Höchstenbach on the Wiedweg

Höchstenbach on the Wiedweg

If you are considering Höchstenbach as a travel destination, the Wiedweg offers a practical starting point for planning: Which stage fits your schedule, and which nature or cultural themes would you like to include in your stay? Höchstenbach lies on the slope of a valley basin through which the Wied flows.

On the section of the Wiedweg leading to Höchstenbach, the route passes through the Oberes Wiedtal nature reserve. There, floodplain landscapes, wet meadows and biotopes provide habitats for many plant and animal species. These landscapes add a distinct natural environment to the town’s connection with the river.

Hiking and Nature Along the Wied

One stage of the Wiedweg runs from Höchstenbach to Altenkirchen. It is 16 kilometres long, rated moderate and takes about five hours. Along the way, the trail passes the Krambergsmühle and leads through the Im Dorm nature reserve, which is known for its diverse flora and fauna. This stage combines a practical estimate of the time required with a variety of landscape and nature themes. Check the current route before setting out, as trails may be rerouted.

Another perspective is offered by the Wiedweg stage from Linden to Höchstenbach, which follows the shore of the Dreifelder Weiher, considered the largest body of water in the Westerwald Lake District. Swimming is possible at the beach area of the Haus am See campsite; a short boat trip on the lake is also an option. If you plan to take advantage of these activities, check before your visit whether swimming access and boat trips are available.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The “Tankstelle, Höchstenbach” bus stop is located right on the Wiedweg. On weekdays, bus route 420 takes you from Hachenburg Markt to this stop; the journey takes about 14 minutes. For the return trip from Altenkirchen to Höchstenbach, you can use bus route 255 on weekdays. Free parking for the Wiedweg is available at the cemetery on Friedhofstraße.

Check the timetable and parking availability before departure: routes, operating days, journey times and parking options may change. This will help you factor the bus connections mentioned here and the parking area into your travel plans.

Culture and Regional Themes

Cultural and historical themes are also part of Höchstenbach’s character. The 13th-century church was renovated with LEADER funding. The General Marcau monument has been damaged and rebuilt several times. These two historical landmarks complement the scenic impressions of the Wiedweg.

The wider Westerwald destination offers other distinct hiking and cultural themes. The WesterwaldSteig is a 235-kilometre long-distance hiking trail with 16 stages. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometres over seven day stages through seven river valleys and features more than 30 geo-information points. By comparison, the Wiedweg stage starting in Höchstenbach covers 16 kilometres, while the WesterwaldSteig and Druidensteig represent longer routes.

The wider Westerwald destination’s Stöffel-Park is dedicated to geological history and industrial heritage. The approximately 140-hectare site of a former basalt quarry combines industrial heritage, geological history and nature. Fossils are displayed at the TERTIÄRUM in Stöffel-Park, including the famous “Stöffel mouse,” which documents around 25 million years of geological history.

Discover more destinations: Montabaur, Mörsbach, Pottum, Kaden, Steinen, Alpenrod, Ransbach-Baumbach, Ötzingen.

Back to the wider travel overview: Westerwald.