Stockum-Püschen: Hiking on the Götzenberg and at Stöffel

Stockum-Püschen lies on the southern slope of the Götzenberg nature monument. From Stockum-Püschen, views extend across the surrounding valleys and hills; nearby, striking rock faces and exposed geological formations shape the Stöffel basalt quarry. The landscape and geological history give local hikes their own distinctive character. The trails offer different options for planning your day: from shorter, easy loops to long routes rated difficult and themed excursions.

Circular Trails on the Götzenberg and at Stöffel

The Gemaahnsweeschelscher comprise ten circular hiking trails around the Götzenberg and Stöffel. Individual routes range from 5 km for easy hikes to 30 km for difficult tours. Together, the trail network covers around 136 km of circular routes and approximately 2,250 metres of elevation gain and loss. When choosing a route, what matters most is which individual trail suits your planned hiking day: a short, easy route offers a different experience from a long, difficult tour.

The Gemaahnsweeschelscher start at the village community centre on Zum Stöffel street, where parking is available. From Rotenhain station, it is about a 1 km walk to the starting point. The trails are not marked with signs, symbols or information boards. GPX files and Komoot links are available for downloading the routes to a smartphone or navigation device. Before setting off, check trail conditions, the availability of digital route data, and the latest information on travel and parking.

Hiking with Historical and Geological Themes

The Stockum–Götzenberg–Bellingen excursion is a 9.8 km hike focusing on local history, geology, fauna and flora. Its themes span the Tertiary period, Celtic and medieval times, the Thirty Years’ War and the present day. The sites described include a presumed Celtic ring-wall fortification on the Götzenberg and prehistoric burial mounds. The route brings natural and geological history together with traces from different eras.

Another themed option is the Stöffel Mouse Tour: it loops around Stockum-Püschen and continues to the Stöffel basalt park. Its theme refers to an important fossil site featuring the Stöffel mouse fossil. The tour therefore offers its own geological focus. A themed excursion can also include the observation tower in Stöffel Park, which offers views towards Stöffel Park and the basalt quarry areas.

In the wider Westerwald destination

The wider Westerwald destination also offers points of interest for visitors interested in nature and geology. Stöffel Park is a former basalt quarry site covering around 140 hectares, where industrial heritage, geological history and nature come together. The TERTIÄRUM in Stöffel Park displays fossils, including the famous Stöffel mouse, documenting around 25 million years of Earth’s history.

The WesterwaldSteig offers a different scale of hiking: this 235 km long-distance trail leads through the Westerwald and comprises 16 stages. This is a different scale from the ten circular trails in Stockum-Püschen. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore first consider whether to focus your stay on local circular hikes or on exploring the wider hiking area of the Westerwald.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Meudt, Nauort, Kadenbach, Wirges, Hellenhahn-Schellenberg, Maxsain, Neustadt/Westerwald, Pottum.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Westerwald.