Nebenwege

Nebenwege (singular: Nebenweg) is a German noun meaning "side path" or "secondary route." The term combines Neben- ("beside" or "secondary") with Weg ("path" or "way"). It is used to describe routes that branch off from a main route and serve local access rather than through traffic. In everyday language it can refer to footpaths, cycle paths, or service roads that run parallel to Hauptwege but carry lower volumes of traffic or are narrower and slower.

In transport planning and urban design, Nebenwege designate secondary connections between neighborhoods, rural settlements, or industrial areas. They may be unpaved or have lower speed limits and are often intended for local residents, pedestrians, cyclists, agricultural traffic, or service vehicles. Their maintenance and signage are typically separate from the main network, and they can serve as detours when main routes are closed.

In outdoor recreation and nature management, Nebenwege describe side trails branching from primary hiking routes. These paths can offer access to viewpoints, woods, or streams but may be narrower, steeper, or less well-maintained, requiring greater caution.

The term can also appear in a broader, metaphorical sense to denote secondary options, alternative paths in planning, or loopholes in rules. See also: Nebenweg, Nebenstraße, Hauptweg, Fußweg.