Seck: Hiking, Ponds and History

In Seck, hiking trails, the Seck Ponds and historical landmarks cater to different travel interests. The routes lead through a striking gorge, connect several places on circular trails or pass by the ponds. There are also old monastery ruins and the history of St. Kilian’s Church. You can tailor your stay to the landscape, outdoor activities or culture.

Hiking through the gorge and surrounding area

The Holzbach Gorge is a narrow valley about one kilometre long, with basalt walls 20 to 30 metres high. The R 29 is a circular trail of around three kilometres through the Holzbach Gorge nature reserve. It starts at the car park of the Hof-Cafe at Dappricher Hof in Seck. Its manageable length makes this a clearly defined option, although no walking time can be inferred from it.

The VR13 offers a different circular route, connecting the ruins of Seligenstatt Monastery, the Seck Pond, Dapprich estate and Seck. The trail is considered well marked; a hiking map or the free Rheinland-Pfalz erleben app is recommended for navigation. From Hellenhahn-Schellenberg, take the B255 and K51 to reach the VR13; parking is available shortly before Seck. Check the latest information on the route and access before setting out, as the route and access conditions may change temporarily.

When choosing a route, you can also distinguish between hiking and cycling trails: the Rennerod–Westerburg stage of the WesterwaldSteig runs right past the Seck Ponds. The 5-Seen-Radweg (5-Lake Cycle Route) includes the Seck Pond as its second lake. These specific route details help you choose the type of activity you want to enjoy during your stay.

The Seck Ponds: trails, fishing and camping

The Seck Pond recreation area consists of a large pond covering ten hectares and a smaller one covering four hectares. The grounds include surfaced walking paths. Fishing is permitted at the smaller pond; by the larger pond, near the campsite, there is a restaurant, a sunbathing lawn and a children’s playground. The facilities therefore cater to different interests: walking, fishing and amenities by the larger pond.

The ponds’ origins are also part of the area’s history: Prince Moritz Heinrich of Nassau-Hadamar had them created in 1672. Their present-day role as a recreation area is set against a long history of use. Anyone interested in the connection between the landscape and the region’s past will find a different perspective here than on the circular trails through the gorge.

St. Kilian’s Church and monastery ruins

St. Kilian’s Church was rebuilt in the neo-Romanesque style between 1878 and 1880 following a major fire in 1878. A late Romanesque baptismal font from the 13th century is the only feature to survive from the older church. In 1963, the building was extended with a large rectangular hall. The church thus reveals several distinct building phases: its 19th-century reconstruction, a surviving medieval furnishing and the 20th-century extension.

The history of Seligenstatt Monastery dates back to its first recorded mention in 1181. It was founded by Laach Abbey. Today, a memorial stone and sections of wall commemorate the site; the ruins are also part of the VR13. A former hunting lodge was also located near the monastery ruins. Officials stayed there during the annual fish harvests. This account adds another historic place to the story of the monastery remains without conflating their different uses.

Nature conservation and practical information

The Holzbach breakthrough area was placed under protection in 1929 and designated a nature reserve in 1961. When visiting the Holzbach Gorge, the R 29 takes you through this landscape on a circular trail, while the VR13 includes additional stops. The Hofcafe at the Holzbach Gorge serves homemade cakes and gateaux; check availability before your trip. If you are planning a hike, make sure your route reflects the latest information.

The Westerwald as a wider region

In the wider Westerwald travel region, the WesterwaldSteig is a 235-kilometre long-distance hiking trail with 16 stages. This regional context adds a broader perspective to the choice of routes around Seck; the Rennerod–Westerburg stage runs right past the Seck Ponds.

Discover more destinations: Goddert, Lochum, Nentershausen, Giesenhausen, Holler, Görgeshausen, Molsberg, Krümmel.

See the wider travel overview: Westerwald.