Stockum-Püschen: Hiking at Götzenberg and Stöffel

Stockum-Püschen lies on the southern slope of the natural monument Götzenberg and offers views across the surrounding valleys and hills. Nearby, striking rock faces and exposed geological formations in the Stöffel basalt quarry shape the landscape. Ten circular hiking trails, known as Gemaahnsweeschelscher, lead around Götzenberg and Stöffel. The landscape, basalt and hiking thus set the scene for a stay where the route and its thematic focus can be considered together.

Circular trails by length and difficulty

The ten circular trails vary in length and difficulty: they range from 5 km for easy walks to 30 km for challenging hikes. The entire trail network is listed as covering approximately 136 km, with around 2,250 metres of ascent and descent each. When choosing an individual loop, its own length and rating are what matter; the network figures describe the overall offering. This lets you compare routes using two specific criteria: their stated length and difficulty level. Also check the conditions on the route you choose before setting out.

Starting points and navigation

The Gemaahnsweeschelscher start at the village community centre on Zum Stöffel, where parking is available. From Rotenhain station, you can reach the starting point via a footpath of approximately 1 km. If travelling by train, allow for this walk and check current travel conditions. The circular trails are not marked with signs, symbols or information boards. GPX files and Komoot links can be downloaded to smartphones or navigation devices. Before setting out, check that the files and links are available, and have the route for your chosen trail ready for navigation.

Historical and geological themed trails

The 9.8 km Stockum–Götzenberg–Bellingen excursion explores local history, geology, fauna and flora. Its historical scope extends from the Tertiary period through the Celtic and medieval eras and the Thirty Years’ War to the present day. Stops include a suspected Celtic ringwall on Götzenberg and prehistoric burial mounds. The trail thus combines nature-related themes with sites from different historical periods, which should not be treated as though they were from the same period.

Another themed excursion includes the Stöffelpark observation tower and offers views towards Stöffelpark and the basalt quarry areas. The Stöffelmaus Tour loops around Stockum-Püschen and continues to Stöffel Basalt Park. Its geological connection is a significant fossil deposit containing the fossil known as the Stöffel mouse. By comparison, the Stockum–Götzenberg–Bellingen excursion offers a broader perspective on history, geology, fauna and flora, while the Stöffelmaus Tour focuses in particular on its connection to the fossil.

Fossils in the wider Westerwald destination

In the wider Westerwald destination, the TERTIÄRUM at Stöffel Park displays fossils, including the famous Stöffel mouse, which document around 25 million years of Earth’s history. This regional context complements the local hiking themes with an exhibition perspective on fossils and their place in Earth’s history.

Discover more destinations: Steinebach An Der Wied, Girod, Wallmerod, Welschneudorf, Oberelbert, Lautzenbrücken, Nistertal, Nentershausen

Go to the wider travel overview: Westerwald.