Westernohe offers two ways to explore the village: the eastern part bears the mark of reconstruction after the 1808 fire, while the Eisvogel Trail provides a specific hiking option. The nature trail is about 8 km long and starts at the village square near the church, where parking is also available. The Wachholderheide nature reserve is also located in the Westernohe area.
A Village with a History
The eastern part of the village was rebuilt in a uniform pattern after a fire in 1808. This historic event continues to shape the village’s appearance today. Anyone interested in local history can see a direct connection between an event and the way the village was designed. This historic character applies to the eastern part of the village; it is a distinctive theme for this part of Westernohe.
Hiking Trails and Nature in Westernohe
The Eisvogel Trail is about 8 km long and can be combined with other local hiking routes. The starting point and parking are at the village square near the church. The approximate distance helps you plan your hike; the option to include other local routes provides an additional choice. This lets you choose a route to suit the length of your planned hiking day, without making a combination a requirement for the Eisvogel Trail.
The Wachholderheide nature reserve is also located in the Westernohe area. It is another link to the local landscape, while the Eisvogel Trail is a specific hiking route: a nature trail about 8 km long. This distinction is useful for orientation: the nature reserve and the hiking route are two different points of interest within the local landscape.
In the broader Westerwald destination
The Westerwald also has hiking trails with considerably longer distances and stages. The WesterwaldSteig is a 235-kilometre long-distance hiking trail with 16 stages. Before setting off, it is advisable to consult the current route planner. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometres over seven day stages through seven river valleys and features more than 30 geo-information points. The interpretive infrastructure at these points may change over time. By comparison, the Eisvogel Trail, at about 8 km, is on a different scale; the Westerwald’s hiking options range from nature trails to routes divided into stages over several days.
The landscape and geological history are also defining themes in the Westerwald. Stöffel Park is a former basalt quarry covering around 140 hectares, combining industrial heritage, geological history and nature. At the TERTIÄRUM in Stöffel Park, you can see fossils, including the famous “Stöffel Mouse,” which documents around 25 million years of Earth’s history. Those interested in how the landscape developed will find a different perspective there from the one offered by the hiking trails.
The Westerwald Ceramics Museum is dedicated to the history of working with clay. The objects on display usually originated in a Westerwald clay pit. In a well-equipped museum workshop, visitors can get creative themselves under expert guidance. Check the current workshop programme and booking terms before your trip.
Hachenburg reveals another facet of the Westerwald: its historic town centre is characterised by restored half-timbered houses around the Alter Markt; the Lion Fountain is also part of its historic atmosphere. The Hachenburg Experience Brewery offers beer experience tours and brewing courses. Individual appointments can be arranged by phone; check the current booking arrangements before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Alpenrod, Caan, Oberahr, Meudt, Gehlert, Neuhochstein, Sessenbach, Astert
Go to the overview of the wider destination: Westerwald.
