Two specific reasons to visit Hilgert are its pottery history and the HG5 hiking trail. One offers a glimpse into the development of a local craft; the other leads through pastureland, woodland and the Masselbach Valley.

Pottery History and the Town’s Name

Hilgert is considered one of the oldest centres of pottery production for grey-blue stoneware. Archaeological finds suggest that pottery-making in the area passed through every stage in the craft’s development up to the 18th century. Pipe makers are first documented in Hilgert in 1754; in 1792, a guild of pipe makers was established there.

The history of the town’s name can also be dated: the name Hilgert was first mentioned in 1349 in a letter of atonement. The modern form, Hilgert, appeared on a map by J. F. Düntzfeld by 1772 at the latest. The town’s name may derive from “Hilligrod,” interpreted as “sacred clearing.”

The pipe workshop, also known as the Pfeiffestuff, is a listed cultural monument in Hilgert at Schulstraße 18. In the traditional manufacturing process, the clay pipe mould was placed in a two-part mould; the finished pipes were fired for twelve hours at 950°C. A pipe-making workshop in Hilgert continues the craft tradition, which dates back around 300 years, by hand and is considered one of the last surviving examples of this trade.

Hiking Between Pastureland and Valley

The HG5 starts on Waldstraße, passes through Hilgert and then leaves the built-up area. The route is rated moderate, is 11.3 kilometres long and involves around 195 metres of ascent. The stated walking time is 3.1 hours. Route specifications may change; check the latest information on the tourism website before setting out.

Further along, the HG5 crosses open pastureland and descends through woodland into the Masselbach Valley. The valley section follows floodplain meadows and woodland towards Hundsdorf. In spring, woodland areas that have regenerated after earlier clearance also come into bloom. At the Glockenschächte geotopes, the trail passes a remnant of the historic clay mining in the Kannenbäckerland.

If you would rather consider a cycling route than a hike, a route around Höhr-Grenzhausen leads through the forest towards Hilgert. This offers different ways to explore the surroundings: the HG5 passes through Hilgert and provides specific details on distance, ascent and duration, while the cycling route leads through the forest towards the town.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

Bus route VRM 425 connects Hilgert with Höhr-Grenzhausen, Ransbach-Baumbach, Wirges and Montabaur on weekdays and weekends. Check the timetable before travelling. Hilgert can be reached from Höhr-Grenzhausen and Ransbach-Baumbach via state road 307. Public parking is available at the sports ground on Waldstraße.

Visitors who want to plan their stay around the town’s history can follow pottery’s own timeline, from the first medieval record of the town’s name to the pipe makers of the 18th century. For a hike, the HG5 offers a clearly described route through pastureland, woodland and valley. These different focal points can help you choose Hilgert to suit your travel interests.

Discover more destinations: Grenzau.

Go to the main travel overview: Höhr-Grenzhausen.