Höhn – Basalt, Mining and Winter Sports

Höhn offers several distinct attractions: the Catholic parish church of Maria Visitation, traces of mining at the market square, the Hochstein basalt field, and seasonal winter sports in Höhn-Schönberg. Architectural history and outdoor activities come together here.

Church and Mining History

The Catholic parish church of Maria Visitation is a photographic landmark in Höhn. It was first mentioned in 1100; the chapel and choir date from 1462. These two dates make the church a striking subject if you are interested in the history of religious buildings.

An old headframe in the market square recalls Höhn’s mining history and the Alexandria mine’s nearly 300-year history. It began operating in 1651 and closed in 1961. The headframe offers another, different perspective on local history: here, the focus is on the industrial past, rather than the architectural history of the parish church.

Basalt and Hiking

The Hochstein natural monument adds a geological perspective. The basalt boulder field lies at an elevation of about 525 meters and is a waypoint on a hiking trail. Hochstein is also the highest point in the Westerburger Land. For hiking enthusiasts, this is where a distinctive rock formation meets a prominent high point in the region; its approximate elevation is part of what makes this natural monument distinctive.

Winter Activities in Höhn-Schönberg

Höhn-Schönberg has a 700-meter-long ski slope with two lifts for skiing and snowboarding. The offerings also include floodlit skiing, sled rental, and a ski school. Seasonal operations may vary, so it is advisable to check the latest operating information before your visit. This lets you plan your winter trip around the activities actually on offer, rather than relying on the time of year alone.

The Westerwald as a Broader Theme

The wider Westerwald destination offers further perspectives on hiking, geology, nature, and culture. The WesterwaldSteig is a 235-kilometer long-distance hiking trail through the Westerwald, divided into 16 stages. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometers over seven day stages through seven river valleys and features more than 30 geo-information points. The distances and number of stages give you an initial sense of the trails’ scope; the geo-information points add geological insights to the Druidensteig hike. As the interpretive features along a route can change, check the current route planner before setting out.

The Westerwald also offers a variety of landscapes: the Holzbach Gorge is a breakthrough valley about one kilometer long, with basalt walls up to 30 meters high. The Westerwald Lake District is a natural area with seven ponds. Fuchskaute, meanwhile, is the highest point in the Westerwald at 657 meters. The gorge, lake landscape, and high point each offer a different natural highlight.

Stöffel Park covers around 140 hectares of a former basalt quarry, bringing together industrial heritage, geological history, and nature. The TERTIÄRUM displays fossils, including the famous “Stöffel mouse,” documenting around 25 million years of geological history. The Westerwald Ceramics Museum offers a different cultural perspective: it presents the history of working with clay, and the objects on display mostly originated in a Westerwald clay pit.

Restored half-timbered houses around the Old Market define the historic town center of Hachenburg; the Lion Fountain is also part of its historic atmosphere. The Hachenburg Experience Brewery offers beer tours and brewing courses. Individual appointments can be arranged by phone; please confirm current arrangements directly with the brewery.

When looking for accommodation in Höhn, distinguishing between the town’s own attractions and the additional themes of the wider Westerwald can help you decide what kind of trip you are looking for.

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