Discover Westerburg

When searching for hotels in Westerburg, historic buildings can give your stay a distinctive theme: Westerburg Castle spans several construction phases, while the Burgmannenhaus in the upper town offers a glimpse of historic living culture. The broader Westerwald destination adds landscapes, geology and hiking trails to these themes. When planning your trip, distinguishing the town’s history from the region’s distinct themes can help you choose the right focus.

Westerburg Castle: History in Several Construction Phases

Westerburg Castle is a castle complex first mentioned in historical records in 1192 and built on a fortification dating from the 12th century. Its surviving features include a chapel area from the early 13th century and a large hall completed between 1476 and 1483. The span of time between these structures makes the complex’s development over several centuries tangible.

The castle is privately owned. Its garden is a visitor attraction, and renovated rooms on the upper floor are used for celebrations and seminars. If you are planning to visit the garden, it is best to check visiting arrangements and options in advance. Use of the rooms for events is a separate matter.

The Burgmannenhaus in the Upper Town

The Burgmannenhaus in Westerburg’s upper town dates from 1607 and is one of the town’s oldest buildings. Following its restoration, it has served as a venue for cultural events. At the same time, it preserves the historic domestic character of an upper social class. The house thus offers a different perspective on history from the construction phases of Westerburg Castle: here, the focus is on a dated building and historic living culture. Use of the venue may require advance arrangements.

Westerwald: Culture and Geological History in a Regional Context

In the broader Westerwald destination, themes range from industrial and geological history to working with clay. Stöffel Park covers a former basalt quarry site of around 140 hectares, bringing together industrial heritage, geological history and nature. The TERTIÄRUM at Stöffel Park displays fossils, including the famous Stöffel mouse, which documents around 25 million years of Earth’s history.

The Westerwald Ceramics Museum explores the history of working with clay. The objects on display usually originated in a Westerwald clay pit. In the well-equipped museum workshop, visitors can get creative themselves under expert guidance. If a workshop is relevant to your plans, check the current program and booking conditions before your trip.

Hiking Trails and Landscapes in the Westerwald

The hiking trails in the broader Westerwald destination also vary in length and stage structure. The WesterwaldSteig is 235 kilometers long and divided into 16 stages. It is certified as a “Quality Trail Wanderable Germany” and is one of the “Top Trails of Germany.” As certification status may change, check these details before your hike; it is also advisable to consult the current route planner for the trail’s length and stage planning.

The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometers over seven daily stages through seven river valleys and features more than 30 geo-information points. As the route’s interpretive features may change over time, check the latest route information before setting out. The Holzbach Gorge is another landscape feature described in the Westerwald: the breakthrough valley is about one kilometer long and characterized by basalt walls up to 30 meters high. The Fuchskaute reaches 657 meters and is the highest elevation in the Westerwald.

Discover more destinations: Hachenburg, Hellenhahn-Schellenberg, Nisterau, Lochum, Ransbach-Baumbach, Oberhaid, Kaden, Guckheim.

See the broader travel overview: Westerwald.