Discover Altendiez

Altendiez combines a historic village landscape with a culinary tradition maintained over generations. There is also a swimming lake within the municipality, set between steep limestone formations. Visitors planning a stay will find a range of themes for their trip: historic village details, Bimbes and a seasonal bathing facility.

Half-timbered houses and town hall

Altendiez’s village character is evident in its old streets lined with restored half-timbered houses. Another notable feature of the town’s history is the 17th-century town hall. It has a restored Backes, a traditional bakehouse where bread is baked on certain occasions. Baking is therefore tied to specific occasions and is part of local tradition.

The half-timbered houses, town hall and Backes give the historic village landscape distinct accents: restored homes shape some streets, while the town hall and Backes evoke community life and traditional crafts. If you are interested in regional culture, this combination of built heritage and living tradition is a good starting point for getting to know Altendiez.

Bimbes: a traditional speciality

Bimbes is considered a traditional local product of Altendiez. The syrup is made from grey pears, and its preparation has been passed down through generations. In the past, making it was a communal activity in late autumn. Efforts to revive the tradition are focused on propagating pear trees.

What makes Bimbes special is not just the type of pear used. Traditional knowledge and the former communal preparation are also part of the tradition.

Swimming lake within the municipality

The swimming lake in the municipality of Altendiez lies between steep limestone formations and has a circumference of about one kilometre. The facilities include landscaped sunbathing areas and parking. There is a ramp and three steps for entering the water. Food and drink services are seasonal; the facility itself is also seasonal, and conditions may change. Check the current operator information before your visit.

The signposted route leads via Emser Straße towards Altendiez and then along Zum Rödchen. The operator expressly warns against using In der Au. Follow the signs as you approach, since access information may change depending on operations. This allows you to take the specific route details and the information at your destination into account when planning your visit.

The wider Rhein-Lahn destination

The wider Rhein-Lahn destination includes the area on the right bank of the Rhine around the mouth of the Lahn, the Lahn Valley up to just before Limburg near Diez, the southern foothills of the Westerwald towards the Lahn Valley, and the northern highlands of the Taunus between the Rhine and the Aar. The history of the Roman Limes also shapes the Rhein-Lahn district: the Limes crosses the district, its remains are still visible today, and it forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper German-Raetian Limes.

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley World Heritage Site offers another perspective beyond the region. It covers a 65-kilometre stretch between Bingen, Rüdesheim and Koblenz, with historic small towns, terraced vineyards and castle ruins. The section on the right bank of the Rhine, from Kaub to Lahnstein, lies within the Rhein-Lahn district. The wider destination therefore brings together evidence of Roman history and a cultural landscape shaped by vineyards and castle ruins.

In Bad Ems, a historic spa ensemble preserves the spa house, assembly hall, villas, former hotels, churches, spa gardens and historic panoramic paths. The ensemble is a designated historic monument zone, “Historic Spa Town of Ems.” Also in Bad Ems, Emser Therme offers wellness facilities using thermal water from mineral springs and a river sauna.

In the Diez area, Oranienstein Castle is a notable attraction. It was built in the 17th and 18th centuries as a widow’s residence; direct ancestors of the Dutch royal family once lived there. On guided tours, you can visit historic rooms and the Nassau-Orange Museum. Advance reservations by phone or email are required.

Discover more destinations: Hirschberg, Laurenburg, Holzappel, Birlenbach, Gückingen, Heistenbach, Steinsberg, Aull.

Go to the wider travel overview: Diez.