Explore Hachenburg using the Old Market Square as your starting point: restored half-timbered houses and churches shape the historic town centre, while narrow lanes, cafés and restaurants complete the picture. Hachenburg’s Baroque castle stands at the upper end of the square. Anyone interested in architectural history will find a clear focal point for their stay here. Museums, guided town tours and activities elsewhere in the Westerwald can round out your itinerary.
Around the Old Market Square
The Old Market Square connects several landmarks in the historic centre. The former Franciscan church and the castle church are linked to the square. The two-tailed Sayn lion sits atop the Baroque market fountain. Together with the restored half-timbered houses, they make for a varied mix of architecture, churches and public spaces as you explore the town centre. The castle at the upper end of the square adds its own Baroque accent.
Gardens, Museum and Local History
The green spaces also differ in the buildings beside them: the Reading Garden is a green oasis right next to the Vogtshof in the historic centre; the extensive castle garden adjoins the castle. These two gardens in different locations offer contrasting views of the market square and castle. As you explore the town centre, you can keep their names in mind as points of reference for different sides of Hachenburg.
The Westerwald Landscape Museum focuses on rural life and work in eight typical regional buildings. The exhibitions also show how carpenters, potters, blacksmiths and other craftspeople made their tools. Museum festivals feature activities to take part in, animals, agricultural machinery and craft demonstrations, among other things. Dates and programmes may change, so check the latest information before your visit.
Guided town tours offer a way to learn about Hachenburg’s history, which spans more than 700 years. If you plan to take a tour, check availability and times in advance. For a different cultural experience, the Hachenburger Erlebnis-Brauerei offers beer experience tours and brewing courses. Individual appointments can be arranged by phone; check current booking options before making plans.
Activities in Hachenburg and the Westerwald
Activities on offer in Hachenburg include swimming, tennis, horse riding, golf and mountain biking. A short section of the Druidensteig trail passes through Hachenburg’s castle garden, where old trees grow; check route conditions and waymarking before setting out. There is also a circular cycling route that starts in Hachenburg and runs through the Upper Wied Valley. So, alongside the historic sights, there are various ways to get active.
The wider Westerwald destination offers a broader regional setting. The Hachenburger Westerwald visitor area promotes hikes in the Kroppacher Schweiz and swimming opportunities at the Westerwälder Seenplatte. This is a natural area with seven ponds; the region is also associated with sailing and surfing. Further afield, groomed cross-country ski trails and a small ski lift are among the winter activities on offer. This means you can explore different regional attractions depending on your interests and the season. Check current access and route conditions before setting out on an excursion.
If you are interested in longer hikes, the Westerwald also has the WesterwaldSteig: this long-distance hiking trail is 235 kilometres long and divided into 16 stages. It is quite different from a short stroll through the town centre. Choose the scope of your hiking plans accordingly and check the latest route planner before you set off.
Getting there by train
Hachenburg is accessible by train via Hachenburg station. As train services can change, check the latest timetable before travelling. This will help you coordinate your journey with your planned sightseeing and activities.
Discover more destinations: Willmenrod, Höhr-Grenzhausen, Ebernhahn, Kroppach, Rehe, Höchstenbach, Mörsbach, Berod Bei Wallmerod
See the main travel overview: Westerwald.
