Lochum – Basalt on the Edge of the Westerwald Lake District

Lochum between the Lake District and basalt

Lochum lies on the edge of the Westerwald Lake District. The local landmark, Welterstein, is a basalt rock formation also known locally as “Hänsel’s Häuschen.” If you are choosing a trip based on landscape themes, its location and the basalt formation offer two specific points of interest.

There is a shelter with seating and a table in Lochum for hikers. It is located on Stage 6 of the WesterwaldSteig and Stage 1 of the Wiedweg. Check the current condition of the trail infrastructure before setting out. A barbecue hut is also one of the local facilities. If you would like to use it, check availability and booking conditions in advance.

Landscapes and hiking trails in the Westerwald

The wider Westerwald travel destination offers a variety of landscapes to consider when planning a trip. The Westerwald Lake District is a natural area with seven ponds. The Holzbach Gorge is a breakthrough valley about one kilometre long, with basalt walls up to 30 metres high. You can thus consider the pond landscape and the gorge as distinct regional landscape highlights.

For longer hikes, the WesterwaldSteig offers 235 kilometres of trails across 16 stages. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometres over seven day stages through seven river valleys and features more than 30 geo-information points. You can compare the routes by length and number of stages; the Druidensteig also offers a geological focus through its information points. Check the current route details and trail information before setting out. Another hiking option in the Westerwald is the “Weltende” nature trail in the Kroppacher Schweiz. It follows narrow paths and natural trails; some sections are secured with wire ropes. The trail offers views over the Nister Valley. Trail conditions and accessibility can vary seasonally, so please check them before planning a hike.

Culture and regional themes in the Westerwald

Stöffel Park is a former basalt quarry site covering around 140 hectares in the Westerwald, bringing together industrial heritage, geological history and nature. The TERTIÄRUM at Stöffel Park displays fossils, including the famous “Stöffel Mouse.” The fossils document around 25 million years of geological history.

The Westerwald Ceramics Museum is dedicated to the history of working with clay. The objects on display generally originate from a clay pit in the Westerwald. In the well-equipped museum workshop, you can get creative yourself under expert guidance. Check the workshop programme and booking conditions before your trip.

In Hachenburg, restored half-timbered houses around the Old Market square shape the historic town centre; the Lion Fountain is also part of its historic atmosphere. The Hachenburg Experience Brewery offers beer experience tours and brewing courses. Individual appointments can be arranged by phone. Check current appointment arrangements directly with the brewery.

Discover more destinations: Giesenhausen, Niedersayn, Gehlert, Girod, Welschneudorf, Freilingen, Meudt, Rehe.

For the overview of the wider destination: Westerwald.