Neuhochstein: Hochstein, Circular Trails and Local History

Several hiking trails around Neuhochstein pass through the village, via Dreisbach, along fields and meadows or to Kackenberger Stein. Another route leads down into the Nister valley and to the drainage tunnel of the former Alexandria lignite mine.

Hochstein and Kackenberger Stein

Hochstein is a basalt rock formation on Kackenberger Stein that has been designated a natural monument; Kackenberger Stein is also known as Neuhochsteiner Berg. Kackenberger Stein is 525 metres high and the highest elevation in the Westerburger Land region. The stated elevation refers to the hill on which Hochstein is located.

Hochstein Circular Trail and “Basalt and Lignite” Circular Trail

The Höhner 8 includes the 9.8-kilometre Hochstein Circular Trail. It passes through Neuhochstein and runs south of the village along fields and meadows. The route offers fascinating views into the distance. The 22-kilometre “Basalt and Lignite” Circular Trail leads via Dreisbach to Hochstein in Neuhochstein. The different route lengths require different time frames when planning the day; walking time and breaks can be adapted to the chosen route. The Hochstein Circular Trail is shorter than the 22-kilometre circular trail via Dreisbach.

Other Trails by Length

The approximately 20-kilometre Alexandria Trail leads to Hochstein in Neuhochstein. The approximately 14-kilometre “SP8 Kackenberger Stein – Große Nister and Back” circular hike leads to Kackenberger Stein in Neuhochstein. The SP8 circular hike is therefore shorter than the approximately 20-kilometre Alexandria Trail. At 22 kilometres, the “Basalt and Lignite” Circular Trail is also longer than the Alexandria Trail. Distance is a concrete difference when choosing a route in Neuhochstein: the 9.8 kilometres of the Hochstein Circular Trail are less than the approximately 14 kilometres of the SP8 circular hike, while the Alexandria Trail and “Basalt and Lignite” Circular Trail are longer at approximately 20 and 22 kilometres respectively.

Forest, Nister Valley and Lignite History

A shortened, 9-kilometre Kackenberg hike led through the autumnal forest around Höhn. The 9 kilometres of this hike are less than the 9.8 kilometres of the Hochstein Circular Trail. Another hike leads down into the Nister valley and to the drainage tunnel of the former Alexandria lignite mine. The route connects the landscape of the Nister valley with its historical link to the former lignite mine.

Local History

Neuhochstein did not receive its current name until 1927. Earlier names were “Kockenberch” around 1300, “Kockenberg” in 1352 and “Kackenberg” in 1507. The new name was derived from the nearby Hochstein elevation.

Events in the Village

The Waldkirmes fair takes place on Hochstein in summer. In addition, Neuhochstein hosts a St. Martin’s celebration on Friday, 15 November, followed by a St. Martin’s procession. The two events take place in different seasons.

Other places in the surrounding region: Limbach, Dreisbach, Dehlingen, Brandscheid, Elbingen, Dreifelden, Oberahr and Höhn.

For the higher-level travel overview: Westerwald.