L2 Sonnbergtrail Dambach

Scenic circular route with 17.4 km and 713 m ascent around the Dambach valley.

The route starts at the bus stop near the old Nagelschmiede in Unterdambach. It immediately goes up Bärengrabenstraße about 500 meters, then we turn at a signpost into the forest. A path now leads us up to Oberdambach. Here we reach a road again, which we follow for 1-2 km before turning left. Across meadows we reach Fuchsenkogel. Passing the Friedenskapelle we arrive at Sonnberg with a wonderful view of the Alpine foothills. The next summit is quickly reached: the Willeitenberg, where we turn left back into the forest and run downhill over beautiful trails towards Schwarzberg with a summit cross. We cross the meadow at Schwarzberg and continue descending, first steeply over a narrow trail, then over forest roads until we reach Hertlerwiese. Just above that, back into the forest uphill towards Braschenberg, which we leave to the right. Over flowing trails and forest roads we then arrive at km 13 on Hönigwiese. We keep left and run to a signpost Weidmannweg. From here it goes down beautiful meadow paths into the Dambach valley. At Gasthof Weidmann we turn left again on the road and shortly thereafter reach our starting point again. 

The required equipment always depends on the respective route and weather conditions. Regarding provisions: this is very individual, and it is recommended to have more rather than less equipment and provisions. For a 5 km round in the valley, you need less than for a demanding route in the mountains. The weather can change quickly, and if you are not constantly moving or need to take a break, warm clothing is very important, for example.

We have a general checklist for you here:

Weather-appropriate running clothing for the respective season – weather forecast – region – altitude. This includes, among other things: * a waterproof rain jacket * waterproof rain pants suitable for running * gloves and warm headwear (hat/headband/neck gaiter) * sunglasses + sunscreen + headwear for very hot days

Trail running shoes

Water bottles, soft flasks, or a hydration bladder with sufficient fluid for the respective route (possibly also salt tablets/magnesium)

Snacks for an energy boost in between: energy bars, gels, chocolate, trail mix,

Running backpack: ideally a trail running vest / a trail running backpack or a waist belt for shorter routes.

Dry pack: so your valuables or change of clothes stay dry (optional a small trash bag)

Emergency blanket

Small first aid kit. An Israeli bandage is highly recommended in my opinion: it is a one-handed operable wound and pressure bandage. You can find details here.

Emergency whistle (often integrated in the trail backpack)

Mobile phone

Map material (online and/or offline)

E-Card or insurance card

Some cash

Microspikes/spikes: these can be a great advantage in winter and icy conditions.

Folding poles for trail running

Headlamp