Ransbach-Baumbach: Ceramics, Pottery Market and Erlenhofsee

Ceramics shape Ransbach-Baumbach; the outdoor swimming pool and Erlenhofsee offer other local attractions. The annual European Pottery Market is another highlight. The Westerwald also offers regional perspectives through its own routes and destinations.

Ceramics town and regional route

Ransbach-Baumbach is a ceramics town in the Kannenbäckerland. Ceramic businesses produce salt-glazed stoneware as well as household and decorative ceramics, garden ceramics, building and domestic ceramics, and technical ceramics. This broad range of production contributes significantly to the town’s economic profile. Here, ceramics therefore stand not only for decorative pieces, but also for products for the home, garden, construction and technology.

The town archive documents former and active ceramic businesses that have shaped local history. The Westerwälder Kannenbäckerstraße offers another perspective on the subject: it opened in 1978 and runs for around 70 kilometres through Ransbach-Baumbach. Along the route, there are stops where you can learn more about the history of pottery and its products.

The European Pottery Market

The annual European Pottery Market puts ceramics at the heart of the visitor experience. You can browse and buy ceramic products; during the market, local pottery workshops open their doors to visitors. The participating workshops may change. At the market square, you can also try your hand at pottery and modelling, and a pottery-wheel taster station gives you the chance to try throwing clay yourself.

The market also features RAKU firing demonstrations, which may take place several times a day; the programme may vary from one edition to the next. Local dishes on offer include stew soup and potato pancakes, although the food and vendors may change. Since dates, exhibitors and specific offerings may change, check the details for the relevant market edition before you travel.

The classic car scene also has recurring events: Summer Classics and the local gathering for young and classic cars are established events. Dates and programme details may vary, so plan according to the information for each event.

Outdoor swimming pool and Erlenhofsee

The Ransbach-Baumbach outdoor swimming pool is located at the edge of the forest. It has a 50-metre swimming pool, one- and three-metre diving platforms, and an 80-metre water slide. Its design takes accessibility into account and is geared towards use by older people and people with disabilities. There is also a beach volleyball court. The pool is open seasonally.

The outdoor pool has a kiosk serving food and drinks and ice cream, as well as a covered terrace; these offerings may change. When planning your visit, check which facilities and services are available during the season. The Rosenparkanlage is next to the eight-hectare Erlenhofsee. There, you’ll find a circular path and fishing opportunities—another way to spend time by the water, different from visiting the outdoor pool.

Exploring the Kannenbäckerland and Westerwald

The Kannenbäckerland has hiking trails, including the Brexbach Gorge, well-laid-out cycle paths and a large Nordic walking park. These regional options complement the local attractions, but are not the same as facilities in Ransbach-Baumbach.

In the wider Westerwald destination, the WesterwaldSteig runs for 235 kilometres through the region and comprises 16 stages. If you’re planning a stage, check the information in the current route planner. In Höhr-Grenzhausen, the Westerwald Ceramic Museum presents the history of working with clay; visitors can explore the museum independently. Guided tours and ceramic workshops for all age groups are also available. Check the dates and availability of these offerings in advance.

Ransbach-Baumbach offers several clear starting points for choosing a travel theme: ceramics and the market, a seasonal swim, or a stay around Erlenhofsee and the Rosenparkanlage. For longer tours and other regional destinations, it’s worth looking at the route that best suits you in the Kannenbäckerland or Westerwald.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Wittgert, Hellenhahn-Schellenberg, Nentershausen, Dernbach, Krümmel, Niedersayn, Staudt, Giesenhausen.

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