Where the eastern Westerwald in Hesse meets up with North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate is just where you’ll find the town of Breitscheid.
As if its topography isn’t enough to entice you to come, what you’ll find underneath just might be. Stick around, you’ll find all other kinds of goodies on top (and below) it all.
The region around Breitscheid is historical enough, graves dating back to the Hallstatt period (around 550 B.C.) have been found in the village of Erdbach — one of Breitscheid’s five.
In my not so humble opinion this village is my favorite, probably because this is where you’ll find the Karstlepfad. It’s a four kilometer hiking trail that’s all about the unique geological features of the area; plus some prehistoric fossils have been found around the area so you might get lucky.
The village of Erdbach is also where you’ll find the Herbstlabyrinth Advenhöhle. Yeah, it’s a mouthful but you’ll be speechless once you see this magnificent cave system that’s said to be one of the largest in Hesse. Whatever, all I know is the cave is over 9,200 meters in length at a depth of 82 meters — as well as being within the National Geopark Westerwald-Lahn-Taunus.
Rather look upwards? Hey, everyone’s got their own opinion — so for you folks come on over to the village of Gusterhain. This village of some 800-plus people sits right at the foot of the Barstein, a local mountain that’s bound to inspire your nature loving side.
Hiking mountains and cave exploration aren’t the only two activities to keep you busy. Let’s see… you could try Nordic Walking, swimming, and cycling.
What’s even better is the winter doesn’t seem to slow anyone down since there are a couple of cross-country skiing trails and winter hiking. Although it’s probably a good idea to wait to BBQ for when the temperature warms up some. ;-)
Anyone wishing to exercise their mind, for you it’s off to the Zeitsprünge, a museum dedicated entirely to the region’s geology, as well having exhibits on archaeological finds, and even a bit about the local railway system’s history. Here’s a museum that’ll truly take you through the ages.
For me, I’ll take the Middle Ages; so I’m all excited about the medieval paintings found at the medieval church in the village of Mendenbach.
Ok, so I’m excited about all its half-timbered houses, too.
All right, I’m excited about all of Breitscheid — just as I know you will be, too.