Hiking in Germany has never been so beautiful!

The Westerwald covers approximately 3,000 square kilometers, inviting hikers of all ages to use all their senses to soak in its beautiful surroundings, its attractive destinations and the atmosphere of its forests and valleys. The best way to do this is on foot. Why? Because the act of hiking gradually opens up the landscape to the viewer at the rhythm of their own steps. 

Our hiking trails in the Westerwald

16406 km
300 h

Westerwald-Steig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid (East - West)

Moderate
4.8 h
16 km
506 hm
0 hm
The first stage of this trail starts in Herborn's market square and leads around the Dollenberg mountain into the Ambach Valley and on to Neuhaus. The trail continues through the Donsbach Valley, then follows the bird park to Uckersdorf, where it leaves the village in the direction of Gonkelrain. It climbs over the Kramberg and continues along the slopes of the Mühlberg mountain to Erdbach, with its 'Zeitsprünge' museum. Highlights of the tour are the Große and Kleine Steinkammer caves between Erdbach and Breitscheid, as well as the 'Herbstlabyrinth' limestone caves just before Breitscheid.

Westerwald-Steig Stage 16: Waldbreitbach - Bad Hönningen (East - West)

Difficult
3.8 h
12 km
256 hm
0 hm
The Westerwald-Steig trail passes the St Joseph House in Hausen and heads over the Malberg mountain to the Rhine. The 373m high Malberg looks like a crater, but its lake is not volcanic – it was created by the former basalt mine here. You can ski here in the winter, but the ski hut is open all year round to cater for hikers. The Westerwald-Steig trail ends in Rheinbrohl with one more highlight – the RömerWelt living Roman history museum.

Wiedweg 01. Stage Linden - Höchstenbach

Moderate
3.9 h
16 km
40 hm
0 hm
The Wiedquelle rises under the roots of a centuries-old beech tree. From there we start and accompany the Wied in the direction of Dreifelden, where we can marvel at the oldest stone church in the Westerwald, the Trinity Church. On the banks of the Dreifelder Weiher, the largest body of water in the Westerwald lake district, we take a break on one of the benches, let our souls dangle and enjoy the breathtaking landscape. We follow the Wiedweg and leave the Dreifelder Weiher nature reserve in the direction of Oberes Wiedtal, where we come to the Steinebach sculpture park

Wäller Tour Augst

Moderate
5.0 h
14 km
381 hm
0 hm
14 kilometres through the historiccultural landscape of the Augst bringme wonderful views and interesting sights. I startat the Neuhäusel-Ost hikers' car parkand reach the excellently marked premium trail. I head south alongmeadow paths in a southerly direction andenjoy the landscape. Natural paths lead through the floodplains of theof the Binnbach. There is a smallclimb before the forest. Then I hike up the Schlossberg to the accessibleSporkenburg ruins from the 11thfrom the 11th century. Thenthen descend along the Theilenbach stream to the L 329.I come across a farm track,I follow it in the direction of Arzbach across meadows and pastures. I satisfy my hunger in the old brewery. NowI climb up the Mühlberg, which I caneasier with the help of my trekkingeasier with my trekking poles. Wide views,including the watchtowers of theof the Limes, reward the effort. AtKadenbach there is a rest areawith a barbecue hut. The trail continues uphillto the "Maria in der Augst" chapel, which was only built in 1999/2000. Alast look at the surroundings andI walk back through the forestto the starting point.

Wäller Tour Brexbachschluchtweg (round tour - premium hiking trail)

Difficult
5.0 h
16 km
282 hm
0 hm
The Brexbach Gorge Trail leads us from wide heights with distant views to the Brexbach Valley. Idyllic forests, bubbling waters and a constant change of scenery provide excitement along the way. Again and again we cross the track of the Brexbach Valley Railway and admire the venerable viaducts. And the Grenzau ruins crown the tour with a touch of medieval flair...

Wäller Tour Elberthöhen

Moderate
5.0 h
16 km
315 hm
0 hm
The tour through the wooded and meadowy Stelzenbach valley near Montabaur offers pure nature. I start at the Hollerer Straße hikers' car park in Niederelbert. The next destination is the "Steinkaut" vantage point with its wide steps. In the forest, I learn a lot about the forest habitat on the bio-trail. Then I reach the Wolfskirchhof. The last wolf in the Westerwald was killed here in 1886. Mixed forest and wide fields follow. A trail takes me to Dielkopf. Behind Welschneudorf, I walk through a semi-open pasture landscape, later with fish ponds on the right. A small access path takes me to Oberelbert. I then walk past the Forellenhof and through the Stelzenbach valley into the forest. I walk uphill and stand below the "Rötchen" at the highest point of the path. Here is the wonderful wayside shrine "Maria Hilf" and in good weather I can see as far as the Taunus. The path leads me downhill from the "Hähnchen" hill to Niederelbert. The church is my last stop before I reach the hikers' car park.

Bad Marienberg - Kleiner Wäller "Wolfsteine" - walking trail

Moderate
2.0 h
7 km
129 hm
0 hm
The Kleine Wäller Wolfsteine is a great circular hike for families and all hikers who love variety. The tour starts at the Bad Marienberg Wildlife Park, from where it follows forest paths to the Small and Large Wolfstones. Here you should take the time to read the legend of the Wolfsteine on the information board. The path leads over the Marienberger Höhe to the town centre. The spa park with its apothecary garden and barefoot path is definitely worth a stop. There are many places to stop for refreshments in the town centre, so you can start the last third of the hike well fortified. Continue towards the basalt park. Here you will find information boards about basalt mining in earlier times. The path leads past the basalt lake and the park's imposing basalt wall steeply uphill towards the wildlife park. Before you reach the game park, you pass the Hedwig Tower. Here you can enjoy the view over the Westerwald at the end of the hike.

WesterwaldSteig adventure loop "Romantic Lake District"

Easy
3.8 h
15 km
101 hm
0 hm
First we hike a bit along the Wiedweg in the direction of Dreifelden. Soon we meet the WesterwaldSteig and continue along the largest pond in the lake district, the Dreifelder Weiher. At leisure we watch the hustle and bustle of all kinds of waterfowl on the lake. As soon as we have left the Dreifelder Weiher behind us, we reach the Steinen-Dreifelden forest playground, which our little guests enjoy very much. After a short break, we continue on our way and soon arrive at the Postweiher, which attracts in summer with its varied activities such as swimming and pedal boating. We pass Freilingen and hike exhilarated through meadows and fields to the Wölferlinger Weiher nature reserve. Now it goes up to the 463 m high Schwengersberg, where we enjoy the magnificent view. From Rothenbach, the 7-pond hiking trail takes us back to Dreifelden through an impressive backdrop of indoor forests.
Hiking All hiking trails in the Westerwald To the overview

Quality hiking trails in the Westerwald

The WesterwaldSteig 235 km - 16 varied stages

The WesterwaldSteig, THE hiking trail in the Westerwald, guarantees variety, fun and enjoyment of nature on 235 km and 16 stages. The long-distance hiking trail is certified as a "Wanderbares Deutschland" quality trail by the German Hiking Association and is put through its paces every three years. Quality is the top priority in the Westerwald Hiking Trail!

The WesterwaldSteig is one of the Top Trails of Germany, the best hiking trails in Germany. For all those who want more. More joie de vivre, more adventure, more first-class hiking fun. 

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Westerwald-Steig Stage 1: Herborn - Breitscheid (East - West)

Moderate
4.8 h
16 km
506 hm
0 hm

The first stage of this trail starts in Herborn's market square and leads around the Dollenberg mountain into the Ambach Valley and on to Neuhaus. The trail continues through the Donsbach Valley, then follows the bird park to Uckersdorf, where it leaves the village in the direction of Gonkelrain. It climbs over the Kramberg and continues along the slopes of the Mühlberg mountain to Erdbach, with its 'Zeitsprünge' museum. Highlights of the tour are the Große and Kleine Steinkammer caves between Erdbach and Breitscheid, as well as the 'Herbstlabyrinth' limestone caves just before Breitscheid.

Details

Westerwald-Steig Stage 2: Breitscheid - Fuchskaute (East - West)

Moderate
4.3 h
17 km
274 hm
0 hm

The trail leaves Breitscheid in the direction of the airfield and crosses a wooded ridge, which eventually opens up on a view over the field to the village of Rabenscheid. The trail disappears into the forest again and leads down to the Heisterberger Weiher lake. It follows along the banks of the lake as far as the road to Heisterberg, through a landscape of hedge-lined meadows. You'll hardly notice the gentle ascent up to the highest peak (657m) in the Westerwald.

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Westerwald-Steig Stage 3: Fuchskaute - Rennerod (East - West)

Moderate
2.3 h
9 km
55 hm
0 hm

Passing the Fuchskauten-Scheune restaurant and guesthouse, the trail leads downhill along the slopes at the edge of the forest until it reaches Rehe and the recreation area at the Krombach dam. It then follows a disused railway line as far as the Alsberg military barracks, passing the Hexenbaum, the Botterweck basalt boulder and the three emperor oak trees, before reaching Rennerod.

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WesterwaldSteig experience loops - hikable all around

Discover the WesterwaldSteig adventure loops.

The scenic and adventurous hiking tours in the Westerwald run along existing hiking trails, but do not have any independent markings on site. 

To help you find your way around at all times, you can find detailed tour descriptions and the corresponding maps for free download in our hiking tour planner. Here you can also conveniently download your route as a GPS track.

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WesterwaldSteig adventure loop "Romantic Lake District"

Easy
3.8 h
15 km
101 hm
0 hm

First we hike a bit along the Wiedweg in the direction of Dreifelden. Soon we meet the WesterwaldSteig and continue along the largest pond in the lake district, the Dreifelder Weiher. At leisure we watch the hustle and bustle of all kinds of waterfowl on the lake. As soon as we have left the Dreifelder Weiher behind us, we reach the Steinen-Dreifelden forest playground, which our little guests enjoy very much. After a short break, we continue on our way and soon arrive at the Postweiher, which attracts in summer with its varied activities such as swimming and pedal boating. We pass Freilingen and hike exhilarated through meadows and fields to the Wölferlinger Weiher nature reserve. Now it goes up to the 463 m high Schwengersberg, where we enjoy the magnificent view. From Rothenbach, the 7-pond hiking trail takes us back to Dreifelden through an impressive backdrop of indoor forests.

Details

WesterwaldSteig adventure loop "Fuchsbau, Arnika and Bergeshöhe" (Foxhole, Arnica and Mountain Heights)

Difficult
4.8 h
18 km
270 hm
0 hm

-ATTENTION: The starting point at the Fuchskaute can no longer be approached since 2021. Alternatively, the following starting points are available: Breitscheid airfield Heisterberger Weiher campsite Our adventure loop starts at the Fuchskaute. At 657 metres, the Fuchskaute is the highest elevation in the Westerwald. Only a few metres from the former inn, the two top trails WesterwaldSteig and Rothaarsteig meet, where our official starting point for this circular tour is also located. But now it's time to hike along the Rothaarsteig in the direction of Rabenscheid. The horizontal R on a white background shows us the way through the peaceful Fuchskaute nature reserve. We see a meadow landscape with scattered trees, which is otherwise more typical of the Alpine foothills or Allgäu. Especially in autumn, when the early morning mist slowly rises and the dew still hangs in the grasses, we experience a unique natural experience. The constant change between forest and meadow landscapes provides the hiker with calming views over the rolling hills of the High Westerwald again and again. Shortly after Rabenscheid, the Rothaarsteig turns left towards Langenaubach. Now we have to be on our guard, because shortly afterwards we also leave the Rothaarsteig and hike along the Rothaarsteig access path (lying R on a yellow background) in the direction of Breitscheid. Before Breitscheid and at the same time at the height of the Breitscheid landing site, we meet the WesterwaldSteig at signpost BRE.002, which will now be our companion for the entire length to the starting point with its green W on a white background. However, we first walk along the WesterwaldSteig past the Breitscheid airfield, which is used for civilian purposes. Here you also have the opportunity to take to the air for a short while and view the landscape from above. Today it is difficult for hikers to imagine that during the Second World War Luftwaffe fighters took off from here and that history was made in this respect. Only a few contemporary witnesses remind us of this. After leaving the airfield, we walk again and further through the typical cultural landscape of the High Westerwald, with gently undulating basalt plateaus, the open landscapes and associated windbreak hedges. These spruce strips were planted between 1835 and 1838 as protection against the much-sung about Westerwald wind. They were intended to protect the farmland from erosion and the harvest from storm damage. The route continues along the protective hedges over the volcanic rock Bartenstein to the Heisterberg pond, through the Bermershube nature reserve with wetland biotopes and flower meadows. Willowherb, common ragwort and deer elder blossom here. The large proportion of open landscape on this section of the trail also provides the hiker with constant great views all the way to our starting point, the Fuchskaute.

Details

WesterwaldSteig adventure loop "Marienthal Monastery and the End of the World

Difficult
3.5 h
12 km
352 hm
0 hm

The circular tour starts at the hikers' car park in Marienthal. It goes up to the Sonnenberg with a resting place with a beautiful view. Immediately below, you can see the village of Ahlhausen, whose hilltop was once inhabited by Celts. Excavations here have proven the former existence of a refuge. One of the highlights of this adventure loop is the charming and alpine nature trail Weltende, which crosses one of the most beautiful sections of Kroppach Switzerland through untouched coppice woodland along the Nisterbogen in romantic silence. The Weltende trail is a path carved into the rock, where children used to have to walk to school in Stein-Wingert. In the vernacular, it is also referred to as the "end of the world". At Nassen, there is another magnificent view over hilly Kroppach Switzerland. In Marienthal, the pilgrimage church and the historically famous Franciscan monastery of Marienthal await. Legend has it that a shepherd often prayed in silent devotion before an image of Mary he had carved himself, and a first chapel was built for it around 1460. Several miraculous healings and resurrections from death were described, which led to a great pilgrimage and a church was built in 1494. A Franciscan monastery was founded in 1666. Retreats and educational events are still held here today. In addition, numerous pilgrims and processions also visit the place of grace. In Marienthal there are several places to stop for a leisurely end to the hike.

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On the way on a quality trail: from the source to the estuary

The Wiedweg

On the way on a quality trail: from the source to the estuary 

Just in time for the 2022 hiking season, the Wiedweg has now been certified as another Wanderbares Deutschland quality trail in the Westerwald. 

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Wiedweg 01. Stage Linden - Höchstenbach

Moderate
3.9 h
16 km
40 hm
0 hm

The Wiedquelle rises under the roots of a centuries-old beech tree. From there we start and accompany the Wied in the direction of Dreifelden, where we can marvel at the oldest stone church in the Westerwald, the Trinity Church. On the banks of the Dreifelder Weiher, the largest body of water in the Westerwald lake district, we take a break on one of the benches, let our souls dangle and enjoy the breathtaking landscape. We follow the Wiedweg and leave the Dreifelder Weiher nature reserve in the direction of Oberes Wiedtal, where we come to the Steinebach sculpture park

Details

Wiedweg Stage 2 Höchstenbach - Altenkirchen

Moderate
5.0 h
16 km
199 hm
0 hm

I'm looking forward to the second stage of the Wiedweg because it promises to be very varied. At the beginning of the hike, the late Romanesque, Protestant parish church of St. George in Höchstenbach fascinates me with its wall paintings from the 13th century. For about five hours I mostly follow the course of the Wied, also through the landscape protection area "Im Dorn" on the southern edge of Altenkirchen with its species and varied flora and fauna. In Michelbach, I marvel at the Michelbach mill, which still today, powered by the water power of the Wied, grinds up to 110 tons of wheat a day. With its six grinders, it is one of the largest mills in the region. The Mühlengraben is also still used (today for power generation). My highlight is the Bismarck Tower, which was restored in 2010. It is a monument and landmark of Altenkirchen at the same time and, at a height of 14 metres, offers a great view of the landscape in the northern Westerwald. (Information and opening hours: www.bismarckturm-ak.de) My hiking stage ends again at a Romanesque basilica worth seeing, this time in Almersbach. From here, only 1.5 km separate me from Altenkirchen train station.

Details

Wiedweg 03. Etappe Altenkirchen - Oberlahr

Moderate
5.0 h
16 km
163 hm
0 hm

I enjoy the varied hike through the Rhine-Westerwald Nature Park and the alternation between lush meadows directly on the river and cooling forests on the ridges. On the way, I pass the Obernauer Kopf (265 m) into Raiffeisenland, named after the famous social reformer Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen, who founded the cooperative idea here during his lifetime. Passing Seelbach and Seifen, the route continues to Döttesfeld, where the Holzbach, the largest tributary, flows into the Wied. At the rushing Holzbach, a Kneipp water treading facility has been set up directly in the stream - a refreshment that tired hikers' feet will enjoy. The neighboring barefoot path also promises a welcome change. An interesting extra of this tour is the 12th century basilica in Almersbach at the beginning. It welcomes me with a great location on a protruding ridge above the Wiedtal in the center of old trees and with amazing, well-preserved fresco paintings. At the stage destination Oberlahr I find not only beautiful half-timbered houses, but also the imposing parish church of St. Antonius on the village square.

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Wäller Touren - day and circular hiking trails in the Westerwald.

Immerse yourself in the regional diversity of the Westerwald hiking region! Here, varied routes and numerous highlights shake hands.

Hike the Westerwald on certified day tours between 9 and 22 kilometres in length, mostly in the form of circular trails.

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Wäller Tour Eisenbachtal (round tour - premium hiking trail)

Easy
3.5 h
9 km
157 hm
0 hm

A wonderful trail with undeniable recreational qualities is located northwest of Nomborn in the Eisenbach Valley. Forest and water provide a pleasant microclimate here, especially on hot days. After starting at the hiking parking lot of the Studentenmühle, the trail leads along the Eisenbach through shady woods to the "Bildches Eich". Here, a small forest chapel from 1963 and a hollowed oak tree with a statue of the Virgin Mary from 1830 await the hiker. Back along the Holbach, where two mills invite you to rest at the end of the circular path.

Details

Wäller Tour Raiffeisens Sonntagsspaziergang - Hamm (Sieg)

Easy
1.8 h
7 km
77 hm
0 hm

Details

Wäller Tour Augst

Moderate
5.0 h
14 km
381 hm
0 hm

14 kilometres through the historiccultural landscape of the Augst bringme wonderful views and interesting sights. I startat the Neuhäusel-Ost hikers' car parkand reach the excellently marked premium trail. I head south alongmeadow paths in a southerly direction andenjoy the landscape. Natural paths lead through the floodplains of theof the Binnbach. There is a smallclimb before the forest. Then I hike up the Schlossberg to the accessibleSporkenburg ruins from the 11thfrom the 11th century. Thenthen descend along the Theilenbach stream to the L 329.I come across a farm track,I follow it in the direction of Arzbach across meadows and pastures. I satisfy my hunger in the old brewery. NowI climb up the Mühlberg, which I caneasier with the help of my trekkingeasier with my trekking poles. Wide views,including the watchtowers of theof the Limes, reward the effort. AtKadenbach there is a rest areawith a barbecue hut. The trail continues uphillto the "Maria in der Augst" chapel, which was only built in 1999/2000. Alast look at the surroundings andI walk back through the forestto the starting point.

Details

Kleine Wäller - walking (hiking) trails

For strollers who like to stroll and manage less long tours, the Westerwald also has low-barrier walking paths and strolling trails. The "Kleine Wäller" are suitable for those for whom the focus is on relaxing walking without special preparation and equipment, but also for occasional hikers who fancy short tours.

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Small Wäller "Lion track 3 blue" - Hachenburg - walking trail

Moderate
2.2 h
8 km
136 hm
0 hm

The oldest water tank in Hachenburg is located along the trail and the Rothbach Grotto invites you to pause and take a deep breath. In the course of the route, there is a wonderful view of Hachenburg with its baroque castle at the so-called "summit cross". Through the district of the old town with the Hachenburg brewery, hop garden and historic ice cellar, you return to the traditional town center with its old market and golden lion on the fountain. Here you can let your soul dangle, before it goes through the castle garden to the finish point.

Details

Kleiner Wäller "Basalt + Water" - walking trail

Easy
2.0 h
8 km
100 hm
0 hm

My way starts at the parking lot of the Ulmbachtalsperre. Over the dam I walk along the lake into the forest. Soon I discover a geological peculiarity: A comb quartzite cliff - originated from the formerly pure sandy beaches of the Lower Carboniferous period. I follow the Ulmbach over meadow paths and reach the village center of Beilstein with the beautiful basalt castle church from the 17th century. On the left side you will see Beilstein Castle. Once a count's residence, the restored basalt building is now privately owned. My way leads me over the splashing Ulmbach to the BASALT-PARKours, which shows me the many ways of using the stone. On the route of the former Ulmtalbahn railroad, which has been converted into the Ulmtal cycle path, I hike back to the Ulmbach dam, where I can enjoy the idyllic resting places and viewpoints.

Details

Bad Marienberg - Small Wäller "Schwarze Nister" - walking trail

Easy
1.2 h
4 km
80 hm
0 hm

The Kleine Wäller Schwarze Nister is the second walking trail in Bad Marienberg. Here you can stroll leisurely and enjoy nature. And although the tour is only just under 4.5 km long, there is plenty to see, even in autumn and winter. In summer, a Kneipp treading pool or the little river itself offers cooling for feet and legs, and in the Bacher Lay it is always cool anyway. The basalt wall is worth seeing and you can also discover remnants of former basalt mining, always accompanied by the Black Nister. Sometimes it is closer, sometimes a little further away from the path. Back in the city, the Barefoot Trail and Apothecary Garden in the Park of the Senses await your visit.

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Good to know

Where is the best place to hike?

The best hiking routes are the WesterwaldSteig (a certified long-distance hiking trail with 235 km and 16 stages), the Wäller tours (a certified circular or day hike in the Westerwald) and the Kleine Wäller hiking route. You can find more information about the destinations on your hiking routes in the Westerwald.

To the destinations

How long does it take to hike 10 kilometers?

On average, you hike 4 km/h, whereby the altitude profile of the hiking route should always be taken into account. For 10 km you need about 2.5 hours pure walking time.

How many kilometers can one hike in a day?

The distance one can hike in one day depends on one's fitness level, but also on the hiking route and its elevation profile. For inexperienced hikers, we recommend starting with half-day tours.

Enjoy your time in the Westerwald

Hiking
Cycling
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Wellness
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