Discover Nisterau: Nature, Basalt and Mining History

Nisterau combines paths through nature with a long mining history and local traditions. Walking and cycling routes run through and around the village; the nature reserve offers an opportunity to observe characteristic flora and fauna. You can therefore focus your trip on different things: outdoor activities, observing the landscape or history.

Nature and Basalt Landscape

In the Bacher Lay nature reserve, still and flowing waters, gently sloping and steep banks, dry grassland, tall-herb vegetation and basalt cliffs come together within a small area. The reserve covers around 45 hectares and includes a natural stream and a small lake. The varied landscape provides habitats for amphibians, reptiles, numerous bird species and several orchid species.

The almost vertical basalt face of the former Bacher Lay quarry can turn into a wall of ice during severe winters. The landscape therefore takes on a different character in each season. The Bacher Lay nature reserve is freely accessible at all times; temporary nature conservation or safety measures may affect access.

Mining History and Local Events

Nisterau’s history has been linked to lignite and basalt mining for centuries. The underground Wilhelmszeche mine closed in 1926, after employing more than 600 miners at times. The Bacher Lay basalt quarry is associated with the Pfaffenmal natural monument—another point of interest for anyone interested in the region’s mining history.

Local events also offer a chance to experience Nisterau as a lively place. The annual Backesfest welcomes visitors from outside the area; dates and programme may vary. An equestrian and show-jumping tournament is also among the established local events. If you would like to plan your stay around a festival, check the latest event dates and programme.

Routes and Different Distances

Walking and cycling routes run through and around Nisterau. One circular route with a specified distance is the M4 near Bad Marienberg, which is 7.3 kilometres long. Check the latest route information before setting out. In the wider Westerwald destination, the Bad Marienberg association also offers three developed circular cycling routes with different levels of difficulty; here too, it is advisable to check the latest information before setting off.

More Ways to Explore the Wider Westerwald Destination

In the Westerwald, two long-distance hiking trails offer different options: the WesterwaldSteig runs for 235 kilometres through the Westerwald and consists of 16 stages. The Druidensteig runs for 94 kilometres over seven day stages through seven river valleys and features more than 30 geo-information points. The distances and number of stages can help you choose a trail to suit your preferred hiking distance. Check the current route planner before setting out.

The Westerwald’s landscape destinations also offer a variety of highlights. The Westerwälder Seenplatte is a natural area with seven ponds. Fuchskaute reaches 657 metres and is the highest elevation in the Westerwald. The Holzbach Gorge, about one kilometre long, is a breakthrough valley with basalt walls up to 30 metres high. The “Weltende” nature trail in the Kroppacher Schweiz runs along narrow paths, sections secured with wire ropes and unpaved trails; views over the Nister valley open up along the way. Trail conditions and access may vary seasonally.

The Westerwald offers further destinations focused on culture and geological history. The Stöffel-Park, covering around 140 hectares, is a former basalt quarry site that brings together industrial heritage, geological history and nature. At the TERTIÄRUM in Stöffel-Park, a fossil exhibition includes the famous “Stöffel mouse” and documents around 25 million years of geological history. The Westerwald Ceramic Museum explores the history of working with clay; the clay pits of the Westerwald are usually where the objects on display originated. Visitors can get creative themselves in the well-equipped museum workshop under expert guidance. Check the current workshop programme and booking conditions in advance.

The historic town centre of Hachenburg in the Westerwald is also characterised by restored half-timbered houses around the Alter Markt; the Lion Fountain is part of its historic setting. The Hachenburg Experience Brewery offers beer experience tours and brewing courses; individual dates can be arranged by telephone. Check current dates and booking options directly with the brewery.

When looking for accommodation in Nisterau, your trip idea can be a useful starting point: would you mainly like to observe nature, discover mining history or experience local events? If you are also planning hiking trails, museums or historic townscapes in the wider Westerwald destination, include these individual goals in your plans. This will help you choose the focus of your stay based on the experiences that interest you.

Discover more destinations: Ebernhahn, Lautzenbrücken, Staudt, Hachenburg, Niedersayn, Steinebach An Der Wied, Ransbach-Baumbach, Mudenbach.

Back to the wider travel overview: Westerwald.