Holzappel on Lake Hertha

Holzappel lies in Nassau Nature Park near the Lahn, in the first hills of the Westerwald, at an elevation of about 300 to 400 metres above sea level. The area is shaped by Lake Hertha, trails towards Laurenburg and evidence of its mining history. You can plan your stay around the landscape, trails or local history: focus on individual themes or combine them.

Landscape and activities at Lake Hertha

Lake Hertha lies at the foot of the 443-metre-high Höchst, the highest point in the Esterau. The lake, near Holzappel, covers just under five hectares and is fed by natural inflows and underground springs.

Lake Hertha offers opportunities for boating and fishing. Accessible areas of the shore and a varied fish population are available for fishing. Rules and permits may change, so check the current regulations before fishing. Tennis courts are located next to the lake. This gives you a choice of activities on the water and another option on the shore.

Trails between Holzappel and Laurenburg

The 5.7-kilometre Burgweg leads from Holzappel and Lake Hertha to Laurenburg. It follows forest and field paths along a historic route between Holzappel and Laurenburg. Along the way, views stretch across the Lahn Valley towards Schaumburg, Cramberg, Gabelstein and the Lahn. The Kirchweg is longer at ten kilometres and leads from Eppenrod to Holzappel and Lake Hertha.

The Grubenwanderweg runs for 4.8 kilometres from Laurenburg to Holzappel. It is shorter than the Burgweg and Kirchweg in terms of distance. Mining relics and information boards about the Holzappel mine lie along the route. It also passes Holzappel’s half-timbered houses, slate-clad façades and St John’s Church before continuing to Lake Hertha. The trail thus combines information about mining with the town’s buildings.

Mining and local history

The Holzappel mine operated from 1751 to 1952, producing lead, silver and zinc. The former mining industry is also a subject at the Esterau Local History and Mining Museum in Holzappel. The museum presents the history of the Esterau alongside other aspects of local life.

The Bear Fountain stands on the lower market square in front of the historic Goethe House. It was erected in 1913 as a memorial to the Esterau’s local heritage. Today’s St John’s Church was built between 1824 and 1826 in the Classical style on the foundations of an older church. Its construction dates and older foundations make the church another historic landmark in the town.

Museum and Melander Crypt

In addition to the history of mining, the Esterau Local History and Mining Museum covers domestic culture around 1900, toys and historic photographs of Holzappel. A visit to the museum thus explores both the former Holzappel mine and insights into everyday life and local history. You can combine a visit to the museum with a look at the Melander Crypt in the adjoining St John’s Church.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Steinsberg, Aull, Altendiez, Hirschberg, Dörnberg, Birlenbach, Gückingen, Laurenburg

Return to the main travel overview: Diez.