The old Schönberg Chapel and the well-preserved half-timbered houses around it give the historic townscape a tangible focal point. Taking a broader look at the wider Westerwald destination also leads to hiking trails, geology and regional culture.
Schönberg Chapel and half-timbered houses
The history of the old chapel dates back to the first mention of the site in 1494. After it was destroyed, it was rebuilt in 1714; today, it serves as a cemetery chapel. Old half-timbered houses stand around the chapel, and their state of preservation shapes the historic townscape. Together, the chapel and the buildings create a concentrated setting in which history can be read not only in a single building, but also in the way it interacts with its surroundings.
This offers a different approach from an overview of an entire region: the focus here is on a clearly defined place and its architectural history. Visitors interested in architecture can turn their attention to the half-timbered houses; those seeking to understand historic uses will find another aspect in the chapel and its present-day function as a cemetery chapel.
Hiking in the wider Westerwald destination
The southern Westerwald is described as a hiking region featuring stream valleys, wooded heights and expansive meadows. The region is associated with a 1,000-kilometre network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to scenic and adventure-oriented tours. Two long-distance trails with different lengths and numbers of stages can help with planning: the WesterwaldSteig is 235 kilometres long and divided into 16 stages. The Druidensteig covers 94 kilometres over seven day stages, passing through seven river valleys and offering more than 30 geo-information points. It is worth checking the current route planner before setting out. The WesterwaldSteig is certified as a “Quality Trail Wanderable Germany” and is one of the “Top Trails of Germany.”
The landscape attractions also offer different highlights. Holzbach Gorge is a breakthrough valley about one kilometre long, with basalt walls up to 30 metres high. The Westerwald Lake District is a natural area with seven ponds; at 657 metres, Fuchskaute is the highest elevation in the Westerwald. Those interested in a nature trail will also find the “Weltende” trail in the Kroppacher Schweiz region of the Westerwald: it follows narrow paths, sections partly secured with wire ropes and natural trails, and offers views across the Nister Valley. Conditions and access there may vary depending on the season.
Geology, crafts and culture in the Westerwald
Stöffel Park brings together industrial heritage, geological history and nature on the site of a former basalt quarry covering around 140 hectares. The TERTIÄRUM displays fossils, including the famous “Stöffel Mouse,” which document around 25 million years of Earth’s history. The park and exhibition therefore offer a different focus from half-timbered architecture: here, the landscape and geological past take centre stage rather than a historic townscape.
The Westerwald Ceramic Museum is dedicated to the history of working with clay. Most of the objects on display originated in a clay pit in the Westerwald. In the museum workshop, visitors can get creative themselves under expert guidance; it is advisable to check the workshop options and booking conditions before travelling.
Hachenburg also combines architecture and cultural history: its historic town centre is characterised by restored half-timbered houses around the Alter Markt, and the Löwenbrunnen fountain is part of its historic atmosphere. For a different way to experience regional culture, the Hachenburger Erlebnis-Brauerei offers beer experience tours and brewing courses. Individual appointments can be arranged by phone; it is best to check the current packages directly with the brewery.
These different interests sit alongside one another: half-timbered houses and chapel history, geological topics, ceramics or brewing culture. Hiking trails add nature experiences to the mix, but differ considerably in length, number of stages and trail character. This makes it possible to connect Kölbingen with selected themes of the wider Westerwald without conflating regional attractions with the characteristics of the individual town.
Discover more destinations: Girod, Neuhochstein, Hundsdorf, Liebenscheid, Höhn, Westernohe, Holler, Niedererbach
Go to the wider travel overview: Westerwald.
