Betzdorf is one of those towns that’s on the edge of the refreshing Westerwald, easily reached by the A3, A45, and A48 Autobahn. Driving’s REALLY fast on the Autobahn in Germany, so you’ll be here in no time flat.
That being said, most (OK, almost ALL) of the sightseeing around this town is done within the Westerwald.
Betzdorf does have a few things you’ll need to see before heading off into the forest, though, like Little Red Riding Hood or Hansel & Gretel. The church of St. Ignatius is a good start; and you’ll find many of those famous half timbered houses from the 19th century on Castle Road. A World War I Memorial is located on Rainstraße.
Wait, don’t go getting lost in the Westerwald yet. If you’re here visiting at the beginning of September there’s the Betzdorf City Celebration and a Farmers Market (always a good place for the freshest fruits & veggies). Then there’s the Barbarafest only a few weeks later at the beginning of October.
Plus, spring time brings the Geranium Celebration in May (for you non-green thumb people, geraniums are flowers). If you don’t want to grow anything, there are always concerts and theater performances to attend. And come in February for the big Carnival celebration right before Lent.
OK, you’ve earned the right now to come see the low mountain range Westerwald, which is one of the most famous forest areas in all of Germany. It’s filled with wide open fields, meadows, rock formations, and even Celtic ruins.
Just a hint though, Betzdorf is along the River Sieg which is the northern border of the Westerwald, which is super big. You won’t be able to see all of it in a day — but, camping is always a good idea.
OK, maybe not if you like room service and indoor plumbing like me (in fact, I actually like both); and the Westerwald is so awesome that even I’d give it a shot to rough it.
