Höhr-Grenzhausen: Ceramic History and Nature

Höhr-Grenzhausen combines a distinctive ceramics scene with opportunities to spend time in the forest and by the water. The ceramics museum, workshops and galleries offer a different focus from the forest discovery trail or the cycle route that starts in town. This gives you a choice of different themes and activities in one place as you plan your trip.

Ceramics in Höhr-Grenzhausen

Höhr-Grenzhausen is a member of the European Route of Ceramics. The local scene includes around 40 ceramics workshops and studios, as well as the BFZK, private museums and galleries. The number of workshops and studios may change over time. Ceramics here are more than just an exhibition topic: visitors and students can explore the craft through the BFZK and the ceramics museum.

The ceramics museum presents more than five centuries of ceramic history across four exhibition levels and around 2,500 square metres. It also hosts special and solo exhibitions by renowned ceramic artists from around the world. The museum thus brings together the long history of ceramics and changing exhibitions showcasing contemporary perspectives.

At the museum workshop, visitors can create their own ceramic pieces under expert guidance. The museum also offers programmes for different age groups. Workshop offerings and programme details may change; check what is available during your travel dates before your trip.

Forest, Water and Cycling

The Höhr-Grenzhausen Forest Discovery Trail is an approximately three-kilometre sensory trail through the forest. The offerings also include the Höhr-Grenzhausen forest quiz for children; specific programme details may change. Another activity is the Linderhohl natural swimming pool, which offers a natural swimming experience without chemical water treatment, as well as a baby and children’s pool with an adjoining sandy beach.

If you prefer to get around by bike, you can follow the Köppel Route. This approximately 26-kilometre cycle route starts in Höhr-Grenzhausen. Compared with the roughly three-kilometre forest discovery trail, it is a considerably longer route and a different option for planning your trip.

Grenzau and the Circular Hike

In the district of Grenzau, Grenzau Castle stands above the district, with its distinctive triangular keep. A moderately challenging circular hike also starts in Grenzau and leads through the Brexbach Valley and along forest paths. Along the way, it crosses the tracks of a former railway line, passes the Steinebrück Viaduct and reaches a reconstructed Roman tower. You can take the bus to Höhr-Grenzhausen and then walk to Grenzau to start the route.

The castle and circular hike offer different ways to explore the district: the keep is a distinctive part of local history, while the hike combines natural trails with traces of earlier transport and construction history. The stated moderate difficulty and the listed landmarks help you assess the hike as a standalone activity.

The wider Westerwald destination

The wider Westerwald destination offers additional themes. The WesterwaldSteig is a 235-kilometre long-distance hiking trail through the Westerwald, with 16 stages. It is advisable to check the current route planner before setting out. The Stöffel Park in the Westerwald offers a different focus: this former basalt quarry site covers around 140 hectares and brings together industrial heritage, geological history and nature.

Discover more destinations: Hilgert, Grenzau, Nisterau, Helferskirchen, Bilkheim, Hillscheid, Brandscheid, Dreisbach.

Back to the wider travel overview: Westerwald.