Driedorf: Water, Trails and Local History
Accommodation in Driedorf
Driedorf combines local history with destinations by the water and trails through the Westerwald landscape. Different priorities can help shape your travel plans: an observation tower and historic buildings, swimming and sunbathing lawns, or sailing, surfing and hiking. The bodies of water and trails offer a range of ways to plan your stay in Driedorf.
Local Character and History in Driedorf
The Schalturm is part of Driedorf’s former town wall. After extensive renovation, it now serves as a publicly accessible observation tower. Two aspects meet here: the former fortifications of the town and its current use as a viewpoint. For your visit, it is important to know that the tower is open to the public; visiting hours are not specified.
The Junkernschloss ruins have been renovated over a period of years. Together with a newly created playground and the municipal park, they form a distinctive part of Driedorf’s townscape. The town thus brings together different historic and public points of interest: the former section of the town wall at the Schalturm, and the ruins alongside the park and playground. If you would like to consider more than just water and trails when planning your trip, you will find additional places to visit here.
Pond and Reservoir: Different Ways to Enjoy the Water
The Heisterberger Weiher is situated on the Westerwald plateau at an elevation of 530 metres and has a water surface of 9.6 hectares. The facilities on site include a designated bathing area and extensive sunbathing lawns. Cycling and hiking trails add to the range of outdoor activities. The pond therefore brings together several of the interests mentioned: taking a break by the water, swimming and exploring nearby trails.
Sailing and surfing are possible on the 82.1-hectare surface of the Krombachtalsperre. There is a surf school for beginners and advanced surfers. The two waterside destinations therefore offer different experiences: the Heisterberger Weiher is best known for its bathing area and sunbathing lawns, while the Krombachtalsperre is a place for sailing and surfing. Part of the reservoir lies in MademĂĽhlen, a district of Driedorf.
Hiking and Cycling Trails in the Municipal Area
The Westerwald-Steig first reaches Driedorf’s municipal area at Heisterberg. The trail runs alongside the Heisterberger Weiher and through forests and meadows towards Waldaubach. This makes it possible to include both a distinctive body of water and a longer route through varied landscapes in your plans. The route described lies within the municipal area; Heisterberg is the named point of reference.
The local Höllbergweg D1 hiking trail also lies within the municipal area. It starts at the old water hut on the outskirts of Hohenroth and heads towards Höllberg. Hohenroth is a district of the municipality of Driedorf. The “Rund um den Knoten” extra tour offers a different landscape: just over half of it runs through open meadows characterised by copses, bushes, old pollarded beeches and small patches of woodland.
The “Rund um den Knoten” cycle path is another option for a bike ride. It is 32 kilometres long and runs through the Westerwald’s low mountain landscape. You can choose between the different routes based on the features described: the Westerwald-Steig runs alongside the pond, the Höllbergweg D1 starts in Hohenroth, and the extra tour is characterised by its meadows.
Landscape, Event and Getting Around
The MademĂĽhlen basalt formations are among the geological features of the municipal area. The rock group consists of columnar basalt, a characteristic form of Tertiary volcanism in the High Westerwald. This offers a different way to experience the landscape than the bodies of water and hiking trails: here, the focus is on the formation of the rock.
“Heisterberger Weiher in Flammen,” featuring a fireworks display, traditionally takes place at the Heisterberger Weiher on the first Saturday in August. If you would like to combine your stay with this event, check the specific date before making plans.
The “Blaue Linie” leisure bus connects Hartenrod/Bad Endbach via the Aartalsee and Herborn with Heisterberg, Mademühlen and the Krombachtalsperre on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. From April to October, the vehicles are equipped with bicycle trailers. Check the latest service information before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Lahnau, Haiger, Leun, Breitscheid, Bischoffen, Solms, Mittenaar, Wetzlar
Return to the regional travel overview: Lahn-Dill-Kreis.
