On Idarkopf Mountain
Idarkopf is above the town of
Rhaunen,
far on the eastern edge of Idarwald mountain range, and because of its exposed position
is visible far and wide. If you approach from the east, from
Kirchberg,
the effect is like a compact massif, whose woody sides gently slope. This impression grows
stronger as you get closer. For example, on the road from the village of Oberkirn
to Rhaunen, having reached the heights your view is extended, or near the village of
Gösenroth, where you are directly opposite the mountain ridge. Idarkopf, however, is
not a mountain with a well-defined peak. Hence it is not easy to determine its true "peak"
without help. Fortunately, there is the observation tower here, whose highest platform marks
the highest assessable point. On the way up you certainly have a great number of stairs to
deal with, whose exact number, unfortunately, is a bit unclear, since during my last visit
school children came up with varying results —despite repeatedly climbing up and
down. Even without further verification climbing the tower is in any case worthwile because of
the breathtaking view at the top.