Bad Marienberg (Westerwald): Basalt, Nature and Trails

Bad Marienberg brings together wildlife watching, basalt history and active days outdoors. The wildlife park offers a woodland and meadow landscape, as well as free admission; the Basalt Park traces the history of former basalt quarrying. There is also an herb garden, changing exhibitions and trails of varying lengths. This gives you different ways to include nature, culture and outdoor activities in your travel plans.

Discover nature and basalt

A 4 km circular trail in the wildlife park passes through woodland and meadows and is considered wheelchair accessible. The park is open year-round from sunrise until dusk, and admission is free. Check the current access conditions before your visit. Three Nordic walking circular routes start at the large wildlife park car park.

The Bacher Lay nature reserve lies between Bad Marienberg and Nisterau, with the Schwarze Nister flowing through it. It is 2 km on foot from the centre of Bad Marienberg and provides a habitat for rare animal and plant species. The river, protected status and habitat give this natural destination a distinctive focus; the distance is a useful guide when planning your day.

The Basalt Park is a former quarry and open-air museum. Exhibits show documented methods of basalt extraction, geological processes and different basalt formations, including five- and six-sided columns. Here you can explore both the site’s former use and the shapes of the rock.

Garden and local culture

The Apothecary’s Garden is laid out in the style of a traditional monastery garden. It features more than 120 medicinal plants, whose effects and uses are explained on 18 signs. Tours of the garden can be booked on request through the Tourist Information Office. The garden’s design and information about the plants bring together a landscaped setting and practical details about the plants.

The exhibitions at the Bad Marienberg local history rooms change over time. They cover the local landscape, history, customs and economy, as well as the Westerwald’s “Wäller” identity. This brings together different ways of exploring local themes: the plant life in the garden and the broad range of topics in the local history rooms.

Routes and seasonal activities

Bad Marienberg has eight walking and hiking routes ranging from 5 to 18 km. The 4 km circular trail in the wildlife park is shorter than even the shortest of these eight routes. The stated distances can help you choose how much walking you would like to do in a day.

More than 200 km of signposted and tested cycling routes are available around Bad Marienberg. Seasonal cycling tours mostly follow quiet cycling and hiking trails and are accompanied by two local guides. Check the route and seasonal availability before planning. Winter activities include groomed cross-country ski trails, two ski lifts and a toboggan run; check the current operating status before visiting.

Getting there and the wider Westerwald region

For travel planning, you can use the combination of an ICE train to Montabaur followed by a bus to the Bad Marienberg (Westerwald) Neuer Weg stop as a guide. Check the current timetables before travelling. From the Neuer Weg stop, it is about 150 m to the main trail of the WesterwaldSteig.

The WesterwaldSteig runs through the wider Westerwald travel region. This long-distance hiking trail is 235 km long and consists of 16 stages. Compared with the local routes of 5 to 18 km, it offers a much longer-distance hiking option. If you are planning a multi-stage hike, check the current route planner before setting out.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Molsberg, Eitelborn, Alsbach, Steinen, Dreifelden, Atzelgift, Selters, Pottum

Back to the main travel overview: Westerwald.