Discover Gehlert

A themed trail and several circular hiking options are at the heart of planning a hike in Gehlert. The Water Adventure Trail links the topic of drinking water with historic wells and their spring surroundings. There are also three circular hiking routes and connections to other trails. You can choose according to your interests: the Water Trail’s theme or a circular hike.

The Water Adventure Trail: drinking water and springs

The approximately 12-kilometre Water Adventure Trail runs mostly through Gehlert. It explores how drinking water is collected and stored, and includes historic wells and former agricultural irrigation. The flora and fauna around the springs are also among its topics. The route therefore offers a thematic approach to water, bringing together infrastructure, past uses and the natural surroundings.

If you would like to focus on the history of water supply and the area around the springs while hiking, the trail offers a clear focus. The length is approximate: the route is around 12 kilometres long. Route conditions and signage may change; check the local trail markers before setting out.

Circular hiking routes and other trails

Gehlert’s hiking options include three circular hiking routes and additional connections to other trails. Hikes start locally. Alongside the themed Water Adventure Trail, circular routes are another option. The route you choose depends on whether you want to focus on the water and spring themes described or take a circular hike. Follow the local signage when planning your specific route, as trail conditions and guidance may change.

A spring and the Hachenburg Brewery

A spring in the Gehlert area is considered to have supplied brewing water to the Hachenburg Brewery for many years. This brewing water contributes to the brewery’s beer. In this way, water in Gehlert features not only in the trail’s interpretation but also in a connection to local production.

In the wider Westerwald destination, the Hachenburg Erlebnis-Brauerei offers beer experience tours and brewing courses. Individual appointments can be arranged by phone. Check current booking options directly with the brewery in advance.

Westerwald: long-distance trails and geological history

The wider Westerwald destination also offers longer hiking trails. The WesterwaldSteig is 235 kilometres long and divided into 16 stages. The Druidensteig covers 94 kilometres in seven day stages through seven river valleys; there are more than 30 geo-information points along the trail. These details show different scales and areas of focus: the WesterwaldSteig is defined by its length and stages, while the Druidensteig also features river valleys and geological information. Check the WesterwaldSteig’s length and stages with the current route planner before planning.

Another topic in the wider Westerwald destination is geological history. Stöffel Park covers a former basalt quarry site of around 140 hectares, combining industrial heritage, geological history and nature. Fossils can be seen in the TERTIÄRUM at Stöffel Park, including the famous “Stöffel mouse”. The fossils document around 25 million years of geological history. This regional perspective adds a distinct way to explore the landscape and the past to the hiking information.

Discover more destinations: Ötzingen, Ebernhahn, Langenhahn, Lautzenbrücken, Maxsain, Giesenhausen, Steinen, Winnen.

Go to the wider travel overview: Westerwald.