Discover Ellenhausen

Ellenhausen lies at the confluence of the Sayn and the Kleine Saynbach rivers. Meadows, peaceful forests, and the village’s history give your stay a range of different focal points. When looking for a hotel in Ellenhausen, you can consider whether you mainly want to hike, cycle, or learn more about the village’s history.

Rural character and trails

Extensive meadows and peaceful forests shape the landscape around Ellenhausen and make it ideal for walks, cycling tours, and nature experiences. The village itself also has a rural character: Ellenhausen was first mentioned in a document in 1100 and has preserved its character, shaped by regional traditions and country life. This brings the landscape and local history together without requiring you to focus on just one theme.

For planning your route, it is worth considering hiking and cycling options separately. El1, Ellenhausen 1, is a six-kilometre route between Selters and Ellenhausen that follows the Saynbach. The Ellenhausener Weiher, by contrast, is the first stage of a 12-kilometre cycling tour through Ellenhausen. The six kilometres refer to El1; the 12 kilometres refer to the entire cycling tour. Route information may change, so check the latest details before setting out.

Ponds and places of interest nearby

Near Ellenhausen lies the Klingelweiher, a spring-fed bathing lake with a sunbathing lawn, terrace, kiosk, playground, and pedal-boat rental. If you plan to use these facilities, check locally that they are available before you arrive. The Westerwälder Seenplatte is also nearby. This nature reserve comprises seven ponds, which can be explored via an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails. While individual facilities shape a visit to the Klingelweiher, the ponds and trail network are the main attractions at the Seenplatte.

Another destination in the area is Burg Grenzau. It has Germany’s only triangular keep and complements the nature-focused attractions with a distinctive example of historic architecture.

Traces of local history

Ellenhausen’s history can also be traced through specific places and dates. A clay pit was established near the cemetery in 1913, providing work for local residents. Today, a lake occupies the former clay-pit site and is used as a fishing pond and recreational facility. If you plan to do a particular activity there, check on site how the area is currently used.

Another historic landmark is the wooden cross: the municipality had it erected, and it was blessed on August 24, 1856. After being renovated in 1980, it stands on Sayntalstraße at the edge of Ellenhausen, in the direction of Deesen and Sessenhausen. The stated location places the cross within the village’s history, while the date and renovation mark different stages in its past.

More to explore in the wider Westerwald travel destination

For broader hiking and cultural interests, the wider Westerwald travel destination offers additional themes. The WesterwaldSteig is a 235-kilometre long-distance hiking trail through the Westerwald, with 16 stages. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometres over seven day-long stages through seven river valleys and features more than 30 geo-information points. The different route lengths and stage counts help you gauge the scale of a long-distance hike. Check the latest route details before setting out.

The Westerwald also offers insights into geological history and industrial heritage. Stöffel-Park is a former basalt quarry site covering around 140 hectares, where industrial heritage, geological history, and nature come together. The TERTIÄRUM exhibits fossils, including the famous Stöffel mouse, which document around 25 million years of geological history. The Westerwald Ceramics Museum explores the history of working with clay. The objects on display mostly originated in clay pits in the Westerwald. Alongside the trails, you can choose from several ways to explore the region’s history and geology.

Discover more destinations: Meudt, Nentershausen, Niedererbach, Atzelgift, Hellenhahn-Schellenberg, Willmenrod, Pottum, Guckheim.

View the overview of the wider travel destination: Westerwald.