Streithausen/Westerwald. Great joy for the Druidensteig: On Saturday, October 17, 2026, the official awards ceremony for the “Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trail 2026” competition took place at the Marienstatt Abbey Brewery. In the “Multi-Day Hike” category, the Druidensteig was honored with the coveted award from the hiking magazine. This recognition brings national attention to one of the Westerwald’s most distinctive hiking trails.
The “Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trail” People’s Choice Award is one of the most renowned accolades in German hiking tourism. The decision is based on a combination of expert evaluation and votes cast by hiking enthusiasts. The award underscores the appeal of the Druidensteig and the importance of the joint commitment to the region’s tourism development. In this regard, the four municipalities of Hachenburg, Betzdorf-Gebhardshain, Kirchen (Sieg), and Daaden-Herdorf have once again demonstrated how tourism can thrive successfully across administrative boundaries. The municipalities are funding the project.
Ceremonial Honoring at Marienstatt Abbey
The award ceremony brought together representatives from politics, tourism, and geology, as well as other supporters, to celebrate the success of the Druidensteig together. Following a speech by Dr. Peter Enders, District Administrator of the Altenkirchen district, Marco Dörner, First Deputy Mayor of the Hachenburg municipal association, addressed the guests. He emphasized the importance of tourism as an economic driver for the Westerwald. One figure from Tourism Day in August particularly stuck with him: in 2025, tourism in the region generated revenue of 642 million euros.
Michael Volkwein then presented the Druidensteig as a geotrail and highlighted its unique character. The hiking trail combines nature experiences with fascinating insights into the region’s geological history and the unique geological features of the Westerwald.
Another highlight was the presentation of the new Druidensteig hiking guide by patron Andreas Tschauder, director of the State Office for Geology and Mining.
Afterward, the hiking magazine presented the certificate for the “Germany’s Most Beautiful Hiking Trail 2026” People’s Choice Award to Oliver Filby of the Westerwald Tourism Service.
The Druidensteig
Stretching 94 kilometers from Freusburg to Hachenburg, the Druidensteig invites visitors to discover the scenic and geological features of the Westerwald.
Further information is available in the brochure “Stage Hiking in the Westerwald, ” which is available free of charge at the tourist information office on the Alter Markt in Hachenburg.
