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A group of people, some wearing green Westerwald shirts and hats, smile and hold brochures in front of a display box and a backdrop promoting Westerwald-Sieg tourism.
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Vote now: Druidensteig nominated for "Germany's most beautiful hiking trail 2026"

Westerwald, 04.03.2026. The vote is now open: since the beginning of the week, it has been possible to vote for the Druidensteig as "Germany's most beautiful hiking trail 2026". The long-distance hiking trail, which runs in seven stages from Freusburg to Hachenburg, has been nominated by the jury of Wandermagazin from more than 100 entries. The 94-kilometre Georoute is competing in the category of multi-day tours.

"We are entering the race with confidence, as we don't have to hide from other regions with the Druidensteig," emphasized District Administrator Dr. Peter Enders at the symbolic start of the vote in the Altenkirchen district building. He welcomed the mayors of the participating municipalities of Kirchen, Betzdorf-Gebhardshain, Daaden-Herdorf and Hachenburg, the local tourism experts and representatives of Westerwald-Sieg Tourismus and the regional agency Westerwald-Touristik Service, where the Druidensteig is centrally marketed.

In fact, the seven stages boast a variety of landscapes, some spectacular views and numerous sights relating to geology and industrial and cultural history. The Druidensteig connects the Siegertal and Hellertal valleys with the heights of the Westerwald, leads through forests and past rivers to castles and palaces and recalls the volcanic origins of the Westerwald with impressive rock formations such as the eponymous Druidenstein. Along the way, hikers can expect not only varied nature experiences, but also numerous places to stop for refreshments.

Friends of the Druidensteig have various options for voting: On the one hand, this can be done online at the link https://wandermagazin.de/wahlstudio, on the other hand, hundreds of traditional ballot papers are available, for example at the Altenkirchen district administration and the tourist information offices of the municipalities. But there are also numerous events in the region where everyone has the opportunity to help the Druidensteig achieve a similar success to the Auenlandweg: e.g. at the Früh-im-Jahr market in Hachenburg (March 21 and 22), at the May market at Freusburger Mühle (May 30), at the spring festival in Betzdorf (May 30) or at the "40 Jahre Grube Bindweide" celebration (June 14). There's no question about it: no one will be able to miss the hiking trail in the next few weeks. Voting runs until the end of June.

Further information about the nomination can be found on the Westerwald Tourist Service website at westerwald.info/druidensteig-waehlen-2026.