Attenhausen: Forest, Trails and Local History

Attenhausen is a Taunus village on a hill, surrounded by the Dörsbach Valley and located within Nassau Nature Park. The landscape and trails provide the setting for a stay where you can choose between walks, longer hikes and insights into local history. Hiking, cycling and horse riding are all possible activities in and around Attenhausen. Check trail conditions before setting out; specific routes vary considerably in length and course.

Forest and Views

The small forest recliner is intended for passing hikers and walkers. From there, the view extends across the Lahn Valley and Nassau; vegetation may affect visibility. Regular guided forest tours are offered in the FriedWald Nassauer Land – Attenhausen. As the program may change, check the local information board before your visit.

Hikes with Different Route Profiles

A 7.36-kilometer circular hike starts in the village center and returns to Attenhausen. It descends across fields and through the forest into the Dörsbach Valley/Jammertal, reaches the 19-Löcher Gorge and is rated moderate. The 19-kilometer Dörsbach Mill Hiking Trail is also connected to Attenhausen’s hiking trails; it runs from Katzenelnbogen to Obernhof. The 25-kilometer Four Valleys Tour passes through Nassau Nature Park. It includes narrow paths that require sturdy footwear. Before setting out on these two trails, check trail conditions and possible detours; after weather events, it is particularly useful to check the latest conditions.

The 7.36-kilometer loop is the shortest of the three options listed and is rated moderate. The Mill Hiking Trail connects two named places, while narrow paths and sturdy footwear are key considerations when planning the Four Valleys Tour. This allows you to compare circular routes, point-to-point destinations and trail requirements as different selection criteria.

Local History and Regional Connections

Attenhausen was among the endowed properties of Arnstein Abbey, which held eight farms there. This history is reflected in the village emblem: the mitre represents its former affiliation with the abbey; the ears of grain symbolize agriculture, once the village’s main source of income. An angular division at the base of the shield refers to Jammertal, while the blue wavy line represents the Dörsbach. The symbols thus bring together the historical connection to the abbey, the former livelihood and features of the landscape in a single depiction.

Arnstein Monastery is not in Attenhausen itself, but high above the Lahn. It is a pilgrimage site and features Romanesque and early Gothic elements. The abbey connection and the architecture of the regional monastery offer another perspective on this historical relationship.

Rhein-Lahn as a Broader Context

Rhein-Lahn District extends from the area on the right bank of the Rhine at the mouth of the Lahn, along the Lahn Valley to just before Limburg near Diez; it also includes the southern foothills of the Westerwald toward the Lahn Valley and the northern uplands of the Taunus between the Rhine and the Aar. The Roman Limes crosses the district; remains are still visible today and form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper German-Raetian Limes.

Discover more destinations: Burgschwalbach, Kemmenau, Nastätten, Bettendorf, Nassau, Patersberg, Bad Ems, Holzhausen An Der Haide

Go to the broader travel overview: Rhein-Lahn.