; its facade remains as a visible reminder of the former noble history of Selbach-Zeppenfeld. The Wodanstolln, a visitor mine, is one of the attractions in a district of Neunkirchen. Check visiting arrangements before travelling there. The municipality also organises the Kultur am Ort event series; check the latest programme for specific dates.
Since 2024, a bookable trekking platform has been available in the forests of Neunkirchen. The raised larch-wood tent platform has seating and a composting toilet. Check booking and seasonal availability before your trip.
Plan Your Journey
You can reach Neunkirchen by car via the Wilnsdorf or Haiger/Burbach exits on the A45. The RB96 HellertalBahn connects Neunkirchen to the rail network via Betzdorf, Haiger and Dillenburg. This gives you the option of travelling by car or train. Check the current route or timetable before setting out, as road conditions and train services may change.
Discover more destinations: Bad Berleburg, Hilchenbach, Siegen, Freudenberg, Netphen, ErndtebrĂĽck, Bad Laasphe, Heiligenborn
Return to the main travel overview: Siegen-Wittgenstein.
