Hillscheid: Limes History, Ceramics and Trails

Hillscheid’s attractions range from Roman frontier history and ceramics to art and signposted hiking trails. When planning a trip, visitors can choose between cultural sites and tours of various lengths.

Roman history on the Limes

The small fort at Hillscheid and its associated watchtowers WP 1/69 to WP 1/72 are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Frontiers of the Roman Empire.” The outer walls of the small fort were rebuilt in 2003. According to a historical account, Limes watchtower WP 1/68 was reconstructed in 1994 based on the latest archaeological findings available at the time.

The site of the reconstructed Limes watchtower includes a small museum and a Roman garden with a bread oven. The observation platform at the watchtower looks out over the Westerwald, the Neuwied Basin and the Eifel. The paths also tell the story of the landscape: the filled-in Limes ditch serves as a footpath. The rampart and ditch on the stretch between Höhr-Grenzhausen and Hillscheid are considered to be very well preserved.

The Hillscheid Limes Museum displays reconstructions of Roman pottery and a number of original objects. The Hillscheid Local History Museum offers another perspective on the history of the town and region. On display are water jugs, old ceramic products and tools from historic trades, along with Westerwald stoneware, clay pipes and a nearly complete historic kitchen. The museum also presents the history of the region and the town. Visits to the Local History Museum are by appointment only. Arrange your visit in advance.

Ceramics, local history and art

Ceramics in Hillscheid are not just a museum collection topic. The ceramic stele project in the old schoolyard comprises five objects. Together with the stoneware and clay pipes on display, they offer a picture that encompasses both individual everyday objects and the history of the town.

The Limes Art Space offers a contemporary perspective, presenting permanent exhibitions of contemporary art. Sculptures are on display outdoors at the Art Space. These focuses differ considerably when planning a trip: the Local History Museum centers on the town’s history and historic everyday objects, while the Art Space showcases contemporary works.

Hiking trails for your preferred tour length

The forests around Hillscheid have about 100 kilometers of signposted hiking trails. One specific route is the Hillscheid Limes Trail, a circular route approximately eight kilometers long. It starts at Limes watchtower WP 1/68 on the L 310, at the entrance to Hillscheid. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Limes Trail near Höhr-Grenzhausen is a separate circular route approximately 5.5 kilometers long, with information boards about the Limes and local history. Check the current trail signage before hiking. For a longer outing, the HG3 Hillscheid Circular Hiking Trail is a different proposition: it is rated moderate, is 20.1 kilometers long and has a stated duration of 5 hours and 35 minutes. Check the latest route details before setting out.

At approximately 5.5 km, the Limes Trail is shorter than the Hillscheid Limes Trail, which is approximately 8 km long. The HG3 is considerably longer at 20.1 km; its stated duration is 5 hours and 35 minutes, and it is rated moderate. The Bembermühle offers food and drink on certain days of the week along the HG3. Check its opening days in advance.

Panoramic road and finding accommodation

The Westerwald Kannenbäckerstraße also passes through Hillscheid. This approximately 70-kilometer panoramic road runs through the Kannenbäckerland and complements the local hiking and cultural attractions with a regional road route.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Westerburg, Elbingen, Ransbach-Baumbach, Nistertal, Heiligenroth, Caan, Helferskirchen, Gackenbach.

Back to the main travel overview: Westerwald.