Discover the Westerwald: landscape, geology and culture

Compare hiking trails by length and stages

The WesterwaldSteig is a 235-kilometre long-distance hiking trail through the Westerwald with 16 stages. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometres in seven daily stages through seven river valleys. There are more than 30 geo-information points along its route. These figures make it possible to compare the scope of the two hiking trails: the WesterwaldSteig is longer, while the Druidensteig focuses on geology.

If you are planning a hike, check the length and stages of the WesterwaldSteig in the current route planner again before setting off. The interpretive features along the Druidensteig may also change, so check the current status of its geo-information points in advance.

Basalt landscapes and natural areas

At 657 metres, the Fuchskaute is the highest elevation in the Westerwald. The Holzbach Gorge offers a different landscape: this breakthrough valley, about one kilometre long, has basalt walls up to 30 metres high. A natural area with seven ponds lies in the Westerwälder Seenplatte. Along the Wied, there are idyllic views and unspoilt nature. These details offer different perspectives on the landscape, from a high point to a sculpted valley, ponds and river views.

Geological history, crafts and townscapes

The Stöffel Park covers around 140 hectares of a former basalt quarry site in the Westerwald. Industrial heritage, geological history and nature come together here. The TERTIÄRUM displays fossils, including the famous “Stöffel mouse”, which documents around 25 million years of geological history. The Stöffel Park therefore offers a look both at the site’s former use as a quarry and at its fossils and long geological history.

The Westerwald Ceramics Museum is dedicated to the history of working with clay. The objects on display usually originated in a Westerwald clay pit. Visitors can get creative themselves in a well-equipped museum workshop under expert guidance. If you would like to include this hands-on activity, check the current workshop programme and booking terms before your trip.

In Hachenburg, restored half-timbered houses around the Alter Markt shape the historic town centre; the Löwenbrunnen fountain is also part of its historic atmosphere. The Hachenburg Erlebnis-Brauerei offers beer experience tours and brewing courses. Individual appointments can be arranged by telephone. If you are planning a visit, ask the brewery directly about its current booking arrangements. This lets you explore two different aspects of Hachenburg: its historic townscape and insights into the brewery and beer.

Planning information

The Hoher Westerwald Tourist Information Centre provides information about sights, excursion destinations, hiking, cycling and Nordic walking tours, guided hikes and winter sports. It also sells tickets for the “Herbstlabyrinth” stalactite cave, among other things. If you are looking for more information on these topics, the Tourist Information Centre can be a useful contact point. Information services and ticket packages are operational details, so check the latest information before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Meudt, Hachenburg, Hellenhahn-Schellenberg, Pottum, Winnen, Bilkheim, Höhn, Kölbingen, Guckheim, Westernohe, Neustadt/Westerwald, Steinebach An Der Wied, Oberahr, Korb, Mudenbach, Dreifelden, Kroppach, Luckenbach, Mörsbach, Stahlhofen Am Wiesensee, Bad Marienberg, Dreisbach, Freilingen, Niedersayn, Westerburg, Liebenscheid, Lautzenbrücken, Brandscheid, Neuhochstein, Steinen, Gehlert, Atzelgift, Astert, Rennerod, Kundert, Elbingen, Alpenrod, Dehlingen, Wahlrod, Stockum-Püschen, Nisterau, Höchstenbach, Molsberg, Wallmerod, Limbach

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