Traumschleife Dollbergschleife

Experience the history of the Celts, charcoal burners and ironworkers up close on the Dollbergschleife. On this tour, you will discover the largest ironworks in the Hunsrück dating back to the 17th century, the largest drinking water reservoir in Rhineland-Palatinate and one of the largest Celtic fortifications in Europe.

The start of the trail is located above the charcoal burner's hut. Shortly after the start is the first highlight of the tour: the Züscher Hammer, which was mentioned in documents as early as 1627. Demonstrations take place in the reconstructed hammer mill, which is driven by water power.You reach the Nonnweiler dam along the Altbach stream. With a capacity of 20 million cubic meters of water and a surface area of around 1 square kilometer, the dam is the largest drinking water reservoir in Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate.

From the lakeside path, head to the archaeology and Celtic park. The Celtic village of Otzenhausen at the foot of the ring wall is surrounded by a fortified wooden palisade.

The longer ascent that follows leads partly through a sea of rocks and boulders. Soon you can see the foothills of the hillfort. The ring wall is one of the most impressive early historical fortifications in Europe.

The main wall was larger than any other Celtic fortification wall at the time. With collapsed walls over 10 meters high and an average width of 40 meters, the rampart still makes an impressive impression to this day.

Over the ridge of the Dollberg, the trail leads past old boundary stones. On the last section, you pass the border between the federal states of Saarland and Rhineland-Palatinate unnoticed.

The trail has been awarded 70 experience points by the German Hiking Institute.