The Schalturm is part of Driedorf’s former town wall and is now an observation tower open to the public. Together with the ruins of Junkernschloss and the municipality’s water spots, it shows how a stay can be shaped around different interests: local history, swimming, water sports or trails through the landscape.
Local History in the Townscape
The Schalturm has been extensively renovated. Its former role as part of the town wall connects this viewpoint with Driedorf’s history. The ruins of Junkernschloss have been renovated over several years and, together with a newly created playground and the municipal park, are a distinctive part of the townscape. A historic site and landscaped open spaces come together here, without having to offer the same experience: the tower stands for views and the town wall, while the ruins, together with the park and playground, shape the surroundings.
Two Water Spots, Different Options
Heisterberger Weiher lies on the high plateau of the Westerwald at an elevation of 530 metres. Its water surface covers 9.6 hectares. A designated bathing area and extensive sunbathing lawns give the pond a clear focus on swimming and relaxation; cycling and hiking trails add to the leisure options there.
Krombachtalsperre is considerably larger, with a water surface of 82.1 hectares. Sailing and surfing are possible there, and there is also a surf school for beginners and advanced surfers. The two water spots therefore differ in size and in the activities specifically mentioned: Heisterberger Weiher centres on its bathing area and sunbathing lawns, while Krombachtalsperre offers water sports. Which of these options matters for your stay may also influence your choice of accommodation in Driedorf.
Hiking and Cycling Trails in the Municipality
The Westerwald-Steig first enters Driedorf municipal territory near Heisterberg. It runs alongside Heisterberger Weiher and then through forests and meadows towards Waldaubach. The local Höllbergweg D1, by contrast, starts at the old water house at the edge of Hohenroth and heads towards Höllberg. Both descriptions give specific routes, but they start in different places.
On the “Rund um den Knoten” extra tour, an expansive meadow landscape shapes a good half of the route. Its features include copses, bushes, old pollarded beeches and small woodlands. The “Rund um den Knoten” cycle route is 32 kilometres long and runs through the Westerwald’s low mountain landscape. The distance provides a concrete guide for planning your time; no route lengths are given for the hiking trails.
Landscape and Seasonal Planning
One geological feature within the municipality is the Mademühlen basalt formations. The rock group consists of columnar basalt, a form of Tertiary volcanism typical of the High Westerwald. This adds a geological dimension to the landscape alongside ponds, reservoirs, meadows and forests.
“Heisterberger Weiher in Flammen” traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in August and features a fireworks display. If you would like to include the event in your stay, check the event details for your chosen year.
The “Blaue Linie” leisure bus route can also help with travel planning. Its route runs from Hartenrod/Bad Endbach via Aartalsee and Herborn to Heisterberg, Mademühlen and Krombachtalsperre. It is listed as operating on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays; from April to October, the vehicles are equipped with bicycle trailers. Check the current timetable before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Dillenburg, Leun, Greifenstein, Lahnau, Siegbach, Braunfels, Haiger, Eschenburg.
For the broader travel overview: Lahn-Dill District.
