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Scenic view of a rocky structure at sunset with forested landscape

The Druidensteig – Germany’s most beautiful walking route 2026

Hike along Germany’s longest certified geo-route from the Siegtal to the Westerwald and, over 94 kilometres and seven daily stages, discover seven river valleys, a wealth of geological features, charming views and beautiful places to explore.

The certified long-distance hiking trail takes its name from the Druidenstein, a unique basalt formation that has been designated a National Geotope.

Our Druidensteig has been named ‘Germany’s most beautiful walking trail 2026’

The Druidensteig in the Westerwald has been voted number one in the hiking magazine’s poll for ‘Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trail 2026’.

Hiking on the Druidensteig

The Druidensteig offers you over 30 geo-information points with insights into the mining history and geological features of the region. Immerse yourself in the Westerwald-Lahn-Taunus Geopark and explore the mining museum in Herdorf-Sassenroth, the Bindweide visitor mine and the Westerwald Landscape Museum. Outstanding highlights of the trail with its marvellous panoramic views are the Ottoturm, the Steinerother Kopf and the Barbaraturm.  

You hike through a varied landscape with lush, species-rich forests and in an area rich in springs and water. The towns and villages along the trail blend harmoniously into the landscape, convey a sense of closeness to the land and its people and offer you rest and refreshment stops on every stage. The return to the starting point is possible on every section thanks to the good bus and train connections.

Welcome to the Druidensteig!

Why the Druidensteig is one of Germany’s most beautiful walking trails

1. Experience the natural diversity of the Westerwald 
The Druidensteig leads through dense forests, over ridges and through tranquil valleys. As a walking route in the Westerwald, it combines the experience of nature, tranquillity and sweeping views.

2. A multi-day tour with varied stages 
At around 94 kilometres in length and comprising seven stages, the Druidensteig is an ideal multi-day tour. The varied routes offer special experiences for leisurely walkers and ambitious hiking enthusiasts alike.

3. Unique geology – Germany’s longest certified geotrail 
The Druidensteig is Germany’s longest certified geotrail. The Druidenstein, an impressive basalt formation and a National Geotope, gave the long-distance hiking trail its name. Along the route, geo-information points invite you to discover the geological features and mining history of the Westerwald.

4. Certified quality hiking trail
The Druidensteig meets high quality standards in terms of route guidance, signposting and infrastructure – a hiking trail that inspires lasting enthusiasm.

5. The Westerwald experience at every kilometre 
The Druidensteig stands for authentic hiking in the Westerwald: nature, tranquillity and regional hospitality.

Hiking the Druidensteig in 5 days

Seven stages, five days of walking and plenty of Westerwald experiences: the Druidensteig is ideal for a varied multi-day hike. The following route shows one possible itinerary, including accommodation options and a relaxed return journey by train.

This way, you can hike the entire Druidensteig without any transfers and discover the diversity of the northern Westerwald at your own pace.

Your 5-day hike on the Druidensteig:

Day 1: From Freusburg to Kirchen-Katzenbach
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Start: Freusburg
Finish: Kirchen-Katzenbach
Route: Etappe 1 + 6 km der Etappe 2
Distance: ca. 16,5 km

As you set off on the 5-day hike along the Druidensteig, you can look forward to breathtaking views, fascinating traces of mining history and special moments along the trail in the Siegtal valley. From Freusburg, perched high above the Siegtal valley, the route first leads to Kirchen, where you can enjoy the view from the Alexanderhöhe. The route then continues past the Freusburger Mühle and along scenic paths to Katzenbach, where the XXL bench ‘Druidenrast’ invites you to take a special break whilst taking in the surrounding views.

Overnight stay:
Hotel zum Weißen Stein

 

Day 2: From Kirchen-Katzenbach to Daaden
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Start: Kirchen-Katzenbach
Finish: Daaden
Route: 11 km der Etappe 2 + Etappe 3
Distance: ca. 24 km

This stage of the Druidensteig takes you to some of the trail’s best-known highlights. From Katzenbach, the route leads to the GeoBlick viewpoint at the Ottoturm, with its impressive views across the Sieg Valley and the Westerwald. Via the historic Way of the Cross, you’ll reach the legendary Druidenstein – the national geotope that gives the Druidensteig its name. Afterwards, in Sassenroth and on the onward route to Daaden, you’ll encounter numerous traces of the region’s mining history, which continue to shape the character of this area to this day.

Overnight stay:
Hotel Gasthof Koch

Day 3: From Daaden to Betzdorf
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Start: Daaden
Finish: Betzdorf
Route: Etappe 4 + Etappe 5
Distance: ca. 27 km

The longest stage of the 5-day hike along the Druidensteig takes you right into the heart of the Westerwald’s geological and cultural diversity. Passing Elkenrother Weiher, crossing the trail’s highest plateau and travelling through former basalt and mining regions, you’ll experience the unique blend of nature, history and fascinating geological sites all the way to Betzdorf.

Overnight stay:
Hotel Breidenbacher Hof

Day 4 (Option 1): From Betzdorf to Kloster Marienstatt
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Start: Betzdorf
Finish: Kloster Marienstatt
Route: Etappe 6 + 10 km der Etappe 7
Distance: ca. 20 km

On this stage, the Duidensteig takes you over scenic heights through the varied landscape of the northern Westerwald. Passing traces of historic basalt and ore mining, you’ll reach Steinebach an der Sieg, home to a special highlight: the Bindweide mine, where the region’s mining history comes to life. From there, the route climbs up to the Barbara Tower, offering impressive views into the distance, and continues through the Westerwald countryside to Kloster Marienstatt.

Overnight stay: Kloster Marienstatt

Day 5 (Option 1): From Kloster Marienstatt to Hachenburg
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Start: Kloster Marienstatt
Finish: Hachenburg
Route: ca. 6,5 km der Etappe 7
Disntance: ca. 6,5 km

From Kloster Marienstatt and through the Kleine Holzbach Gorge, the route leads to the historic ‘Lion Town’ of Hachenburg, where the multi-day tour comes to an end after five eventful days of walking.

From here, you can easily take the train back to the starting point in Freusburg or extend your stay with an extra night’s accommodation in Hachenburg.

Accommodation options in Hachenburg:

Hotel zur Krone

Hotel Friedrich

Parkhotel

Boutique Hotel

Hotel Hormann

Day 4 (Option 2): From Betzdorf to Gebhardshain
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Start: Betzdorf
Finish: Gebhardshain
Route: Etappe 6 + 2,5 km Route from Steinebach/Sieg to Gebhardshain
Distance: ca. 12 km

On this stage, the Duidensteig takes you through the varied landscape of the northern Westerwald, taking in panoramic views from the heights. Passing traces of historic basalt and ore mining, you’ll reach Steinebach an der Sieg, home to a special highlight: the Bindweide mine, where the region’s mining history comes to life.

Overnight stay:
Hotel Westerwälder Hof

Day 5 (Option 2): From Gebhardshain to Hachenburg
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Start: Gebhardshain
Finish: Hachenburg
Route: 2,5 km Route from Gebhardshain to Steinebach/Sieg + Etappe 7
Distance: ca. 19 km

The final stage of the Druidensteig once again takes in some of the hike’s most special highlights: from the Grube Bindweide visitor mine, the route climbs up to the Barbaraturm, which offers impressive views into the distance, and continues through the Westerwald countryside. Passing Marienstatt Abbey and through the Kleine Holzbach Gorge, the route finally leads to the historic ‘Löwenstadt’ (Lion Town) of Hachenburg, where the multi-day tour ends after five eventful days of walking.

From here, you can easily take the train back to the starting point in Freusburg or extend your stay with an extra night’s accommodation in Hachenburg.

Accommodation options in Hachenburg:

Hotel zur Krone

Hotel Friedrich

Parkhotel

Boutique Hotel

Hotel Hormann

 

Holzgebäude mit Fenstern, Balkon und auffälliger Beschilderung

Accommodation along the Druidensteig

Plan your stages on the Druidensteig trail in a relaxed manner – with suitable accommodation along the route! Whether you are looking for a cosy hotel along the way or a host with luggage transfer and shuttle service: you will find all the options at a glance on our overview page.

Find accommodation on the Druidensteig now

Schwarz-weißes Logo mit geometrischen Formen und Kreuz

Waymarking for the stages of the Druidensteig

The Druidensteig stages are all signposted with a clearly visible logo, so you can always find your way easily whilst out and about. Simply follow the markings and enjoy the varied routes.

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