Holzappel is located in Nassau Nature Park near the Lahn, on the first hills of the Westerwald at an elevation of around 300 to 400 meters. Herthasee, trails through forests and fields, and evidence of the area’s mining history give the town its varied character. The lake lies at the foot of the 443-meter-high Höchst, the highest elevation in the Esterau. It covers just under five hectares and is fed by natural tributaries and underground springs.

Herthasee: Water, Activities and Views of Höchst

Boating and fishing are among the activities available at Herthasee. Fishing is permitted in accessible areas along the shore, and the fish population is diverse. There are also tennis courts nearby. If you would like to fish, check the current conditions in advance: rules and permits may change. This lets you enjoy the lake in a way that suits your interests without conflating its different offerings.

Herthasee also serves as a landmark on several trails. The routes vary in length and direction: the Burgweg leads from Holzappel and Herthasee to Laurenburg; the Kirchweg runs from Eppenrod to Holzappel and the lake. The Grubenwanderweg leads from Laurenburg to Holzappel. When planning, it is therefore helpful to consider both the distances and the respective start and end points.

Trails Between Laurenburg and Holzappel

The 5.7-kilometer Burgweg follows forest and field paths along a historic route between Holzappel and Laurenburg. Along the way, it offers views across the Lahn Valley toward Schaumburg, Cramberg, Gabelstein and the Lahn. At 4.8 kilometers, the Grubenwanderweg is shorter; the Kirchweg covers 10 kilometers. These distances provide a concrete basis for choosing a trail, while the endpoints distinguish the routes from one another.

Alongside the route itself, the Grubenwanderweg also focuses on mining history. The trail passes half-timbered houses and slate-clad facades, goes by St. John’s Church, and then continues to Herthasee. The Grubenwanderweg and the Grubenlehrpfad also showcase mining remains and information boards about the Holzappel mine. The trails therefore offer both views of the town and insights into the landscape’s former use.

Local History and Mining in Holzappel

The Holzappel mine operated from 1751 to 1952, producing lead, silver and zinc. Visitors who would like to explore this chapter in more depth can find exhibits on the history of the Esterau and its former mining industry at the Esterau Local History and Mining Museum. The collection also covers domestic culture around 1900, toys and historical photographs of Holzappel. A visit to the museum can be combined with a look inside the Melander Crypt in the adjoining St. John’s Church.

The church itself also reflects different periods of construction: the present-day St. John’s Church was built between 1824 and 1826 in the neoclassical style on the foundations of an older church. The Bear Fountain, built in 1913, stands on the lower market square. As a local heritage monument of the Esterau, it stands in front of the historic Goethe House. Together with the sites along the Grubenwanderweg, these landmarks create a townscape where architectural and mining history stand side by side.

There are several ways to shape your visit: spend time at Herthasee, choose a route with views of the Lahn Valley, or explore trails and exhibits about the Holzappel mine. The three routes described range from 4.8 to 10 kilometers; their different start and end points can help you plan your trip.

Discover more destinations: Altendiez, Heistenbach, Steinsberg, Laurenburg, Aull, Gückingen, Dörnberg, Birlenbach

For the broader travel guide: Diez.