Silbersee (Mahlscheid Lake) – Bikestation Hirtenwiese loop from Herdorf

Hiking trails & Routes

Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Kreis Siegen-Wittgenstein

Neunkirchen

Silbersee (Mahlscheid Lake) – Bikestation Hirtenwiese loop from Herdorf

Moderate

4.7

(15)

hikers

Silbersee (Mahlscheid Lake) – Bikestation Hirtenwiese loop from Herdorf

02:23

8.07km

240m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 24, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Naturpark Sauerland-Rothaargebirge

Mahlscheid

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.72 km

Eye of God Monument

Highlight • Monument

Interesting structure with a profound history, it is worth stopping here!

Translated by Google •

Tip by

1.74 km

Basalt was mined at the site of the lake, popularly known as Silbersee, until the 1970s. The area is now a nature reserve, so if you come to the lake on a hike, please stay on the paths and only view the cliffs from a distance.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.52 km

View of Neunkirchen

Highlight • Viewpoint

Here, the Mahlscheid nature reserve offers a great view.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

2.76 km

Silbersee Quarry Viewpoint (Mahlscheid Nature Reserve)

Highlight • Viewpoint

The area around the Mahlscheid was created around 7 million years ago by volcanic activity. Until the 1950s, basalt was mined here for road construction. Even today, basalt columns can be admired in the area around the Silbersee.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4.04 km

Köppel Restaurant

Highlight • Restaurant

Formerly Hohenseelbachskopf, now Köppel – it simply tastes good.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4.07 km

Forest restaurant at Hohenseelbachskopf

Highlight • Historical Site

The Hohenseelbachskopf originally carried a basalt summit, similar to the Druidenstein.
Like the Druid Stone, this distinctive basaltic peak between 500 and 300 BC was probably a significant Celtic settlement and cult site. On the top of the hill, a circular rampart and an urn burial ground were created.
In the 13th century, the noble family of Seelbach built a castle, which was but a little later destroyed by the Archbishop of Trier. Supposedly the owner was a robber baron.
However, the hilltop was demolished by basalt mining at the beginning of the 20th century. Remains of basalt columns, but can still be seen today.
On Hohenseelbachskopf is a beautiful forest restaurant with beer garden.
Here is a nice network of trails, forest trails and even designated MTB routes :-)

Translated by Google •

Tip by

4.07 km

The Köppel

Highlight • Mountain Hut

Approach via Malscheider Weg 35, Neunkirchen 🤓☝️ (until I found out 🙄) and then follow the paved path through the forest. At some point it changes into a normal, humpy forest path and then you come out at the hut. Unfortunately there are not too many parking spaces, there is no parking lot for hikers, but there are still opportunities to squeeze aside somewhere by car.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

5.12 km

Bikestation Hirtenwiese

Highlight • Rest Area

Hirtenwiese bike station. PWS Offroad has set up a station here where you can inflate your tires if necessary or repair your bike with the tools you have. If you ever need a new hose, you can get one from the vending machine for €8.50 each.
A good thing. Down at PWS Offroad there is also the Struthütten bike station.

Translated by Google •

Tip by