Masdascher Burgherrenweg Dream Loop (Traumschleife)

Striking orange-and-white signs point the way from the town centre of Mastershausen to the start of the tour near a barbecue hut. This is where we embark on the hiking trail proper from the approach road, leaving the barbecue hut and Hallgarten leisure area on our right.
After a gentle ascent with wonderful views into the distance, the route leads into the forest for the first time. We take a deep breath of the coniferous forest’s air and reach the first of 8 information boards at the edge of a windthrow (1).
With an unobstructed view over the deeply cut valley of the Mastershausen stream, the route sharply turns into the valley, passing by a bench halfway down. Down in the valley, we cross two streams on footbridges and arrive “Am Katzenloch”, where a homely rest area beckons and an old tunnel entrance bespeaks slate mining. We reach the water after the next curve already whereupon the route crosses to the western bank, leading to a number of long since derelict old mills. The first one we pass in the quiet valley is Bucher Mühle (information board 2), followed by the ruin of Mohre Mühle (information board 3).
Having crossed the stream once more, we follow a passage through virtually untouched nature where craggy slate cliffs and the gurgling brook vie for the hiker’s attention. Then the walls of Balduinseck tower up all of a sudden. A brief stopover at this recently restored castle, originally built in the 14th century by the archbishop of Trier against the counts of Sponheim in Kastellaun, transports us to medieval times. Back on the Masdascher Burgherrenweg, the trail then accompanies the stream through a tunnel that passes under the L 203.
On the other side, we are enchanted by a floodplain forest before a footbridge helps us cross the stream. The subsequent ascent through the rocks calls for some surefootedness, but the next resting area will reward the effort. The trail swings uphill past Kaspers mill (information board 4), offering great views across the valleys, while purposefully making for the next high point: the Burgberg (“castle hill” - information board 5), a striking rock overhang that was already used by the Celts. We are able to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere at ease in a mountain hut. And then we are hiking down into the valley again. Passing by the “Roman Well” (information board 6), serpentines take us to the bottom, where further holes in the rocks attest to mining.
The ascent to the Apollo mine (information board 8), where ores were extracted, starts from the Herzenauer Hannes resting area (information board 7). Things get taxing on the zig-zag path that follows, but when we finally reach the top there is a magnificent panoramic view from the tower on the Galgenberg (Gallows Hill). The spooky part comes a few steps later, even if no-one has been hanged from the “Eich” (oak) for a long time since (information board 9). The trail is now slowly leading downhill, reaching the barbecue hut by the leisure area again, whence we return to Mastershausen by way of the approach route.

Some of the dream loops are steep, difficult and, in rainy or winter weather, slippery. Therefore, surefootedness and good physical condition are essential prerequisites for hiking these premium circular trails.

Sturdy footwear (hiking boots) is strongly recommended. Walking sticks prove to be very helpful.

Balduinseck castle: This castle was built between 1325 and 1330 by Balduin von Luxemburg, archbishop of Trier, and was a stunning building in its time. The rectangular four-storey structure measures an imposing 22.70 m x 14.50 m. In the north-eastern corner of the building, a spiral staircase of notable luxury for the time connects all four storeys, each of which used to feature large chimney fixtures. A 1.5 diameter well was integrated on the ground floor. Balduinseck was leased out in 1675 and then already registered as desolate in 1711. Dilapidated since 1780, the castle ruin has been laboriously renovated in recent years.

L 203, K 69 or K 64 to 56869 Mastershausen

Navigation: Johann-Steffen-Straße, 56869 Mastershausen

Mastershausen town centre, "Deutsches Eck" bus stop
(Navigation: 56869 Mastershausen, Johann-Steffen-Straße)
Car park at the Bürgerhalle.

Further entrances:
Car park at the Balduinseck castle ruins (L 203).
Car park at the barbecue hut

Kastellaun - Mastershausen (Balduinseck castle ruins)
Bus line 630, Monday-Friday several times a day, Saturday and Sunday bus lines 615+630 (Kastellaun transfer), several times a day
Info on: www.vrminfo.de

Free of charge:

Brochure "Erlebnis Traumschleifen" with route sketches, altitude profiles, short descriptions and tips for stopping off at all 114 dream loops
Information and request at www.saar-hunsrueck-steig.de/prospekte

Travel guides and books available for a fee in the shop at www.saar-hunsrueck-steig.de

Tourist-Information Kastellaun, Marktstraße 16, 56288 Kastellaun
Phone +49 6762 401873, www.kastellaun.de

Hunsrück-Touristik GmbH, Gebäude 663, 55483 Hahn-Flughafen
Phone +49 6543 507700, www.hunsruecktouristik.de