In Vettelschoß, you can discover three distinct facets: the Blue Lake bathing lake, basalt history in the landscape and along the trail, and the Schmitzhof and village museum. This gives you a clear guide when choosing where to stay: you can focus on water, nature and outdoor activities, or set aside time to explore local and architectural history. Vettelschoß is in the Rhine-Westerwald Nature Park.

Water and basalt history

The Blue Lake bathing lake is about 1 hectare in size and approximately 20 metres deep. The lake has been used for fishing and swimming since 1968; before that, it was a basalt quarry. The lake has a platform in the non-swimmer area, separate areas for swimming and relaxing, and a dedicated area for small children. If you plan to make the lake the focus of your visit, check the current operating conditions beforehand.

The history of basalt quarrying is also visible in the landscape at Willscheider Berg. After basalt quarrying ceased in 1974, a lake formed in the quarry at Willscheider Berg. The landscape at Willscheider Berg serves as an important refuge and habitat for the development of local flora and fauna. A nature reserve surrounds Willscheider Berg Lake.

Trails and views

The Basalt Sculpture Trail connects Kalenborn and Vettelschoß along an old railway embankment dating from the basalt quarrying era. In addition, an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails in and around Vettelschoß connects to well-known long-distance hiking trails. This offers both a specifically named connecting trail and a choice of routes within a larger network. Check the route and trail conditions before setting out.

From the “Wäller Blick” viewpoint, you can see beyond the Vettelschoß district; on a clear day, the view extends as far as the High Westerwald. If distant views are important to your plans, take the weather conditions into account.

Schmitzhof and village museum

The Schmitzhof is the oldest surviving half-timbered house in Vettelschoß and was built around 1640. The village museum has been in use since 2010 and focuses on the period from 1900 to 1910. The two offer different historical points of reference: the Schmitzhof highlights the architectural history of a surviving house, while the museum focuses on the early 20th century. If you are planning a museum visit, check the current opening arrangements in advance.

Neuwied as a separate area of interest

The wider destination of Neuwied also offers its own range of things to explore. Neuwied’s Roentgen Museum has a unique collection of Roentgen furniture and Kinzing clocks. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Limes runs through the entire city area, with watchtowers and forts. For cycling, there is also the Deichstadtweg: a cycle path more than 17 kilometres long, with 24 stops along the banks of the Rhine. These highlights in Neuwied provide a separate regional context alongside the local attractions in Vettelschoß.

Discover more destinations: Rheinbrohl, Kleinmaischeid, Windhagen, Bad Hönningen, Bruchhausen, Höhn, Dierdorf, Asbach

Back to the main travel overview: Neuwied.