Discover Altendiez

Altendiez combines a distinctive village character with its own culinary tradition and a swimming lake set in a striking limestone landscape. When planning your trip, you can therefore focus on different things: village history, Bimbes or time by the water.

Half-timbered houses, town hall and communal bakehouse

The village’s character is reflected in its old streets lined with restored half-timbered houses. The town hall, dating from the 17th century, is also part of the village landscape. A restored communal bakehouse is housed in the building, where bread is traditionally baked for certain occasions. Altendiez thus brings together visible architectural history and a tradition of use.

A second, distinctive part of the village’s history is embodied in Bimbes. This syrup made from grey pears is considered a traditional local product of Altendiez. Its preparation has been passed down through generations and was traditionally a communal activity in late autumn. This links the product to a seasonal form of gathering. Efforts to revive the tradition by planting more pear trees build on this history. Bimbes is therefore more than a regional flavour: the grey pear and the communal preparation are also part of its heritage.

Swimming lake among limestone formations

A swimming lake lies within the municipality of Altendiez, surrounded by steep limestone formations. It has a circumference of about one kilometre. The grounds include landscaped sunbathing areas, a ramp and three steps for entering the water, as well as parking. The combination of water and rocky scenery offers a different focus from the half-timbered houses and local traditions. Food and drinks are available seasonally.

To get there, follow the signposted access road via Emser Straße towards Altendiez, then continue along Zum Rödchen. The operator expressly warns against using In der Au. Check the signs on arrival, as access information may change depending on operations.

The wider Rhein-Lahn destination

Altendiez is part of the wider Rhein-Lahn destination, whose landscape extends far beyond the village itself. The Rhein-Lahn district encompasses the area on the right bank of the Rhine at the mouth of the Lahn, the Lahn Valley up to just before Limburg near Diez, the southern foothills of the Westerwald towards the Lahn Valley, and the northern uplands of the Taunus between the Rhine and the Aar. Including this wider regional variety alongside Altendiez’s own attractions lets you plan your trip around different landscapes and themes.

The Rhein-Lahn district also has a multifaceted cultural heritage. The Roman Limes runs through the district; remains are still visible today and form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Germanic-Raetian Limes. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley covers a 65-kilometre stretch between Bingen, Rüdesheim and Koblenz, with historic small towns, terraced vineyards and castle ruins. The section on the right bank of the Rhine, from Kaub to Lahnstein, lies in the Rhein-Lahn district.

In Bad Ems, a historic spa ensemble is part of the region’s cultural heritage: the spa house, assembly hall, villas, former hotels, churches, spa gardens and historic panoramic paths make up the “Historic Spa Town of Ems” heritage zone. Also in Bad Ems, the Emser Therme offers wellness facilities featuring thermal water from medicinal springs and a riverside sauna. This means that the destination offers further distinct cultural and wellness themes alongside Altendiez’s village history, Bimbes and swimming lake.

Choose the right focus for your search

If you are looking for accommodation in Altendiez, first consider whether your stay will focus mainly on local attractions or on a broader trip around the Rhein-Lahn region. In Altendiez, the main attractions are village history, the Bimbes tradition and the swimming lake. If you also want to explore the Limes, the Middle Rhine Valley or the spa history of Bad Ems, focus your search on the wider destination. This way, you can start your search with the experiences you want to shape your trip.

Discover more destinations: Gückingen, Aull, Steinsberg, Laurenburg, Dörnberg, Holzappel, Birlenbach, Heistenbach

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Diez.