Roman Limes structures, collections on the history of ceramics, contemporary art and marked trails give Hillscheid a variety of distinctive attractions. You can plan your stay around your interests, with cultural sites and hikes as separate highlights rather than following a set itinerary.
Limes history, from archaeological remains to scenic views
The Hillscheid Limes fortlet and its associated watchtowers WP 1/69 to WP 1/72 are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Frontiers of the Roman Empire.” The fortlet’s outer walls were rebuilt in 2003. Along the stretch of the Limes between Höhr-Grenzhausen and Hillscheid, the rampart and ditch are considered to be very well preserved.
At the reconstructed Limes tower site in Hillscheid, there is a small museum and a Roman garden with a bread oven. From the tower’s viewing platform, you can see across the Westerwald, the Neuwied Basin and the Eifel. This offers several ways to explore Limes history: architectural remains, a site with a museum and garden, and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
Museums, ceramics and art
The Hillscheid Limes Museum displays reconstructions of Roman ceramics and several original objects. The local history museum has a different focus: its exhibits include water jugs, historic ceramic products and tools from traditional trades. It also presents the history of the region and the town; the collection includes a nearly complete historic kitchen. Visits to the local history museum are by appointment only. Arrange a visit in advance and check the current visiting conditions.
The Kunstraum am Limes regularly presents exhibitions of contemporary art, including works by Imi Knoebel and Sigmar Polke. Sculptures can be seen outdoors. Ceramics are also part of the townscape: the ceramic stele project comprises five objects in the old schoolyard. In 2018, the Kaffiné workshop in Hillscheid was described as a maker of handmade garden ceramics; check whether it is currently operating before visiting.
Choose hiking trails by distance
There are around 100 kilometres of signposted hiking trails in the forests around Hillscheid. The Hillscheid Limes Trail is an approximately eight-kilometre circular route. It starts at Limes Tower WP 1/68 on the L 310, at the entrance to Hillscheid. The filled-in Limes ditch also serves as a footpath. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
The HG3 – Hillscheid Circular Hiking Trail is a longer option: rated moderate, the route is 20.1 kilometres long, with a stated duration of five hours and 35 minutes. That is considerably longer than the Limes Trail, at around eight kilometres. On certain days of the week, the Bembermühle offers a place to stop for food and drink along the HG3; check its opening days in advance. Another circular route with its own distinct name is the Limes Trail near Höhr-Grenzhausen: it is about 5.5 kilometres long and passes information boards about the Limes and local history. Check the current waymarking before your hike.
Hillscheid and the wider Westerwald destination
The Westerwald Kannenbäckerstraße passes through Hillscheid. Overall, it is an approximately 70-kilometre scenic route through the Kannenbäckerland. The wider Westerwald destination offers additional regional attractions. The Westerwald Ceramics Museum explores the history of working with clay; most of the objects on display originate in a Westerwald clay pit. Stöffel Park is a former basalt quarry covering around 140 hectares, where industrial heritage, geological history and nature come together. The TERTIÄRUM displays fossils, including the Stöffel mouse, which document around 25 million years of Earth’s history.
If the local history museum is on your itinerary, remember that visits are by appointment. For longer hikes, it is worth checking the current route and any places to stop for refreshments in advance.
Discover more destinations: Höhr-Grenzhausen, Langenhahn, Alsbach, Heilberscheid, Oberhaid, Dehlingen, Willmenrod, Gackenbach.
Go to the regional travel overview: Westerwald.
