Alpenrod offers two distinct perspectives for planning your trip: historic traces in and near the town, and routes for outdoor activities. Gräbersberg reaches 513.1 metres and is considered the highest elevation in the western Westerwald between the Nister and the Rhine. When choosing where to stay, you can consider whether you would mainly like to explore the Burgstall and the church or are more interested in the routes around Alpenrod.
Burgstall and historic roads
Traces of the terrain are visible at Alpenrod Burgstall; the site is considered a motte and lowland castle. It is freely accessible unless the meadow is being farmed. Parking for the Burgstall is available on MittelstraĂźe. When you arrive, follow the local signs and take the use of the meadow into account when planning your visit.
The Alte PoststraĂźe, a historic road diversion, is located near Alpenrod. It was also used for local traffic and is documented in a register from 1689. The two sites have different significance: the Burgstall is noted for its visible traces in the terrain and its classification as a castle, while the Alte PoststraĂźe reflects the historic use of a route.
Church history across several periods
The Evangelical Church of Alpenrod is a single-nave church built in 1843/1844. The tower preserves masonry remains from a medieval predecessor building. A collection box dating from 1596 comes from the earlier church. A chapel probably already existed in Alpenrod in 1131. The town’s history therefore brings together traces from different periods: the early chapel, remains of a medieval predecessor building and the church built in 1843/1844.
Circular route, observation tower and refreshments
The Alpenrod “Maximilians-Runde” Nordic walking tour starts at the car park below Gräbersberg. The observation tower on Gräbersberg is 73 metres high, and its platform is 33 metres above the ground. These figures refer to different heights: the total height of the tower and the height of the platform. At the foot of the tower, the Alpenroder Hütte serves refreshments.
Hachenburg, Bad Marienberg/Nistertal or Rothenhain are possible rail gateways for the Maximilians-Runde. Check connections and timetables before travelling so you can plan your route using up-to-date information.
Cycling routes with different itineraries
The two cycling routes can also be distinguished by their itineraries: the Nister-Radweg follows forest tracks through Alpenrod and leads from the Nister Valley into the highlands and on to Hachenburg. The Westerwald-Lahn-Radweg runs through Alpenrod and Lochum on its way to Linden and Dreifelden. Check the conditions on each route before setting off.
Hiking in the wider Westerwald destination
The wider Westerwald destination offers other hiking experiences. Rhein-Westerwald Nature Park offers hiking opportunities among the gently rolling heights of the Westerwald and in the Wied Valley. The WesterwaldSteig is a 235-kilometre long-distance hiking trail with 16 stages. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometres over seven day stages through seven river valleys and features more than 30 geo-information points. These regional offerings focus on hiking and stages, while the cycling routes described above run through Alpenrod. Check distances and stage details in the current route planner before departure.
Discover more destinations: Kölbingen, Rennerod, Höhr-Grenzhausen, Pottum, Liebenscheid, Sessenbach, Atzelgift, Helferskirchen.
Back to the wider travel overview: Westerwald.
