Holzappel: Herthasee, Westerwald Heights and Mining History

Holzappel lies in Nassau Nature Park near the Lahn, on the first hills of the Westerwald and around 300 to 400 metres above sea level. Herthasee lies at the foot of the 443-metre-high Höchst, the highest point in the Esterau. The lake, trails and mining history give the town different sides to discover as you plan your trip.

Herthasee: Water and Activities

Herthasee covers just under five hectares and is fed by natural inlets and underground springs. Boating is possible on the lake, with tennis courts next to it. Fishing is also possible in accessible areas along the shore, and the lake is home to a diverse fish population. If you want to fish, check the applicable rules and permits in advance: both can change.

Trails between Holzappel, Laurenburg and Herthasee

The 5.7-kilometre Burgweg leads from Holzappel and Herthasee to Laurenburg. It follows forest and field paths along a historic route between Holzappel and Laurenburg. Along the way, it offers views across the Lahn Valley towards Schaumburg, Cramberg, Gabelstein and the Lahn. The Kirchweg covers 10 kilometres from Eppenrod to Holzappel and Herthasee. The Grubenwanderweg runs for 4.8 kilometres from Laurenburg to Holzappel.

In terms of length, the Grubenwanderweg is shorter than the Burgweg; the Kirchweg is the longest of the three. The trails also differ in focus: the Burgweg centres on forest, fields and valley views, while the Grubenwanderweg and Grubenlehrpfad feature traces of mining. This makes it easy to choose a route based on distance and interests.

Mining History and Townscape

The Grubenwanderweg and Grubenlehrpfad showcase mining remains and information boards about the Holzappel mine. The mine operated from 1751 to 1952, extracting lead, silver and zinc. The Grubenwanderweg passes half-timbered houses, slate-clad façades and St John’s Church before continuing to Herthasee.

The present-day St John’s Church was built in the neoclassical style between 1824 and 1826 on the foundations of an earlier church. The Bear Fountain stands in Holzappel’s lower market square: it was erected in 1913 as a local heritage monument for the Esterau, in front of the historic Goethe House.

The Esterau Local Heritage and Mining Museum documents the history of the Esterau. Its themes and exhibits include the former mining operations at the Holzappel mine, domestic life around 1900, toys and historic photographs of Holzappel. A visit to the museum can be combined with a look at the Melander Crypt in the adjoining St John’s Church.

Rhein-Lahn as the wider region

The wider travel destination of Rhein-Lahn encompasses the Rhein-Lahn district, including the area on the right bank of the Rhine at the mouth of the Lahn, the Lahn Valley 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. The Roman Limes also crosses the district. Its remains are still visible today and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Upper Germanic-Raetian Limes.

Discover more destinations: Birlenbach, Aull, Hirschberg, Steinsberg, Laurenburg, Heistenbach, Gückingen, Altendiez.

Back to the wider travel overview: Diez.