Brief description
The moth near Streithausen is a silent witness to medieval history in the Hachenburg Westerwald. The former motte-and-bailey castle is located near the Kleine Nister at the edge of Streithausen and counts among the oldest castle complexes in the region. Today, the raised motte and parts of the water ditch are still recognizable. Information boards on site provide insights into the history of the complex and its former inhabitants. Those interested in history or looking to discover a special place while hiking will find here a rather inconspicuous but historically interesting excursion destination.Detailed description
The motte at Streithausen, also known as “Hofküppel”, is one of the oldest known castle sites in the Hachenburger Westerwald. The medieval hilltop castle is situated idyllically by the Little Nister on the northern edge of Streithausen. The site was presumably established in the 10th or 11th century and likely served as an early seat of power for the Lords of Nister. Characteristic of a so-called motte are the artificially built hill and the surrounding moat, both of which are still well recognizable today. Although no buildings have survived, the original shape of the site can still be traced in the terrain. Archaeological investigations in the early 20th century uncovered medieval ceramics, iron finds, and traces of simple wood and clay constructions. Meanwhile, information boards on the site tell the history of the castle and its significance for the region. The motte is located in the charming landscape of the Kroppacher Schweiz and can be nicely combined with a walk or a hike around Streithausen and Marienstatt. Visitors can expect a quiet historical site with a special connection to the early history of the Westerwald. It is this unassuming and nature-oriented atmosphere that makes the motte at Streithausen so appealing.
In the immediate vicinity, the following cycling and hiking paths run:
Cycling path:
- Round cycling path WW1
Hiking trails:
- Wäller Tour Bachgeflüster
- Westerwald Steig Stage 9 Hachenburg - Limbach
- Druidensteig Stage 7 Grube Bindweide - Hachenburg