Meudt – Hiking Trails and Local History

Discover Meudt through a range of themes: hiking trails and cycling routes lead through the village and its districts, while architectural history and memorial sites offer further insights into local history. If you are planning a stay, the specific routes and historic sites can help you weigh up the interests you want to pursue on your trip.

Hiking Around Meudt

An approximately 4-kilometer circular hike starts at the Gangolfushalle and follows the Eisenbach, through the Ludwig Hirsch clay-mining area and across fields toward Dahlen. The trail then returns to Meudt. Along the way, there are repeated views of the landscape and the village. The route combines a manageable distance with several different sections.

Two long-distance hiking trails are also connected with Meudt and its districts: Route III of the Westerwald Association runs through Meudt on its way from Neuwied to Wetzlar. The Thüringer Wanderweg passes through the district of Ehringhausen. These two routes differ from the circular trail in that they extend beyond the local area; in Meudt, the specific section is what matters.

Comparing Cycling Routes and Distances

The 12-kilometer Wäller ALLEen-Weg follows a disused railway line, is fully paved, and has numerous rest stops. From Meudt, you can reach it via the Eisenbach meadows after approximately 3.5 kilometers. The 3.5 kilometers refers to the connection from Meudt, not the length of the Wäller ALLEen-Weg. Since conditions along a route can change, it is advisable to check the trail before setting off.

The 25-kilometer Backesdörfer-Tour can be started at the Gangolfusbrunnen in Meudt and passes through the districts of Eisen and Ehringshausen. It connects villages where communal baking has been revived and continues from Meudt and Eisen toward Hahner Waldsee. The Nassau-Wäller cycling loop can also be started in Meudt via a short connector such as the Wäller ALLEen-Weg; you should check the route before setting off. Another point along the route is the small chapel in Eisen, a district of Meudt, which is part of the AHRound-Tour (II).

The distances help put the routes in perspective: the approximately 4-kilometer circular trail is a different option from the 12-kilometer Wäller ALLEen-Weg or the 25-kilometer Backesdörfer-Tour. Pay particular attention to whether a distance refers to the route itself or—as with access via the Eisenbach meadows—to the connection from Meudt.

Architectural History and Memorial Sites

Meudt was first mentioned in 1097 under the names muda or muede and is considered one of the oldest settlements in the Westerwald. The roots of today’s parish church date back to the 12th century. St. Petri Thronerhebung is a cross-shaped basilica built in 1910/11 with a Romanesque tower. The former town hall is an imposing half-timbered building dating from 1596. Together, these buildings represent different periods in the village’s history.

The Jewish cemetery at Laufgarten is a designated historic monument area, established in the second half of the 18th century. Of its 61 gravestones, the oldest dates from 1768. A memorial lists the names of 25 Jewish people from Meudt who were deported and murdered. Since 1969, memorial events have been held at the cemetery, usually every three years on National Day of Mourning.

An annual procession on Whit Sunday is associated with the Gangolfusbrunnen; the hand-cleansing ritual takes place the day before. The present-day ensemble includes a statue of Saint Gangolf, a well covered with a grille, and a flower bed. The spring was buried during sewer works; the water jet today is powered by an electric pump. As the condition of the ensemble may change, it is best to check before visiting.

There are also historic details to discover in the district of Eisen: the chapel contains stained-glass windows, a crucifix, and a statue of the Madonna. A memorial plaque commemorates soldiers who fell or went missing in the two world wars.

A Regional Excursion Destination

Beyond Meudt, the Westerwälder Seenplatte lake district is about a 15-minute drive away. It comprises seven ponds and is considered a destination for active holidays. Actual driving time depends on the route chosen and traffic conditions.

Discover more destinations: Nister, Hellenhahn-Schellenberg, Moschheim, Rehe, Niedersayn, Gehlert, Oberhaid, Bad Marienberg.

Go to the main travel overview: Westerwald.