This year, there are some logical changes to the main route of the NST. On the section between Dillenburg and Herborn, the NST used to follow the Dillhöhenweg (on the right side of the river Dill). Unfortunately, this route was not very ideal and did not necessarily encourage hikers to take the detour to Herborn. Herborn has a beautiful old town and is also the starting point of the Westerwald Steig.

I came across the premium hiking trail “Lahn-Dill-Bergland-Pfad,” which has two variants (starting in Dillenburg / starting in Herborn) and a total length of 84.5 km or 89.5 km.

The trail leads the hiker from Herborn/Dillenburg to Marburg, right through the Lahn-Dill-Bergland Nature Park. The interesting thing about the two variants is that they can be easily connected at the “Schutzhütte Bicken” (Bicken Shelter). On Saturday, July 31, 2021, I hiked the trail and tested the new section. The route of the new route is much more pleasant to hike and also makes more sense.

Furthermore, two more sections will receive a new route for 2022. The section from Hann. Münden to the connection with Hessen Weg 4 and a fantastic new section through St. Wendler Land. I will present these changes separately later on. The new GPX tracks will be available for download at the end of the year.