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Imagine standing on a wide upland plateau, the wind brushing coolly across your face, with a white, untouched expanse stretching out before you. The Westerwald region, located in the heart of Germany, transforms as soon as temperatures drop. Where lush green dominates in summer, the colder months reveal a very special sense of calm and landscape. The bustle of everyday life fades as winter arrives and turns the basalt hills and valleys into a quiet winter wonderland.
Winter hiking tours
WesterwaldSteig 03rd stage Rehe - Rennerod (East-West)
WesterwaldSteig 06th stage Freilingen - Nistertal (East-West)
Westerwald-Steig Stage 7: Nistertal - Bad Marienberg (East - West)
WesterwaldSteig 09th stage Hachenburg - Limbach (East-West)
WesterwaldSteig 11th stage Marienthal Monastery - Weyerbusch (East-West)
WesterwaldSteig 12th Stage Weyerbusch - Flammersfeld (East-West)
Wiedweg 01. Stage Hachenburg - Linden
Wiedweg 07. Etappe Arnsau - Niederbreitbach
For you as a hiker, this low mountain range offers a balanced mix of relaxation and activity. Whether on your own, with friends or with family, perhaps even with a sledge for the children, you will find suitable routes in the Westerwald for different needs. They all share one thing: they slow you down. A winter hike is more than exercise in the fresh air. It helps you step back from everyday life while also doing something for your health. You can choose between longer outings on long distance hiking trails or one of the many short walks designed for compact breaks.
When sun and frost come together, the landscape contrasts become especially clear. Waters of the Westerwald Lake District freeze over, streams form ice sculptures, a often cold wind blows across the open Wäller plateaus, while forests remain sheltered and quiet. Paths lead you through snow covered woodland and across open areas, sometimes on frozen or muddy ground. Good equipment and sure footing are therefore important. This allows you to enjoy the raw, clear winter atmosphere in the heart of nature in a relaxed way, whether on a longer tour or a shorter loop.
If you enjoy being out for longer, seven long distance hiking trails lead towards the Christmas village of Waldbreitbach, for example via the WesterwaldSteig (stages 15 and 16), the Klosterweg, the Wiedweg or the Wäller Tour Bärenkopp. Along the way, you enjoy long distance views from the Weißenfelser Ley and the Roßbacher Häubchen or walk with views across the Rhein Westerwald Nature Park. In addition, other sections of the WesterwaldSteig between Rehe and Rennerod or around Marienthal and Weyerbusch also offer winter wide ranging views, as do circular routes such as the Wäller Tour Iserbachschleife in the Sayn Valley. Those looking for open upland plateaus can plan stages in the Hoher Westerwald around the Fuchskaute, while anyone who prefers lower elevations can focus on sections at the Holzbach Gorge near Seck. With warm boots, a hat and gloves, you are well equipped for longer distances and can feel the cool air intensely as your body gradually settles into the rhythm of movement, regardless of whether you are travelling from the south or another region.
For spontaneous breaks or days with less walking time, the shorter routes are ideal. These trails for crisp cold days include the Kleine Wäller Löwenspur 3, the Wäller Tour Basalt und Buntmetalle, the Kleine Wäller MalbergSeeBlick, as well as the Kleine Wäller Schwarze Nister and the Kleine Wäller Westerburg. Many of these short walks are located near places such as Hachenburg, Bad Marienberg or at the Westerwald Lake District, with routes such as the 7 Weiher Weg or the Kleine Wäller Wolfsteine. They combine easily accessible starting points with compact circular routes and are ideal if you prefer to discover winter in smaller stages, for example as a family outing with children. This leaves enough time to return to the hotel after your walk, enjoy the warmth indoors or clarify questions about the next tour at reception.
The Hachenburg Westerwald is ideal if you are looking for a relaxed winter hike with good infrastructure. Around Hachenburg, family friendly trails such as the Löwenspur Rot await you, while at the Westerwald Lake District routes like the 7 Weiher Weg offer wide views across frozen ponds. In addition, the Water Experience Trail with stations such as the Rothbach Grotto invites you to consciously experience the winter waterscape.
If you are looking for the wild side of winter, the Fuchskaute in the Hoher Westerwald is the right place. As the highest elevation in the region, it offers open upland areas where the vastness of the plateau is especially visible when covered in snow. The Holzbach Gorge near Seck has a completely different character. Here the stream has carved deep into the basalt, and in winter impressive ice and rock formations develop along the narrow path. Sure footing is essential, but you experience the winter landscape at close quarters.
The Kleine Wäller Wolfsteine near Bad Marienberg is a short but varied circular walk. Along the way, you combine nature and experience stations, including the wildlife park with animals in winter coats, the basalt park with insights into the geology of the Westerwald and the Hedwig Tower with views across the surrounding upland landscape. After the walk, Bad Marienberg offers various options for a stop and for warming up.
If you value reliable routing and clear waymarking, the certified trails in the Westerwald are a good choice. Even though not every route is explicitly designated as a winter hiking trail, many of these quality trails offer very solid conditions for tours in the snow thanks to wide paths, clear signage and good accessibility.
On the WesterwaldSteig, certain stages are particularly suitable for winter tours. Between Rehe and Rennerod, stage 3 offers a compact section with views of the Krombachtalsperre reservoir, which can be planned well as a half day hike. Those looking for more elevation choose stage 11 from Marienthal to Weyerbusch with the ascent to the Beulskopf and the view from the Raiffeisenturm tower. Here, wide ranging views and clear winter air combine to create an intensive long distance hiking experience, ideal if you have a bit more stamina.
The Wäller Touren are certified circular hiking trails and therefore ideal for day trips without complex logistics. The Wäller Tour Bärenkopp in the Wied Valley is sporty and rewards you at the summit with wide views across hills and valleys. Significantly longer but very diverse in terms of scenery is the Wäller Tour Iserbachschleife through the Sayn Valley with its stream sections and industrial heritage sites. Both routes can be planned as more demanding day hikes in winter if you are sure footed and keep a close eye on your timing.
Christmas markets in the Westerwald
Waldbreitbach
29.11.2025 - 25.01.2026
Weihnachtsdorf Waldbreitbach
06.12.2025 - 14.12.2025
Christkindchenmarkt Waldbreitbach
Herborn
24.11.2025 - 30.12.2025
Herborner Weihnachtsmarktplatz
Hachenburg
11.12.2025 - 14.12.2025
Nostalgic Christmas market in Hachenburg
13.12.2025
Advent on the farms - Kleeberg Farm
Bad Marienberg ST Zinhain
21.12.2025
Advent auf den Höfen - Flurhof Fischer
Haiger
24.11.2025 - 31.12.2025
Weihnachtsmarkt und Eislauf-Arena Haiger
Hausen/Wied
20.12.2025
Der kleine aber feine Weihnachtsmarkt in der Hausener Dorfmitte
Equipment, safety and the layering principle
To make sure your winter hike is not spoiled by cold or poor preparation, suitable equipment is essential. The key is the layering principle: a base layer that transports moisture away from the skin, an insulating mid layer and a windproof and waterproof outer layer. This allows you to react flexibly to ascents, breaks and changing weather conditions and helps you retain body heat more effectively.
Feet and sure footing are especially important in the Westerwald. Insulated, waterproof boots and good hiking socks keep your toes warm, as long as they are not too tight. On icy paths, for example in the Holzbach Gorge or on shaded sections, lightweight traction aids provide additional grip.
Technology and planning are also part of safety. Carry your phone close to your body so the battery does not drain too quickly in the cold, and take a power bank with you on longer tours. Keep the short daylight hours in mind, start early enough and pack sufficient provisions, ideally including a flask of hot tea so you are well supplied during breaks and climbs.
Which layers are best for winter hiking?
Stick strictly to the layering principle. Base layer: functional underwear that keeps the skin dry, no cotton. Insulating layer: a fleece or wool jumper that retains warmth close to the body. Outer layer: a windproof and waterproof jacket that protects against snow and cold wind. Do not forget a hat and gloves, as a lot of heat is lost through the head.
Where are the best winter hiking trails?
The best trails are often the certified routes, as they are reliably waymarked. The Wäller Touren and the Kleine Wäller routes, such as the Wolfsteine, offer a high standard of quality. Certain sections of the WesterwaldSteig, for example stage 3, are also very suitable in winter. Look out for quality labels such as Qualitätsweg Wanderbares Deutschland to avoid unpleasant surprises.
How far can an untrained person hike?
In winter, you should adjust your expectations slightly. Cold temperatures, heavier clothing and challenging ground require more energy. For beginners, distances of around 5 to 8 kilometres are ideal. This corresponds to about 1.5 to 2.5 hours of walking time. This way, the enjoyment remains high and you avoid overexertion.
Where can you find beautiful winter hiking trails?
The Hoher Westerwald around the Fuchskaute or near Bad Marienberg is particularly snow reliable and scenic. Memorable winter hikes can also be found at the Westerwald Lake District, for example on the 7 Weiher Weg. For an intense nature experience, the Holzbach Gorge is a good option, provided you have sure footing.
What do I need for winter hiking?
In addition to warm clothing, sturdy waterproof hiking boots are essential. Your rucksack should include a flask with a hot drink, energy rich snacks and a fully charged phone for emergencies. A head torch is important in case dusk arrives sooner than expected. Hiking poles with snow baskets provide extra stability on snowy ground.
