Best backpacking trails in Geopark Westerwald-Lahn-Taunus

Scenic section of the long-distance hiking trail "Lahnwanderweg", Hesse. On this stage, the view back opens up wonderful views, whether leaving Rodheim-Bieber or at the Bismarck Tower. The route continues through the forest at Königsstuhl and the Lahn floodplains to Wetzlar. There are refreshment stops along the way. Highlights of the hike: - Frauenkreuz - Bismarck Tower - Wonderful forest paths

This route is stage 6 of the Westerwaldsteig; it runs from Freilingen to Nistertal. The trail begins at the Postweiher and leads past the Brinken and Dreifelder Weiher through the natural paradise of the Westerwald Lake District. Walkers follow the River Wied upstream to its source near Linden, before ascending to the Gräbersberg, whose observation tower offers sweeping views. Passing the legendary Welterstein, the path finally leads to Stöffel-Park in Enspel. This Tertiary and industrial...

Stage 1 of the long-distance hiking trail "Druidensteig", Rhineland-Palatinate. The first stage of the Druidensteig quality trail begins in Kirchen (Sieg) and runs for around 17 kilometres to Herdorf. Along the way, you will come across several remnants of mining and a mining museum worth seeing. The absolute highlight, however, is the striking Druidenstein, to which the hiking trail owes its name. Highlights of the hike: - Freusburg Castle - Wilhelmine mine - Freusburgermühle (industrial...

This route is stage 7 of the Westerwaldsteig; it leads from Nistertal to Bad Marienberg. The path climbs from the Nister valley toward the heights of the basalt plateau, where hikers can explore the Basaltpark, an open-air museum showcasing the region's volcanic history. Upon entering the spa town of Bad Marienberg, the route passes the Wildpark, home to native animal species, and a specialized Nordic Walking park. Significant cultural stops include the Apothecary Garden, which features over...

This route is stage 3 of the Westerwaldsteig; it leads from Rehe to Rennerod. The journey begins in the municipality of Rehe, where the historic half-timbered town hall and the prayer hall from 1741 showcase exquisite Baroque woodcarvings. From the village center, the path transitions into the Krombachtalsperre nature reserve. This large reservoir serves as a vital habitat for migratory birds and features a dedicated observation station and boat rentals. Hikers follow the shoreline, enjoying...

This route is stage 8 of the Westerwaldsteig; it leads from Bad Marienberg to Hachenburg. The journey begins with views from the Hedwigsturm and a visit to the Basaltpark, highlighting the region's volcanic past. Hikers soon encounter the Wolfsteine, impressive basalt formations steeped in local folklore. The path traverses the quiet Wäschbachtal and passes a protected Jewish cemetery before reaching the outskirts of Hachenburg. From the Philosophenweg, a panoramic view stretches as far as...

Stage 2 of the long-distance hiking trail "Druidensteig", Rhineland-Palatinate. The second stage of the Druidensteig quality trail starts in Herdorf and ends after around 13 kilometres in Daaden. This hike is all about the history of mining in the region. You pass almost half a dozen mines, including the "Zufällig Glück" and "Friedrich-Wilhelm" mines as well as the Mahlscheid spoil tip, which today provides a habitat for rare animals and plants as a nature reserve. Once you arrive in Daaden,...

Stage 3 of the long-distance hiking trail "Druidensteig", Rhineland-Palatinate. The third stage of the Druidensteig quality trail starts in Daaden and ends after around 13 kilometres in Elkenroth. As there is only one real ascent, this hike is categorised as beginner-friendly. Overall, the route enchants with lots of beautiful nature, from the Schimmerich nature reserve with its lake to the hilly landscapes of the Neunkhausen plateau. There are refreshment stops and the route is accessible...

This route is stage 2 of the Westerwaldsteig; it leads from Breitscheid to Rehe. The journey begins in Breitscheid, where the pottery museum honors the region’s white gold tradition, before ascending onto the basalt plateaus of the High Westerwald. Hikers pass the mystical Bartenstein rock formations and the village of Rabenscheid, where Celtic legends and wide panoramas dominate the landscape. After passing the Heisterberger Weiher, which offers a chance for a summer swim, the trail reaches...

Popular bridle path in the Westerwald-Lahn-Taunus Geopark, Hesse. The Big Sky Ranch belongs to Westerwald-Taunus zu Pferd e.V. and is a popular starting point for rides to other trail riding centres in the region. At around 13.5 kilometres, this day ride is one of the shorter tours. The route is characterised by quiet woodland, fields and meadows. A few roads, usually with little traffic, have to be crossed. The ride ends at the Westerwald horse ranch in Neunkirchen. Highlights of the...