Discover Gehlert through its trails and its connection to water: a trail about twelve kilometres long brings together facts about drinking water, historic wells, former irrigation and the natural surroundings of springs. There are also local circular hiking trails and a connection to the Hachenburg Brewery through its brewing water.

Water Trails and Local Hikes

The water adventure trail runs mostly through Gehlert. Along the way, it covers the extraction and storage of drinking water, historic wells and former agricultural irrigation. The plant and animal life around the springs is also among the trail’s topics. At around twelve kilometres, it is a substantial hiking route in its own right; details about the route and signage may change. It is therefore a good idea to check the local information before setting out.

Gehlert also has three registered circular hiking trails, as well as connections to other hiking routes. Hikes also start right in the village. This offers different ways to explore: a themed trail focused on water and landscape, and circular routes for hikes starting locally. Check the signage before setting off, and consider the water adventure trail and the circular routes as separate options when planning.

A spring in the Gehlert area is said to have supplied brewing water to the Hachenburg Brewery for many years; the water contributes to its beer. This connection adds a link between the spring and local production to the water adventure trail’s themes. It gives the area another water-related feature alongside wells, storage and former uses.

Hiking Trails in the Westerwald

The Westerwald also offers hiking trails on a much larger scale. The WesterwaldSteig runs for 235 kilometres through the Westerwald and is divided into 16 stages. The Druidensteig is 94 kilometres long, with seven day stages, passes through seven river valleys and has more than 30 geo-information points. Comparing distances, stages and thematic stops can help you decide whether to focus on a local hike or a long-distance trail. Check the current route planner before setting out.

Nature and Geological History in the Westerwald

At Stöffel Park, industrial heritage, geological history and nature come together across a former basalt quarry site of around 140 hectares. The TERTIÄRUM displays fossils, including the famous “Stöffel mouse”. They document around 25 million years of geological history. Those interested in landforms and how they were formed will find a different perspective here than on the hiking trails: the focus is on fossils, geological history and the former quarry site.

Another striking landscape in the Westerwald is the Holzbach Gorge, about one kilometre long. The narrow valley is framed by basalt walls up to 30 metres high. The Westerwald Lake District offers a different natural highlight: this nature area includes seven ponds. These regional landscape features differ from the springs and wells of Gehlert’s water trail.

Culture and Crafts in the Westerwald

Restored half-timbered houses around the Old Market Square define Hachenburg’s historic town centre; the Lion Fountain is also part of its historic setting. The Hachenburger Erlebnis Brewery offers beer experience tours and brewing courses. Individual appointments can be arranged by phone. Contact the brewery in advance to ask about current booking options. The brewing-water connection to Gehlert and the brewery’s offerings are two distinct points of interest for anyone interested in beer and how it is made.

The Westerwald Ceramics Museum explores the history of working with clay. The clay used for most of the objects on display originated in a clay pit in the Westerwald. At the museum workshop, visitors can get creative themselves under expert guidance; check the current workshop programme and booking conditions before your trip. Alongside geological history at the TERTIÄRUM and the history of Hachenburg, this topic broadens the picture of the Westerwald’s diverse cultural offerings.

For the overall travel guide: Westerwald.