The Stöffel Park brings together industrial heritage, geological history and nature on the site of a former basalt quarry covering around 140 hectares in Westerwald. The TERTIÄRUM features a fossil exhibition that includes the famous “Stöffel mouse”; the fossils document around 25 million years of geological history. Here, the history of the quarry meets a much longer perspective on the history of the Earth.
Brewing and Half-Timbered Houses in Hachenburg
Hachenburg has many different sides: its historic town centre is defined by restored half-timbered houses around the Old Market Square. The Lion Fountain is also part of its historic setting. The Hachenburg Brewery offers beer experience tours and brewing courses; individual appointments can be arranged by telephone. Contact the brewery for information about current booking arrangements.
Clay as a Material and Exhibition Theme
The Westerwald Ceramics Museum presents the history of working with clay. Most of the objects on display originated in a clay pit in Westerwald. In the museum’s well-equipped workshop, you can get creative yourself under expert guidance. If you plan to visit the workshop, check the programme and booking terms in advance. The exhibition and the opportunity to make something yourself offer two different ways to engage with clay.
Landscape from Heights to Gorges and Ponds
At 657 metres, Fuchskaute is the highest point in Westerwald. Holzbach Gorge offers a different kind of landscape: this breakthrough valley, around one kilometre long, is flanked by basalt walls up to 30 metres high. The Westerwald Lake District is a natural area with seven ponds; along the Wied River, there are idyllic views and unspoilt nature. Heights, rock formations and ponds thus define the diverse landscapes of Westerwald.
Hiking Trails with Different Highlights
Length, number of stages and thematic focus offer different ways to compare hiking trails. The WesterwaldSteig is 235 kilometres long, runs through Westerwald and comprises 16 stages. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometres over seven day stages through seven river valleys and features more than 30 geo-information points. The WesterwaldSteig covers a longer distance and has more stages; the Druidensteig’s profile is complemented by river valleys and geo-information points. Check the latest route details and stages in the route planner before setting out.
Another route description is available for the “Weltende” nature trail in the Kroppach Switzerland. It follows narrow paths, sections secured in places with wire ropes, and natural trails, with views over the Nister Valley. As trail conditions and access can change seasonally, check the latest situation before setting out.
Visitor Information and Regional Events
The Hoher Westerwald Tourist Information Centre provides information about sights, day-trip destinations, hiking, cycling and Nordic walking tours, guided hikes and winter sports. It also sells tickets for the “Herbstlabyrinth” stalactite cave, among other things. Contact the centre directly before your visit to ask about current information services and ticket packages.
In the wider region, Naturgenuss Rhein-Westerwald’s annual events include Westerwald Beef Weeks, “Advent on the Farms,” Naturgenuss hikes and the Naturgenuss regional market. Check the latest dates and venues if you would like to plan a visit around one of these events.
Discover More Destinations
Seck, Meudt, Hachenburg, Helferskirchen, Hellenhahn-Schellenberg, Höhr-Grenzhausen, Oberelbert, Pottum, Winnen, Bilkheim, Höhn, Kölbingen, Guckheim, Westernohe, Neustadt/Westerwald, Steinebach An Der Wied, Wirges, Oberahr, Nomborn, Montabaur, Korb, Mudenbach, Dreifelden, Kroppach, Luckenbach, Mörsbach, Holler, Stahlhofen Am Wiesensee, Bad Marienberg, Eitelborn, Heiligenroth, Dreisbach, Freilingen, Hillscheid, Ellenhausen, Niederelbert, Ötzingen, Nauort, Niedererbach, Sessenbach, Heilberscheid, Niedersayn, Maxsain, Westerburg, Ransbach-Baumbach, Liebenscheid, Lautzenbrücken, Brandscheid, Neuhochstein, Steinen, Oberhaid, Gehlert, Goddert, Kadenbach, Atzelgift, Welschneudorf, Görgeshausen, Ebernhahn, Gackenbach, Astert, Rennerod, Kundert, Elbingen, Krümmel, Alpenrod, Dehlingen, Selters, Girod, Nentershausen, Nordhofen, Wahlrod, Stockum-Püschen, Alsbach, Nisterau, Höchstenbach, Molsberg, Moschheim, Wallmerod, Limbach, Langenhahn, Staudt, Hundsdorf, Caan, Berod Bei Wallmerod, Dernbach, Hartenfels, Rehe, Willmenrod, Kaden, Giesenhausen, Nistertal, Neuhäusel, Nister, Wied, Lochum
To the higher-level travel overview: Rhineland-Palatinate.
