Alterkülz lies on both sides of the Alterkülzer Bach in a small valley on the edge of the Simmern-Kirchberg plateau basin. Visible landforms marking a Roman settlement and the former ore mining at the Eid mine give the village a distinctive historical dimension. The Schinderhannes Cycle Path and the paved route of the former Hunsrück Railway also shape its local connections to cycling and hiking trails and help with trip planning.

Cycling and hiking around Alterkülz

Alterkülz lies directly on the 38-kilometre Schinderhannes Cycle Path. The paved route of the former Hunsrück Railway also runs through the village and now carries the Schinderhannes cycling and hiking trail. The local route network is also suitable for inline skaters, skateboarders and walkers. This means there are other ways to get around besides cycling, although not every route is suited to every activity.

For longer hikes in the surrounding area, you can choose from signposted Dream Loops, the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig and the Soonwaldsteig. You can therefore decide whether to take a route that connects directly to the Schinderhannes Cycle Path in the village, or to seek out longer hiking trails in the surrounding area. If you have a specific route in mind, check the latest trail conditions before setting off.

Roman traces and mining history

A Roman settlement site near Alterkülz can still be identified by building traces visible in the landscape. To reach it, park in Neuerkirch and follow the cycle path towards Alterkülz–Kastellaun; the settlement site is signposted. This lets you incorporate a stop with visible traces in the landscape into a section of your route.

Another historical trace leads to the Eid mine. Zinc, lead and copper ores were mined there between the Alterkülzer Bach and Osterkülzerbach from 1780 until the First World War. The settlement remains and mining history represent different chapters in the local story: here, the visible landforms marking the remains of a Roman settlement; there, ore mining carried out over a long period.

Excursions in the wider region

The Erbeskopf recreation area offers activities in summer and winter within the wider area around Alterkülz. Other regional attractions nearby include Kastellaun Castle and Bell Animal and Adventure Park. The Geierlay suspension bridge in Mörsdorf is also a regional attraction near Alterkülz. There is a high ropes course in Kastellaun, and Kirchberg has an indoor climbing and bouldering facility. Check the current availability of these activities before your trip.

The Rhein-Hunsrück region in a wider context

As a larger travel destination, the Rhein-Hunsrück district encompasses large parts of the Hunsrück, which forms part of the Rhenish Slate Mountains, as well as the part of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley on the left bank of the Rhine. It includes large areas of the Hunsrück plateau and the quartzite ridges to the south, such as the Soonwald. In the Middle Rhine Valley, the Rhine also forms the district’s eastern boundary.

The Geierlay suspension bridge lies between Mörsdorf and Sosberg. It is 360 metres long and 100 metres high. Several circular trails ranging from 3 to 14 kilometres run around the bridge; the visitor centre in Mörsdorf is both the starting point and the finish. One shorter option is the 6.6-kilometre Geierlay Dream Loop, rated as moderately difficult. Check the latest route conditions before setting out.

The House of Regional History in Kastellaun offers another way to explore the region: themed exhibitions, information panels and original documents trace its development from the Middle Ages to the Cold War. From 25 April 2026, the museum is open Thursdays and Fridays from 12 pm to 5 pm, and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 11 am to 5 pm. Please check the opening hours before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Niederburg, Rohrbach, Beltheim, Niederweiler, Ney, Laudert, Rheinböllen, Lautzenhausen.

Back to the main travel overview: Rhein-Hunsrück.