The ruins of Koppenstein Castle, archaeological traces and Asbach Hut reveal different sides of Henau. For planning, it helps to choose a clear focus: a circular hike leads to the castle, the Soonwaldsteig passes the village, and the hut can be rented for leisure activities and celebrations.
Landscape of Forests, Meadows and the Asbach
Henau lies in the Soonwald at an elevation of around 400 metres above sea level, on a south-facing slope that descends towards the Asbach. Forests and meadows surround the village. The slope, stream and open meadows shape the local landscape. The Asbach is also a useful point of reference for exploring the area: a circular hike along the stream leads to Koppenstein Castle.
The Soonwaldsteig runs directly past Henau. The two hiking routes have different destinations: the Soonwaldsteig passes the village, while the circular hike along the Asbach leads to the castle.
Koppenstein Castle and Archaeological Traces
The ruins of Koppenstein Castle lie within Henau. A 16-metre-high, pentagonal keep made of quartzite has survived. Its entrance was adapted to serve as an observation tower. The description of the castle thus encompasses both the tower’s distinctive shape and its later adaptation. As the destination of the circular hike along the Asbach, the site can be combined with a walk through the landscape.
Section ramparts and burial mounds are also archaeological features in Henau that can be visited. A section rampart made of quartzite blocks on the northern slope of Koppensteiner Höhe measures 125 metres in length. Three burial mounds lie on the eastern slope of Gemündener Höhe; one of them is surrounded by a rampart. These landforms offer a different perspective on the history of the village than the surviving castle.
Another clue to the past comes from Winnheck: Roman silver coins minted between 217 and 251 AD were found there. The find points to Roman settlers. Taken together, the archaeological traces range from visible ramparts and burial mounds to a coin find that allows for a historical interpretation. The information about the coins refers to when they were minted; the interpretation of the find remains an indication of Roman settlers.
Asbach Hut: Recreation Area and Practical Information
Asbach Hut is a recreational facility in Henau, located in the Soonwald-Nahe Nature Park. The grounds include meadows, adjoining woodland and direct access to the Asbach. The hut can be rented for leisure activities and celebrations. Possible uses include picnics, family camping and group outings. The hut therefore suits different plans from a hike to the castle: the focus here is on using the grounds for shared leisure activities or a celebration.
Facilities include a covered barbecue pavilion and a traditional swivel grill. The grounds have electricity and water, as well as parking for tents and vehicles. However, no utility hookups or wastewater disposal facilities are available for camping vehicles. This distinction is important when planning a stay with a camping vehicle: electricity and water on the grounds do not mean that corresponding hookups are available for the vehicle. Access to Asbach Hut is level.
When planning your trip, you can first consider whether the castle and hike, the archaeological remains or use of Asbach Hut will shape your stay. These focuses suggest different activities in Henau and provide a specific starting point for finding suitable accommodation.
Discover more destinations: Unzenberg, Schwall, Gödenroth, Dillendorf, Dickenschied, Metzenhausen, Damscheid, Rheinböllen
See the regional travel overview: Rhein-HunsrĂĽck.
