Discover Heckenbach

Heckenbach combines a hiking landscape of juniper heath and dense woodland with churches dating from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. The heath plant communities also tell the story of traditional land use, while the churches in Blasweiler, Niederheckenbach and Oberheckenbach each feature distinct architectural and decorative details. If you are looking for accommodation in Heckenbach, these themes offer two specific starting points for planning your trip: active time on the trails or an interest in cultural landscapes and ecclesiastical architecture.

Hiking between heath and woodland

A historic hiking trail was officially opened in October 2000. It is about 18 kilometres long, starts in Niederheckenbach and passes through juniper heath and dense woodland. Its approximate length and changing scenery give you a clear framework for planning your day.

On the Juniper Trail, you can choose between a short loop of 11 kilometres and a longer loop of 14 kilometres. The three-kilometre difference makes it easy to compare the route lengths when planning your hike. The Juniper Trail starts and ends at the former Tannenberg inn in Niederheckenbach. Check the local signs before setting off. Along the way, information panels explain the origins and ecological significance of juniper heaths, dwarf-shrub heaths and matgrass meadows. The trail also follows landscape features of cultural and historical significance.

The history of the heathland

There are extensive areas of juniper heath around Heckenbach. The heath plant communities developed as part of a traditional land-use system and shaped the Eifel landscape until the 19th century. The heathland therefore has both ecological and historical significance. Information along the Juniper Trail covers both the importance of these plant communities and how they came about.

Churches from different centuries

The listed St. Margaret’s Hall church in Blasweiler dates from around 1300. Protected monuments in its churchyard include eight grave crosses from the 16th to 18th centuries and three cast-iron crosses from the 19th century. The church’s architectural history and grave crosses from several centuries can thus be seen side by side.

The listed Hall church of St. Pancras and Margaret in Niederheckenbach was built in 1828–1829. Inside are an altar and Stations of the Cross from Maria Laach. Visitors also come from outside the area.

St. Michael’s Chapel in Oberheckenbach is a listed Hall church dating from the 18th century. Together, these buildings represent different historical periods: from the church dating to around 1300, through the 18th century, to the specific construction dates of 1828–1829. Visitors interested in ecclesiastical architecture can include this range of periods in their explorations.

Regional history and finding accommodation

The Ahrweiler District Archive is a local-history information and advisory centre for historical and local-history questions about the region. Its local-history library is open to visitors.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Kirchsahr, Binzenbach, Ahrbrück, Rech, Berg, Kesseling, Lind, Hönningen.

Return to the main travel overview: Altenahr.