Nomborn: Hiking and Basalt History in the Southern Westerwald
Accommodation in Nomborn
In the southern Westerwald, Nomborn brings together hiking trails, the history of basalt quarrying and local traditions centered around fountains and the communal bakehouse. The Wällertour Eisenbachtal passes through Nomborn; Bornkasten combines a dedicated circular trail with geological insights.
Hiking Trails in the Eisenbach Valley
The premium Wällertour Eisenbachtal hiking route passes through Nomborn. A short loop of the route includes the Bornkasten hill. Along the way, the route follows the Eisenbach through a meadow landscape alongside its meandering stream. The landscape also features idyllic meadow valleys, three tributary streams and varied mixed forests. The Wällertour mostly follows lightly surfaced paths; conditions can change with the seasons, so it is worth checking the latest route information before setting out.
Another option is the dog-friendly hiking route in the Eisenbach Valley. It starts and ends at the StudentenmĂĽhle car park, is 9 km long and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. The route follows natural and mostly surfaced paths, with little asphalt. The Buchfinkentour also passes through Nomborn. For these route details, check the current route and signage before planning your hike.
Bornkasten: Basalt, Nature and History
Bornkasten is part of Nassau Nature Park. An approximately two-kilometre circular trail around the hill features information boards about basalt, flora, fauna and Celtic ancestors. A detour passes a geological outcrop with fan-shaped basalt columns and offers views across the Eisenbach Valley, the Gelbach Valley and the Montabaur Basin. Bornkasten also provides views of surrounding settlements and a basalt quarry that reveals the region’s geological history.
Industrial history is also part of this landscape: basalt quarrying at Bornkasten began around 1922 to 1923 and ended around 1930. Much of the stone was made into paving stones. The spoil heaps of the disused quarry provide a habitat for rare plants and animals. In 2023, Bornkasten was designated GeoTop of the Year in the Westerwald-Lahn-Taunus National Geopark.
Fountains, the Communal Bakehouse and Regional Cuisine
Nomborn’s fountains include five new fountains. The Kiliansbrunnen was built in 1989 to mark the village’s 700th anniversary. The restored Lambach pump runs solely on water power, without electricity, and supplies four of the new fountains. As its operating status may change, check before making a special visit.
A half-timbered communal bakehouse stands in the village centre, with a working wood-fired oven where bread is baked regularly. Alongside basalt and hiking trails, this also puts local baking traditions in the spotlight. The StudentenmĂĽhle restaurant serves country-style cuisine featuring seasonal and regional specialities. Check its current offering before visiting.
Getting There
Nomborn is in the southern Westerwald holiday region. You can get there via the A3 motorway and the ICE stations in Montabaur and Limburg. Bus route 450 also runs from Montabaur ICE station to Nomborn. If you are planning to travel by public transport, check the latest timetable and route before setting off.
More to Explore in the Westerwald
Beyond Nomborn, the wider Westerwald destination offers other distinct attractions. The WesterwaldSteig is a 235-kilometre long-distance hiking trail through the Westerwald, with 16 stages. The Westerwald is also home to the approximately 140-hectare Stöffel Park, a former basalt quarry that brings together industrial heritage, geological history and nature. The TERTIÄRUM there displays fossils, including the Stöffel mouse, documenting around 25 million years of geological history.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Hachenburg, Brandscheid, Helferskirchen, Molsberg, Liebenscheid, Heilberscheid, Caan and Hillscheid.
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