Discover Hilgert: Pottery History and the HG5

Hilgert combines a long pottery tradition with the HG5 hiking trail. The history of the local pottery trade and the landscape along the route offer different ways to shape a stay: you can explore the development of the craft or focus on the trail from Waldstraße to the Masselbach Valley.

Pottery History and Pipe Making

Hilgert is considered one of the oldest centers for producing grey-blue stoneware. Archaeological finds show that local potters passed through every stage in the development of this craft up to the 18th century. The history can also be traced through specific dates: Hilgert was first mentioned by name in a letter of atonement in 1349, and the modern form of the name appeared on a map by J. F. Düntzfeld by 1772 at the latest. The place name may derive from “Hilligrod,” interpreted as “holy clearing.”

Clay pipe makers are first documented in Hilgert in 1754; in 1792, a separate guild of pipe makers was established there. The pipe bakery, also known as the Pfeiffestuff, is a cultural monument at Schulstraße 18. Its historic production included two-part molds for clay pipes. The finished pipes were then fired for twelve hours at 950 °C. The production steps themselves therefore offer a concrete insight into the craft. A pottery workshop in Hilgert is considered one of the last traces of this trade and continues the tradition of handcraft.

Hiking and Scenery on the HG5

The HG5 starts on Waldstraße, passes through Hilgert, and then leaves the settlement. The route is described as moderately difficult and covers 11.3 kilometers. The ascent is listed as approximately 195 meters, and the stated duration is 3.1 hours. Check the latest route information before setting out, as trail details may change.

Along the way, the HG5 crosses open pastures and descends through the forest into the Masselbach Valley. There, the trail crosses floodplain meadows and continues through more stretches of woodland toward Hundsdorf. In spring, the route highlights blooming landscapes in woodland areas that are regenerating after earlier clearances. Another stop is the GeoTop Glockenschächte, a remnant of historic clay mining in the Kannenbäckerland. The trail thus connects a variety of landscapes with evidence of the area’s history of raw-material extraction.

Cycling follows a different route: a cycling route around Höhr-Grenzhausen continues through the forest toward Hilgert. Hiking and cycling can therefore be considered different ways to explore the area, rather than a single shared route.

Getting There and Getting Around

Bus route VRM 425 connects Hilgert with Höhr-Grenzhausen, Ransbach-Baumbach, Wirges, and Montabaur on weekdays and weekends. Check the timetable before traveling. By car, Hilgert can be reached via Landesstraße 307 from Höhr-Grenzhausen and Ransbach-Baumbach. Public parking is available at the sports ground on Waldstraße.

Discover more destinations: Grenzau.

Go to the main travel overview: Höhr-Grenzhausen.