Malberg offers a clear seasonal choice in Hausen (Wied): in winter, it is a destination for sledding; from spring to autumn, it offers hikers panoramic views of the Wied Valley and the heights of the Westerwald. There are also circular routes with different highlights—from a route with several named points to a shorter loop halfway along the way. When planning, you can therefore decide whether to combine a visit to the mountain with sledding in winter, look for a scenic hike in the warmer seasons, or prefer a route with several stopping points.
Basalt Lake and the History of Malberg
Malberg Lake is a small lake in a crater that formed after the basalt summit of Malberg was quarried away at the beginning of this century. Information boards along the basalt trail on Malberg provide information about basalt mining. Together, the lake and the boards bring two aspects of the mountain’s history into focus: the lake formed in the landscape left behind after quarrying, while the boards explain the mining itself. This gives you a specific destination for your outing as well as insight into the history of basalt.
Hiking Trails with Different Highlights
The H2 Hausen circular trail climbs up to Malberg and Malberg Lake, passing the Westerwald Clinic and St. Josefshaus before returning to Wiedtalbad. This route combines the mountain and lake with two other named points and a return to the pool. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
The Kleiner Wäller MalbergSeeBlick circular trail offers a different option: a shorter loop is available halfway along the route, leading back to the car park via a forest track. A detour takes you to a viewing platform at Malberg Lake, with a lounge swing and views of the steep basalt walls. You can choose based on these features: H2 leads to several named destinations and back to Wiedtalbad; the Kleiner Wäller offers an explicitly shorter loop and a detour to the viewpoint.
Water and Fishing
Wiedtalbad Hausen complements the choice of trails with an indoor adventure pool featuring a slide, a current channel and a waterfall. The Hausen fishing area on the Wied stretches from Kreuzkapelle to SchieĂźplatzweg. Fishing is subject to seasonal rules, so check current permits and restrictions in advance.
Historical Traces on Malberg and Nearby
Below the Malberghütte, a former caretaker’s hut was converted in 2022 into a small museum about the area’s former ski operations as part of a LEADER community project. This gives the history of skiing a specific location on Malberg.
Another historical landmark lies close to Hausen (Wied): Kreuzkapelle was built in 1694 by the then parish priest of Waldbreitbach. It is the founding site of the community of brothers established by Brother Jakobus Wirth, the Franciscan Brothers of the Holy Cross Hausen/Wied.
Discover more destinations: Oberraden, Elgert, Rheinbrohl, Bruchhausen, DĂĽrrholz, Kleinmaischeid, Windhagen, Rengsdorf
Go to the main travel overview: Neuwied.
