Vettelschoß: Blue Lake, Basalt History and Village Museum

Vettelschoß brings together the natural swimming lake, Blue Lake, landscapes bearing traces of basalt quarrying, and the Schmitzhof village museum. A viewpoint and an extensive network of hiking and cycling routes round out the options. When planning your trip, you can choose to focus on nature, outdoor activities or local history.

Lakes and landscapes in Vettelschoß

Vettelschoß is located in the Rhine-Westerwald Nature Park. The natural swimming lake “Blue Lake” covers approximately one hectare and is about 20 metres deep. It is a former basalt quarry and has been used for fishing and swimming since 1968. The lake has a platform in the non-swimmer area, separate areas for swimming and relaxing, and a dedicated area for small children. As operating conditions can change, it is best to check them before your visit.

Another landscape feature is Lake Willscheider Berg: a nature reserve stretches around it in Vettelschoß. The quarry lake at Willscheider Berg serves as an important refuge and development area for wildlife and plant life. Former basalt quarrying has also shaped the history of this landscape. After quarrying ceased in 1974, a lake formed in the quarry at Willscheider Berg.

The “Wäller Blick” viewpoint offers a view across the Vettelschoß district; in good weather, visibility extends as far as the High Westerwald. Weather conditions are crucial: an expansive view cannot be guaranteed at all times.

Hiking, cycling and basalt history

An extensive network of hiking and cycling trails in and around Vettelschoß connects to well-known long-distance hiking trails. When planning your route, it is worth checking the specific trail alignment and the conditions along the route you choose. This makes it possible to distinguish the local trail network from a route with clearly named places and a historical course.

The Basalt Sculpture Trail connects Kalenborn and Vettelschoß along an old railway embankment dating from the period of basalt quarrying. Both the connection between the two places and the site’s former use are therefore useful points of reference for this route. Check the current condition of the trail before setting off.

Schmitzhof and the village museum

Schmitzhof is the oldest surviving half-timbered house in Vettelschoß and was built around 1640. It has been used as a village museum since 2010; the museum focuses on the period from 1900 to 1910. The date of construction and the exhibition theme therefore represent two clearly separate periods: the house itself reflects its early origins, while the museum focuses on a later decade. If you would like to plan your museum visit in advance, check the current opening hours and visitor information beforehand.

Cultural attractions in the wider Neuwied destination

The wider Neuwied destination offers other distinct attractions. The Roentgen Museum Neuwied has a collection of Roentgen furniture and Kinzing clocks that is unique worldwide. Schloss Engers houses a castle museum; its programme includes festivals, concerts and other events. For specific dates, it is advisable to check for current information. Schloß Monrepos is the Museum for the Archaeology of the Ice Age. Another historical trace is the UNESCO World Heritage Limes, which runs through the entire city area of Neuwied, marked by watchtowers and forts. Artisanal craftsmanship, archaeology, events and Roman history thus stand alongside one another as different cultural attractions there.

Discover more destinations: Anhausen, Oberraden, Buchholz, Ehlscheid, Dernbach, Dattenberg, Kleinmaischeid, Rodenbach

To the wider travel overview: Neuwied.