Germany’s Westerwald isn’t just a wonderful vacation destination; it is actually eight wonderful vacation destinations rolled into one. The eight distinct areas within Westerwald provide wonderful diversity for vacationers of all interests. You’re sure to find a Westerwald vacation perfect for you!
If your idea of vacation fun includes hiking through Alpine landscapes which appear to have leapt from the pages of “Heidi,” you’ll love the Westerwald Lake Plateau (Westerwälder Seenplatte) of Kroppacher Schweiz. See all the District’s seven man-made 17th-century lakes by hiking the 20 miles of the Seven Lake Path, or hire a pedal boat to explore one or two of them more closely.
If you love to fish, you owe it to yourself to visit the Lake Plateau in October, when the lakes are drained before winter. The fishing is never more abundant, and the eating which follows will be some of the best of your life!
The Raiffeisenland region of the Lower Westerwald is honeycombed with hiking trails which pass through an historically rich area. You’ll see the Limes border wall built in Roman times, as well as ancient abbeys and castles, mills, and churches.
Would you like to see where the white clay responsible for the success of the great porcelain producers of Germany comes from? Head for Kannenbäckerland, which has the largest clay deposits in Europe. Take a day to throw and fire your own pot at one of the area’s many amateur potteries. You can also visit the town of Höhr-Grenzhausen for an education at its Ceramics Museum.
Are you a fan of high places? Climb the 657-meter/2155-foot Fuchskaute (Fox Hollow) in Hessian Westerwald. You’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking vista of Germany’s Hesse region to the east. Hesse is a culturally rich state. Among the historical town of Hadamar it’s an uplifting place to see the baroque architecture and half-timbered houses so typical of this part of Germany.
Nestled between the Rhinish city of Neuwied and the Wied River Valley is the 227-square mile Rhein-Westerwald Nature Park. In Neuwied is the Abbey of Rommersdorf, dating back to the 12th century. Time your visit to enjoy one of the marvelous concerts hosted by the Foundation Board of Villa Musica. They are held in the Castle of Engers on the bank of the Rhine.
Do your vacation plans include a spa getaway? Westerwald’s Nature Park Spa region offers both the Rengsdorf and Ehlscheid Spas. In addition to their hot and cold therapies, the spas have cycling and hiking trails to provide plenty of fresh highland air!
Altenkirchen (Westerwald) is home to the birthplace of the beloved social reformer Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen. He was largely responsible for creating Germany’s system of co-operative credit unions and banks. Follow his life’s journey by traveling between the different towns in this area.
In Westerwald’s Gelbachtal Valley, saddle up for a week of trail riding. You’ll visit the historic Bruchhäuser Mill and enjoy a falconry exhibition. Indulge in some of the marvelous wine at Obernhof, the only wine-producing village on the Lahn River.
Bottom line, no matter where you go in the Westerwald, a new adventure awaits you there. :-)