Winnen and the Wiesensee

Winnen and the Wiesensee

Winnen encompasses the southern part of the Wiesensee, which covers around 80 hectares. From the village, you can reach the lake on foot in just a few minutes. The surroundings are characterised by lakeside scenery, views of the Taunus and predominantly paved walking trails. The lake and trails give the landscape experience in Winnen a variety of distinctive features.

Walking trails and activities

Two routes of different lengths are available for walks. The signposted “Kleiner Wäller Wiesensee” circular trail is 6.5 kilometres long. There is also a permanent hiking route of around 11 kilometres connecting the Secker Weiher and the Wiesensee. The routes differ in both length and course: one is a circular trail, while the other is a longer route between two named destinations. This lets you match your preferred distance to your day’s plans.

The Wiesensee recreation area offers activities in and on the water—swimming, sailing, surfing and fishing—as well as golf, with an 18-hole course and a 9-hole short course. One current restriction is important for planning: the lake has been drained for repairs. Check before your trip whether water activities are possible.

More to discover in the Westerwald

In the wider Westerwald travel region, the WesterwaldSteig offers a different scale. This long-distance hiking trail runs for 235 kilometres through the Westerwald and comprises 16 stages. This calls for different hiking plans than the two routes by the Wiesensee: the stages provide a framework for longer tours, while the trails described there are 6.5 and around 11 kilometres long, respectively. Check the current route information in the tour planner before making plans.

At Stöffel-Park, industrial heritage, geological history and nature come together across the approximately 140-hectare site of a former basalt quarry. The park’s TERTIÄRUM features fossils, including the famous “Stöffel Mouse”, documenting around 25 million years of geological history. This adds a glimpse into the Earth’s history to the Westerwald’s landscapes and hiking trails as another theme to explore. Another aquatic landscape in the Westerwald is the Westerwälder Seenplatte, a natural area with seven ponds.

Culture and crafts are also among the region’s discoveries. The Westerwald Ceramics Museum presents the history of working with clay; the objects on display mostly originate from a Westerwald clay pit. In the well-equipped museum workshop, you can get creative yourself under expert guidance. Check the current workshop programme and booking conditions before your visit.

In Hachenburg, restored half-timbered houses around the Alter Markt define the historic town centre; the Löwenbrunnen fountain is also part of its atmosphere. The Hachenburger Erlebnis-Brauerei offers beer experience tours and brewing courses. Individual dates can be arranged by phone; contact the brewery directly to confirm current arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Westernohe, Holler, Alpenrod, Astert, Eitelborn, Nisterau, Caan, Höchstenbach.

Return to the wider travel overview: Westerwald.