Discover the Westerwald: Basalt, Half-Timbered Houses and Hiking Trails

At 657 metres, the Fuchskaute is the highest elevation in the Westerwald. The Holzbach Gorge is a breakthrough valley about one kilometre long, with basalt walls reaching up to 30 metres. The Westerwald Lake District is a natural area with seven ponds. Along the Wied, idyllic views and unspoilt nature are part of the landscape. These places represent different landscape features: the region’s highest elevation, a breakthrough valley, a pond area and the natural surroundings along the river.

Hiking Trails with Different Profiles

The WesterwaldSteig runs for 235 kilometres through the Westerwald and is divided into 16 stages. It is certified as a “Quality Trail Wanderbares Deutschland” and is one of the “Top Trails of Germany”. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometres over seven day stages through seven river valleys; there are more than 30 geo-information points along the route. The length and stage structure provide a concrete comparison, while the geo-points highlight the Druidensteig’s geological focus. Check the route details against the current route planner before setting off. You should also check the current certification and Top Trails status.

The “Weltende” nature trail in the Kroppacher Schweiz leads along narrow paths, unpaved trails and sections that are partly secured with wire ropes. Along the way, it offers views across the Nister Valley. As trail conditions and access can change seasonally, check the current situation before planning your visit.

Half-Timbered Houses, Clay and Craftsmanship

In Hachenburg, restored half-timbered houses around the Alter Markt define the historic town centre. The Löwenbrunnen fountain is also part of this historic setting. The combination of houses, square and fountain gives a walk through the town centre a clear focus: the historic centre’s architectural heritage.

The Westerwald Ceramic Museum presents the history of working with clay. The objects on display usually originated in a clay pit in the Westerwald. In the well-equipped museum workshop, you can get creative yourself under expert guidance. The exhibition focuses on the history of the material, while the workshop centres on practical, hands-on work. Check the current workshop programme and booking conditions before travelling.

Beer Culture and Local Information

The Hachenburg Erlebnis-Brauerei offers beer experience tours and brewing courses. Individual dates can be arranged by telephone. If a tour or course is part of your travel plans, confirm the current booking arrangements directly with the brewery.

The Hoher Westerwald Tourist Information Centre provides information about sights, destinations, hiking, cycling and Nordic walking tours, guided hikes and winter sports. It also sells, among other things, tickets for the “Herbstlabyrinth” stalactite cave. As service offerings and ticket arrangements are operational details, check them in advance.

In the wider region, Naturgenuss Rhein-Westerwald’s annual events include Westerwald Beef Weeks, “Advent on the Farms”, Naturgenuss hikes and the Naturgenuss regional market. Check the current dates and venues for your trip.

Discover More Places

Discover more destinations: Maxsain, Heilberscheid, Niedersayn, Sessenbach, Niedererbach, Ötzingen, Nauort, Niederelbert, Ellenhausen, Hillscheid, Freilingen, Dreisbach, Heiligenroth, Eitelborn, Bad Marienberg, Stahlhofen Am Wiesensee, Holler, Mörsbach, Luckenbach, Kroppach, Dreifelden, Mudenbach, Korb, Montabaur, Nomborn, Oberahr, Wirges, Steinebach An Der Wied, Neustadt/Westerwald, Westernohe, Guckheim, Kölbingen, Höhn, Bilkheim, Pottum, Oberelbert, Höhr-Grenzhausen, Hellenhahn-Schellenberg, Helferskirchen, Hachenburg, Meudt, Wahlrod, Winnen, Westerburg, Ransbach-Baumbach, Liebenscheid, Lautzenbrücken, Brandscheid, Neuhochstein, Steinen, Oberhaid, Gehlert, Goddert, Gackenbach, Ebernhahn, Kadenbach, Atzelgift, Welschneudorf, Görgeshausen, Astert, Rennerod, Kundert, Elbingen, Krümmel, Alpenrod, Dehlingen, Selters, Girod, Nentershausen, Nordhofen, Stockum-Püschen, Alsbach, Nisterau, Willmenrod, Höchstenbach, Molsberg, Moschheim, Wallmerod, Hundsdorf, Limbach, Langenhahn, Staudt, Seck, Caan, Berod Bei Wallmerod, Dernbach, Hartenfels, Rehe, Kaden, Giesenhausen, Nistertal, Neuhäusel, Nister, Wied, Lochum.

To the overview of destinations: Rhineland-Palatinate.