Skip to main content
EN
Deutsch English Français Nederlands
Six smiling people stand outdoors holding a shiny gold balloon shaped like the number one, with greenery and a Druidenstieg trail sign in the background. One person is dressed in a long robe and hood.
News

Druidensteig is “Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trail 2026”

Westerwald, July 14, 2026. A huge success for the Westerwald as a cross-border tourism region: The Druidensteig has been voted “Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trail 2026” by *Wandermagazin*. The certified long-distance hiking trail from Freusburg to Hachenburg prevailed in the “Multi-Day Hikes” category against nine other nominated trails from all over Germany and may now bear the coveted title. Without a doubt, this is a milestone in the region’s tourism development and marketing!

Even the nomination itself was a special honor: From a large number of entries, the expert jury of *Wandermagazin* selected the Druidensteig for the final round. From March 2 through June 30, 2026, it was then up to hiking enthusiasts to decide. They could cast their votes either digitally via the hiking magazine’s voting platform or by mail using a traditional ballot.

With 8,581 votes ( just under 25 percent of all votes cast), the Druidensteig ultimately finished well ahead of its highly competitive rivals, such as the Goldsteig, the Pfälzer Höhenweg, and even the Rothaarsteig, which is right next door. Although the trail had consistently held second place among the top contenders throughout the four-month online voting period, it was ultimately the hand-filled-out voting cards that secured its place on the top step of the podium. This is proof of just how much the Druidensteig is appreciated by local hikers and how much the tourism professionals in the Westerwald can rely on the support of the local population.

 “The Druidensteig proves that successful tourism flourishes where people and regions work together across borders toward a common goal,” emphasizes Jennifer Siebert, acting managing director of the Westerwald Touristik Service. “The trail makes it clear: Attractive tourism offerings don’t arise along administrative boundaries, but through cooperation, shared quality standards, and a strong regional identity.” Overall, the title is an outstanding success for the Westerwald umbrella brand—and it carries a high degree of credibility simply because it was not awarded by a jury but rather through the votes of many hikers.

Looking ahead, this title is likely to lead to a whole new perception of the Westerwald nationwide as a high-quality hiking destination. “While many people know the Westerwald as a low mountain range, they don’t automatically associate it with premium hiking,” says Siebert. As a result, all regional hospitality providers as well as the attractions along the Druidensteig—such as the “Bindweide” quarry or Marienstatt Abbey—can also benefit from the title “Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trail.”

The success will now be celebrated together: As the winning trail, the Druidensteig will host this year’s Globetrotter Hiking Day on October 17, 2026. Those interested should mark the date on their calendars now. Further information about the program will be announced in the coming weeks.

Anyone who would like to experience the title-winning trail for themselves is cordially invited to discover the Druidensteig. The long-distance hiking trail, which spans a total of 94 kilometers, winds through seven varied stages from Freusburg to Hachenburg, connecting stunning natural scenery, geological features, and numerous cultural and historical sights. Alternatively, individual stages can also be hiked as attractive day trips.

For more information on the Druidensteig, visit www.westerwald.info/druidensteig