Malberg: Landscape and Early Settlement

Malberg is part of Moschheim, lies near Montabaur and reaches a height of 422 metres. This distinctive hill offers a tangible starting point for exploring the landscape and history: there is evidence of prehistoric settlement at Malberg, including a late Iron Age ringwall. The Romans later occupied and destroyed it. The elevation and archaeological find thus represent two different aspects of the area.

WR9: A Moderate Circular Route

The WR9 circular route starts at the car park at Malberg. Near Moschheim, it crosses the Aubach and then continues through the surrounding Westerwald countryside. The route is rated moderate. Check the trail conditions and signage before setting out.

Ton Processing as a Local Focus

Moschheim has a long tradition of ton processing, associated with the Kannenbäckerstraße. The MKM Steinzeugkrugfabrik is considered the only remaining stoneware jug factory in the Westerwald. Together with the traces of settlement at Malberg, this offers a multifaceted picture: archaeological history and ton processing provide distinct points of interest. Anyone interested in the area's cultural history can explore these two topics as separate ways of getting to know Moschheim, rather than discovering it only through its landscape or the circular route.

In the Wider Westerwald Destination

The wider Westerwald destination also brings together themes from geology, industrial history and craftsmanship. Stöffel Park covers a former basalt quarry site of around 140 hectares, bringing together industrial heritage, geological history and nature. The TERTIÄRUM at Stöffel Park displays fossils, including the famous “Stöffel Mouse”, which document around 25 million years of geological history. The Westerwald Ceramic Museum offers another perspective: it explores the history of working with ton, and most of the objects on display originate from a Westerwald ton pit. In the well-equipped museum workshop, visitors can get creative themselves under expert guidance. Check the current workshop programme and booking conditions before your trip.

The Westerwald landscape can also be seen in its varied landforms. At 657 metres, Fuchskaute is the highest elevation in the Westerwald. Holzbach Gorge, by contrast, is a breakthrough valley about one kilometre long, with basalt walls up to 30 metres high. The Westerwald Lake District provides another natural setting and comprises seven ponds. These facts describe different scales: a highest elevation, a valley with high basalt walls, and a natural area with several ponds.

For longer hikes, the WesterwaldSteig and Druidensteig offer different distances and stage details. The WesterwaldSteig runs for 235 kilometres through the Westerwald and has 16 stages; check the details in the current route planner before setting off. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometres over seven day stages through seven river valleys and offers more than 30 geo-information points. As its interpretive infrastructure may change over time, it is a good idea to check the latest route information. By comparison, WR9 is described as a moderate circular route that starts at the car park at Malberg.

Hachenburg also adds urban history and brewing culture to the region's cultural offering. Its historic town centre in the Westerwald is characterised by restored half-timbered houses around the Alter Markt; the Löwenbrunnen is also part of its historic atmosphere. The Hachenburger Erlebnis-Brauerei offers beer experience tours and brewing courses. Individual appointments can be arranged by phone; check the brewery directly for current booking options.

Discover more destinations: Molsberg, Nistertal, Westernohe, Mörsbach, Hillscheid, Dernbach, Montabaur, Bad Marienberg

Back to the wider travel overview: Westerwald.