For arguments sake, let’s say this wonderful article on Hachenburg is supposed to be on the town. But, really, it isn’t fair to leave out the thirty-two (yeah, 32) other towns and villages that make up the Collective Municipality of Hachenburg, found in the Westerwald.
I’m not adding all these other towns in to fill in space — nothing could be further from the truth. There’s a whole bunch of stuff to do around here; and one of my favorites is the beer garden in the Abtei Marientstatt.
This isn’t your average medieval Cistercian monastery, mind you. You can imbibe at the Marienstatter Brauhaus, or spend a few nights at its Guesthouse. Just remember, this is Germany, so when they say that dinner’s at 6:00 pm — they don’t mean 6:05. ;-)
The huge monastery complex isn’t the only thing to catch your attention. Hachenburg is full of half-timbered houses; even the local Tourist Office is located in one that used to be the former Town Hall. You’ll find a whole bunch of the fairytale looking buildings along the pedestrian zone on Wilhelmstraße, OK?
Keep an eye out for the Steinerne Haus, once the only stone building in all of Hachenburg (and it dates back to 1439).
Hachenburg Castle is much older than that, although you’d never guess it these days. It was originally constructed as a fortress in the 12th century — and has since been rebuilt a number of times over the years. Oh, and the Castle Garden is just lovely.
We’re not even done half of what Hachenburg (the town) has to offer, but I thought it might be nice to give a shout-out to some of its other towns. What can I tell you? Oh yes, there are more half-timbered houses to be found in Heimborn, and in Dreifelden you’ll find an 11th century Romanesque church. I think you’ll love the frescoes in the 13th century church over in Höchstenbach, too.
As for festivals, you’ll find them taking place all over Hachenburg (both the town and municipality). Over in Limbach there’s a Bridge Festival (2nd Saturday in July); a May Festival in Giesenhausen, and a Folk Festival (2nd weekend of August) and Catherine Market (in November) in Hachenburg proper.
All that’s missing is a scenic route, right? Nope, that’s here too — the Westerwaldsteig comes right though, so get on some hiking shoes and walk, walk, walk.
Whether you’re talking about the town or collective municipality of Hachenburg, you’re going to enjoy everything about it. Trust me, I know these things. ;-)
