KIRNer Bier- und Backeswanderung

Hiking, Beer, and Backes – Nahe Tradition

In the Nahe-Hunsrück region, the word “Backes” refers to the communal village bakehouse. Once the center of every village, it was used as a communal oven where women took turns baking their bread and cakes. Today, these historic bakehouses have been restored in many villages of the Kirner Land and are fired up again for special occasions. The KIRNer Bier- und Backeswanderung brings this tradition to life and combines it with the brewery product that has made the town of Kirn famous far beyond the region.

The Route through the Hahnenbachtal

The hike leads through the Hahnenbachtal, one of the most beautiful side valleys of the Nahe, characterized by the small Hahnenbach stream. The starting and finishing points are in Hahnenbach and Hennweiler, both municipalities within the Kirner Land association. The route is family-friendly, mostly on paved field paths, and easily manageable even with a stroller. Along the way, there are refreshment stations with freshly tapped Kirner beer, non-alcoholic drinks, and Backes specialties.

Backes Specialties and Customs

At the refreshment posts, the typical Backes specialties of the region are served: Flammkuchen from the wood-fired oven, freshly baked farmhouse bread, onion cake, sweet yeast cakes with plums or streusel, and the famous “Hennes” (a hearty bread and bacon variant). Accompanied by Kirner beer, which has been brewed in the Kirn brewery since 1798 and is known far beyond the region. The event is often accompanied by accordion or brass band music from local clubs.

Whitsun Sunday in the Naheland

In the Naheland, Whitsun is traditionally considered the start of the open-air season. With the Bier- und Backeswanderung, the VG Kirner Land ushers in the summer and offers families, clubs, and hiking groups a convivial day in nature. Those who have more time can combine the experience with a visit to the nearby Celtic settlement Altburg in the Hahnenbachtal or the Schmidtburg castle ruins.