Discover Meudt: Hiking, Cycling and History

Meudt combines routes through the countryside with architectural and local history. A circular hike of around four kilometres, cycling routes and historic sites each offer a different focus. If you are planning a trip with a range of interests, you can focus on time outdoors, local history or a mix of both.

Hiking trails around Meudt

The circular hike of around four kilometres starts at the Gangolfushalle. It follows the Eisenbach, passes through the Ludwig-Hirsch clay extraction area and crosses fields towards Dahlen before returning to Meudt. Along the way, there are repeated views of the surrounding landscape and the town. The circular route therefore connects several aspects of the area rather than focusing on just one destination.

Two long-distance hiking trails also pass through Meudt or one of its municipal districts: Westerwald Association Long-Distance Trail III runs from Neuwied to Wetzlar and through Meudt. The Thuringian Hiking Trail passes through the municipal district of Ehringhausen. These routes offer a different kind of orientation than the local circular hike, so when planning, it is worth considering whether you want a loop that returns to Meudt or a long-distance trail.

Architectural history and remembrance

Meudt was first mentioned in 1097 under the names “muda” or “muede” and is considered one of the oldest settlements in the Westerwald. The present-day parish church also has a long history: its origins date back to the 12th century. St. Petri Thronerhebung is a cross-shaped basilica built in 1910/11, with a Romanesque tower. The former town hall adds to the townscape as an imposing half-timbered building dating from 1596.

The Jewish cemetery at Laufgarten is a distinct part of the town’s history. The site, designated as a protected historic area, was established in the second half of the 18th century; the oldest gravestone dates from 1768. A memorial lists the names of 25 Jewish people from Meudt who were deported and murdered. Commemorative events have been held there since 1969, usually every three years on National Day of Mourning. The history of this tradition is part of the site, as is the remembrance of the people whose names are recorded there.

The Gangolfusbrunnen also combines visible features with a traditional custom. The ensemble comprises a statue of Saint Gangolf, a well covered with a grille and a flower bed. A procession on Whit Sunday is associated with the well; the ritual of washing hands takes place the day before. The spring was buried during sewer works, and the water jet today is powered by an electric pump.

Cycling routes with different highlights

The 12-kilometre Wäller ALLEen-Weg follows a disused railway line, is fully paved and has numerous rest areas. From Meudt, you can reach the route via the Eisenbach meadows after about 3.5 kilometres. It is worth checking the current route before setting off.

The 25-kilometre Backesdörfer Tour can be started at the Gangolfusbrunnen and runs through the municipal district of Eisen. Regionally, the route connects places that have revived communal bread baking; it runs from Meudt and Eisen towards Hahner Waldsee. The Nassau-Wäller cycling loop can also be started in Meudt, via a short connecting route such as the Wäller ALLEen-Weg. Another cultural stop is the small chapel in Eisen, a municipal district of Meudt, which is part of the AHRound Tour (II). Its leaded-glass windows, a crucifix and a Madonna figure are among its furnishings, along with a memorial plaque for soldiers who were killed or went missing in the two world wars.

More to explore in the Westerwald

Beyond Meudt, the wider Westerwald destination offers other distinct hiking and cultural experiences. The WesterwaldSteig is a 235-kilometre long-distance hiking trail through the Westerwald, with 16 stages. If you are planning stages, it is best to check your itinerary against the current route planner.

The Stöffel Park is also in the Westerwald: this former basalt quarry site, covering around 140 hectares, combines industrial heritage, geological history and nature. Fossils can be seen in the TERTIÄRUM at Stöffel Park, including the Stöffel mouse; they document around 25 million years of geological history. Another destination for an active holiday is the Westerwald Lake District, with its seven ponds. It is about a 15-minute drive from Meudt; actual journey times depend on the route and traffic. In Hachenburg, restored half-timbered houses around the Alter Markt shape the historic town centre. The Löwenbrunnen is also part of its historic atmosphere. The Westerwald therefore offers everything from longer hiking stages and geological history to historic townscapes.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Steinen, Selters, Höhr-Grenzhausen, Molsberg, Kölbingen, Heiligenroth, Hartenfels, Oberhaid.

For the main travel overview: Westerwald.