The former Steinchen copper ore mine gives Kundert’s local history a clear time frame: it operated from 1896 to 1926. At the same time, Kundert lies within the Kroppacher Schweiz nature and landscape conservation area. The headwaters of the Lauterbach, Selbach and Erchebach are also within Kundert’s municipal boundaries. This brings together local history, river sources and a protected landscape.

Landscape and History in Kundert

The mining history and the landscape offer two distinct points of interest when choosing Kundert as a destination. The dates for the Steinchen mine place copper mining in its historical context; the location within the conservation area describes the village’s connection to the landscape. The streams add specific names and headwaters to this picture. These details make Kundert interesting to travellers who want to consider local history as well as the landscape when making their decision.

In the Wider Westerwald Destination

Exploring the wider Westerwald destination opens up further landscape and cultural themes. The Kroppacher Schweiz offers wooded slopes, quiet river valleys and viewpoints overlooking the Nister Valley. There are also numerous hiking and cycling trails through a largely unspoilt landscape. This regional perspective complements Kundert’s local history without conflating the wider region’s attractions with features of the village itself.

For hiking, the WesterwaldSteig and the Druidensteig differ considerably in their stated lengths and number of stages. The WesterwaldSteig is 235 kilometres long and comprises 16 stages. It is certified as a Quality Trail – Best of Germany and is one of the Top Trails of Germany. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometres in seven daily stages through seven river valleys; there are more than 30 geo-information points along the route. The length and number of stages offer an initial comparison of scale, but do not replace detailed tour planning. Before setting out, check the WesterwaldSteig’s current route planner. You should also check the certification and Top Trails status again when planning a future trip; the Druidensteig’s interpretive infrastructure may change.

Geology and natural history are at the heart of Stöffel-Park: this approximately 140-hectare former basalt quarry combines industrial heritage, geological history and nature. The TERTIÄRUM displays fossils, including the famous Stöffel mouse. They document around 25 million years of Earth’s history. For a different landscape experience, the Westerwald is also home to the Holzbach Gorge, a breakthrough valley about one kilometre long with basalt walls up to 30 metres high. The Westerwälder Seenplatte is a natural area with seven ponds; at 657 metres, Fuchskaute is the highest elevation in the Westerwald.

Culture and crafts offer further points of interest in the Westerwald. Hachenburg’s historic town centre is characterised by restored half-timbered houses around the Alter Markt; the Löwenbrunnen is part of its historic character. The Hachenburger Erlebnis-Brauerei offers beer experience tours and brewing courses. Individual dates can be arranged by telephone; check current booking options directly with the brewery. The Westerwald Ceramic Museum is dedicated to the history of working with clay. Most of the objects on display come from a clay pit in the Westerwald. In the museum workshop, visitors can get creative themselves under expert guidance. Before travelling, find out about the workshop programme and booking conditions.

Discover more destinations: Rennerod, Brandscheid, Niedersayn, Hundsdorf, Pottum, Westernohe, Luckenbach, Niederelbert.

Back to the wider travel overview: Westerwald.