Lochum lies on the edge of the Westerwald Lake District; the Welterstein, a basalt formation also locally known as “Hänsel's Häuschen,” is regarded as a local landmark. This brings two different scales together: the landscape on the edge of the village and a specifically named rock. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between staying in Lochum and exploring other topics across the wider Westerwald destination.

Lochum: Welterstein and hiking trails

A shelter in Lochum provides seating and a table. It is associated with Stage 6 of the WesterwaldSteig and Stage 1 of the Wiedweg. If you would like to include a place to rest in your route planning, this is a specific local option. As trail infrastructure can change, it is advisable to check the latest information before setting out.

Lochum also has a barbecue hut. If you plan to use it, check the terms of use and booking conditions in advance. This helps distinguish local amenities from the wider hiking and excursion options across the Westerwald.

More to explore across the wider Westerwald destination

For longer hikes, the Westerwald offers two long-distance trails with different layouts. The WesterwaldSteig is 235 kilometres long and runs through the Westerwald in 16 stages. The Druidensteig covers 94 kilometres in seven day stages, passing through seven river valleys and offering more than 30 geo-information points. Their lengths, number of stages and geo-points provide different reference points for planning a tour. Check the current route before setting out.

Another nature attraction is the “Weltende” nature trail in the Kroppacher Schweiz. It runs along narrow trails and natural paths, with some sections secured by wire ropes; along the way, there are views across the Nister Valley. Trail conditions and access may vary seasonally, so check them before your visit.

The Stöffel-Park is a former basalt quarry covering around 140 hectares in the Westerwald, where industrial heritage, geological history and nature come together. The TERTIÄRUM at Stöffel-Park displays fossils, including the famous “Stöffel mouse,” which document around 25 million years of geological history. This wider destination brings both the history of a former quarry and its fossils into focus.

The Westerwald Ceramic Museum presents the history of working with clay. The objects on display mostly originate from a Westerwald clay pit. In the well-equipped museum workshop, visitors can get creative themselves under expert guidance. Check the workshop programme and booking options before your trip.

Hachenburg in the Westerwald also offers its own cultural and culinary attractions: the historic town centre is characterised by restored half-timbered houses around the Alter Markt; the Löwenbrunnen fountain is part of its historic charm. The Hachenburger Erlebnis-Brauerei offers beer experience tours and brewing courses. Individual dates can be arranged by phone; check the brewery’s current booking options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Eitelborn, Höhn, Rehe, Dehlingen, Neustadt/Westerwald, Welschneudorf, Brandscheid, Montabaur

Back to the wider travel overview: Westerwald.