Höchstenbach is situated on the slope of a valley basin crossed by the Wied. The Wiedweg adds a clear focus on hiking, while the church and the General Marcau Memorial offer historical points of interest. This lets you plan a trip that combines nature, hiking and local history.
Hiking and Scenery on the Wiedweg
The Wiedweg from Höchstenbach to Altenkirchen is 16 kilometres long, rated as moderately difficult and takes around five hours. If you plan this stage, allow for the stated duration. Check the current route before setting off. Along the way, the Wiedweg passes the Kramberg Mill and runs through the Im Dorm nature reserve, known for its diverse flora and fauna.
The approach to Höchstenbach on the Wiedweg also passes through the Oberes Wiedtal nature reserve. Floodplain landscapes, wet meadows and biotopes provide habitats for many plant and animal species. Thus, the route’s natural highlights include both a named protected area and a variety of landscape types.
A Stage at the Dreifelder Weiher
The Wiedweg stage from Linden to Höchstenbach follows the shore of the Dreifelder Weiher. It is considered the largest body of water in the Westerwald Lake District. Swimming is possible at the beach area of the Haus am See campsite; a short boat trip on the pond is another option. The stage to Altenkirchen is specifically estimated at around five hours, while the route via the Dreifelder Weiher focuses on water activities. Check in advance whether swimming access and boat trips are currently available.
Church and Memorial
The 13th-century church was renovated with LEADER funding. A different historical story is associated with the General Marcau Memorial: it was damaged and rebuilt several times. The two sites offer different points of interest—the church is notable for its 13th-century origins, while the memorial’s history centres on repeated damage and reconstruction.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
The Tankstelle, Höchstenbach bus stop is right on the Wiedweg. On weekdays, bus route 420 runs there from Hachenburg Markt; the journey takes around 14 minutes. On weekdays, you can take route 255 for the return trip from Altenkirchen to Höchstenbach. Check current services and operating days before travelling.
Free parking for the Wiedweg is available at the cemetery on Friedhofstraße. As routes, journey times and parking arrangements may change, check the latest timetable and parking situation before travelling.
The Westerwald as a Wider Travel Destination
As part of the wider Westerwald destination, the WesterwaldSteig adds another hiking option: the long-distance trail is 235 kilometres long and divided into 16 stages. Check the current route planner before making specific plans. The Stöffel Park offers a different perspective on the region’s geological history: this former basalt quarry site, covering around 140 hectares in the Westerwald, brings together industrial heritage, geological history and nature. At the TERTIÄRUM, fossils—including the famous “Stöffel Mouse”—illustrate around 25 million years of geological history.
Discover more destinations: Kundert, Seck, Nordhofen, Caan, Höhr-Grenzhausen, Stahlhofen Am Wiesensee, Höhn, Heilberscheid
View the wider travel guide: Westerwald.
