TOP 10 tourist destinations in the Hachenburger Westerwald

Relax and enjoy the historic town centre

At the heart of the historic town centre of Hachenburg lies the wonderfully inviting, heritage-protected "Alter Markt". Lined with a multitude of small restaurants and shops, the "Alter Markt" and its historic buildings are the perfect place for a relaxing stroll. And in the middle of it all you’ll find the Lion Fountain, with its two-tailed lion holding the town’s coat of arms in its paws. Magnificent and graceful, he watches the hustle and bustle of the market square.

Events in the Hachenburger Westerwald

The "Alter Markt" also provides a focal point for both locals and tourists in the Westerwald with a range of events. For example, the free open-air concert series “Treffpunkt Alter Markt” by event organiser Hachenburger KulturZeit fills Hachenburg’s historic town centre with life every summer, with concerts featuring talented musicians performing in a wide range of genres. From open-air concerts, festivals and comedy to poetry slams – all generations come together in the Old Market Square.

The magnificent landmark of the Lion Town

The landmark of Hachenburg is easy to recognise from a distance thanks to its bright yellow exterior. The beautiful Baroque castle’s location at the top of the “Hagenberg” enjoys fantastic views over the roofs of the Westerwald, the Siegerland and even the Siebengebirge. The first castle was built on the instruction of Count Henry III of Sayn in around 1200. A major fire in 1654 completely destroyed the castle and prompted George Friedrich, Burgrave of Kirchenberg to rebuild it as the Baroque castle we know today.

Castle used as a training centre for the Deutsche Bundesbank

The extensive building complex changed hands several times in the 20th century but has been owned by the Deutsche Bundesbank since 1974. After a period of reconstruction work, it became a college for the trainees of the upper grades of the German civil service. Unfortunately, in order not to disturb the hard-working students, it’s not possible to visit the castle itself. Due to the pandemic, it is also not permitted to enter the castle grounds.

With its floodplain landscapes, marshes and biotopes, the Oberes Wiedtal is home to many plant and animal species, which is why the 204-ha site was declared a nature conservation area in 2008, the largest in the Westerwald, and home to many protected species, including the red kite, grey heron, and black and grey-headed woodpeckers.

The kingfisher also makes its home here. Its iridescent blue and orange plumage can be seen gleaming from afar as it plunges into the clear waters of the Wied to catch its prey. Many animals also live in and around the water.

Take the “Wiedweg” hiking trail and explore the wonderful landscape of Hachenburger Westerwald, in harmony with nature. The Wied follows the 106 km-long hiking trail from its source under the roots of a large old beech tree near Linden to where it enters the Rhine near Neuwied-Irlich.
To protect the plants and animals, please stay on the signposted paths.

Discover our passion for beer

The Westerwald Brewery in Hachenburg has been brewing its distinctive Hachenburg beer since 1861. The brewery is one of the oldest pilsner breweries in Germany and is still family-owned today. See firsthand how beer is brewed here in Hachenburg – in addition to the famous brewery tours, you’ll also have the chance to watch the master brewers at work.

Choose from a stunning selection of tours

The brewery tours, from the “Aroma Hops Tour” to the “Beer Expedition”, can be adapted to your requirements. Exciting brewing courses are also offered at the in-house microbrewery for both individuals and small groups. Brew your own special beer under the guidance of an experienced master brewer. In a course lasting 6-7 hours, you’ll be introduced to the art of brewing. Book your visit to the Westerwald Brewery today!

Anornately furnished Cistercian abbey

The splendid Zisterzinserabtei Marienstatt enchants all who visit. Today, the famous place of pilgrimage is one of the spiritual and cultural centres of the Westerwald. Built by Cistercian monks, Germany’s first Gothic church on the right bank of the Rhine is an exquisite work of art. Inside, you’ll find one of the oldest choir stalls still in use in Germany, a miraculous image of Our Lady of Sorrows and the large Rieger organ.

The monastery grounds have even more to offer!

The beautiful grounds are home to the private ZisterziensMarienstatt secondary school, a guesthouse, a library and a shop selling books and art. The wonderful Baroque monastery garden, which is open to the public, and the historic Nister Bridge leading to the abbey grounds are particularly worth seeing. Combine your trip with a visit to the Marienstatter Brauhaus pub and restaurant for some refreshments. If the weather is fine, sit out in the large beer garden with a freshly tapped Marienstatt beer, brewed on the premises, and enjoy some of the region’s typically hearty dishes..

A unique museum experience

In the beautiful grounds of the Landschaftsmuseum westerwald, travel back in time and find out how people lived and worked in times gone by. In addition to great hands-on activities for the whole family, the museum also offers guided tours, museum festivals and children’s birthday parties. Explore the eight historic buildings at your own pace and discover the history behind each of them.

Explore life in the 19th century

A barn, a bakehouse, an old mill and a school show you how the people of the Westerwald lived and worked in days gone by. Browse a selection of regional products and books in the quaint museum shop all year round and learn all about medicinal plants and insects in the tranquil medicinal herb garden. Since 2009, the museum has also been a Geopark Information Centre.

Pure nature!

The beautiful Kroppacher Schweiz landscape conservation area lies on the lower courses of the Nister. The region includes the towns of Astert,  Limbach, Heimborn, Helmeroth, Heuzert and Stein-Wingert, and boasts many of the Westerwald’s exciting tourist destinations and sights. There’s something for everyone, whatever the weather!

Hiking and cycling for nature lovers

For nature lovers as well as for hikers and cyclists, a visit to Kroppacher Schweiz is a must. Have an exciting adventure on one of its countless hiking and cycling trails. Our special tip: hike the Naturpfad Weltende (“End of the World”) nature trail or ride the Nister cycle path to the Deutsches Eck (“German Corner”) of the Westerwald in the heart of Kroppacher Schweiz, where the Kleine and Große Nister rivers meet. An idyllic place to rest, in a beautiful natural landscape, and to dip your feet in the cool water on those hot summer days. A hike and bike tour through the beautiful landscape of the Westerwald is one that you won’t soon forget.

A relaxing beauty spot in nature

As part of the Westerwälder Seenplatte, the Dreifelder Weiher is the area’s largest standing body of water with a surface area of 123 ha. The destination is particularly popular with campers. On the north-western shore of the lake, which is 2,000 metres long and up to 800 metres wide in places, there is a beautiful campsite called “Haus am See”, a peaceful, relaxing oasis for tourists and locals, and a great starting point for hiking and bike tours in the region.

Relax at the Dreifelder Weiher café-restaurant

The Westerwälder Seenplatte is great for solo travellers, couples and families alike. Walk the easy 6-km path around the Dreifelder Weiher, enjoy beautiful stretches of forest and breathtaking views, sunbathe on the banks of the lake if the weather is fine or visit the large restaurant with its inviting sun terrace.

Discover the exciting world of medieval slate mining

The historic Dachschiefergrube Assberg is one of the largest and oldest slate quarries open to the public in the Westerwald. The open pit, which is about 240 metres long and 70 metres wide, is known locally as the “Schiwakoul”. Once upon a time, the slates from the mine were used for the roofs of both Hachenburg’s Baroque castle and  Marienstatt Abbey. The mine, which is easily accessible via steps and lies 20 metres underground, has fantastic acoustics and is the perfect place for an unusual meditation session thanks to its special atmosphere of tranquillity. In summer, it’s a great place to cool off and recharge your batteries before you head to the next tourist destination.

An adventurous destination in Limbach

The mine is part of the Westerwald-Lahn-Taunus Geopark and thus belongs to a network of regional partners who promote sustainable development. It can be accessed directly from the WesterwaldSteig, Marienwanderweg and Druidensteig trails. It’s open at all times and free of charge to enter. The Kultur- und Verkehrsverein Limbach e.V. also offers 45-minute group tours by appointment. In addition, it’s possible to explore the mine from nearby Limbach via four different LIMBACHER RUNDEN trails. From Limbach, you can get there by car via the exit for Astert as you leave the town.