Camping in the Westerwald

The geographical boundaries of the historic Westerwald region are not precisely defined. The forest area, which is shared by Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, is a popular destination among campers due to its hilly landscape, numerous rivers and lakes and picturesque little towns. The Westerwald is a natural recreation area for camping by the lake and nature camping par excellence. The varied landscape ensures that you can enjoy camping all year round.

Special features of camping in the Westerwald

Many small bodies of water such as the Krombachtalsperre or the Dreifelder Weiher have campsites directly adjacent to the shore and are ideal for swimming and swimming fun between small wooded areas and idyllic cultural landscapes. These natural treasures are also ideal for families with children to romp around in the fresh forest air.

With the Rhine, Lahn, Dill and Sieg border rivers, the region is also a first choice destination for relaxed boat trips. Picturesque little towns such as Höhr-Grenzhausen with its half-timbered houses or the castles in Hachenburg and Westerburg exude a medieval charm away from city life. The Westerwald is steeped in history and is ideal for anyone who wants to switch down a gear for a while.

How to get there

The administrative centre of the Westerwald is the small town of Montabaur, which is always worth a visit with its numerous historical buildings. It has excellent motorway connections and can be easily reached from anywhere.

Frankfurt am Main: The journey from Frankfurt Airport to Montabaur by car or motorhome is around 100 km. The magnificent Taunus Mountains are crossed on the A3 motorway from the south-east. The journey takes you past lush wooded areas. If you are feeling peckish, we recommend a stopover in Limburg an der Lahn.

Hanover: The journey via the A7, A5 and B49 motorways is characterised by numerous forest sections and leads past Göttingen and Kassel. Alternatively, you can take the A2 and A45 motorways, which just skirt the Ruhr area and lead into the Westerwald from the north.

Berlin: The route from Berlin takes you almost 600 kilometres across Germany past Leipzig and Erfurt. On the way to Montabaur, the route leads past the A9 motorway via the A4 through the whole of Thuringia. A rest stop between the picturesque mountains or a stopover in historic Weimar is a good idea here.

Destinations in the Westerwald

The Westerwald proudly boasts numerous villages and towns whose original town centres have been very well preserved and enchant many visitors every year with their medieval flair.

Montabaur

Winding alleyways and beautifully renovated half-timbered houses dominate the historic old town from the 16th and 17th centuries. The district town is therefore a top destination for strolling and wandering. The over 1000-year-old church of St. Peter in Chains and the venerable town hall characterise the image of the town centre, where cosy cafés and a well-stocked weekly market await.

One of the town's most famous landmarks is the baroque Montabaur Castle on the 321 metre-high Schlossberg. The characteristic yellow façade and round domed towers create an imposing image and make every visit a special experience.

Dillenburg

Dillenburg in the eastern Westerwald is closely linked to the Dutch royal family, as the progenitor Count Wilhelm von Nassau-Dillenburg was born in Dillenburg Castle. But Dillenburg is also steeped in history in other ways. The half-timbered houses invite you to take a relaxing stroll and quaint restaurants spoil visitors with local delicacies.

Ancient buildings and structures such as the Stockhaus, the Hofgarten, the Dillturm or the Untertor are silent witnesses to an old building tradition that still exists today.

Activities and excursions

The wide variety of natural landscapes on offer opens up a wide range of possibilities for a varied camping holiday in the Westerwald.

Westerwald lake district

The Westerwald Lake District in Rhineland-Palatinate is a network of seven reservoirs. The lakes were all created artificially in the 17th century. The holiday and recreation area attracts adventurous visitors almost all year round. In spring and autumn, the area is ideal for extensive hiking and cycling tours.

In summer, the lake district attracts bathers, swimmers and water sports enthusiasts from all over Germany and beyond. 16 information boards also explain lots of interesting facts about the fauna, flora and geology of the region. Camping sites in the Westerwald are of course also located in the lake area.

Bad Marienberg Wildlife Park

The Bad Marienberg Wildlife Park has outdoor enclosures that guarantee the species-appropriate keeping of animals such as deer, horses, llamas, donkeys and ducks. There is a 4-kilometre circular route through the wildlife park, which is also suitable for wheelchair users.

The animal park is a 10-minute walk from the centre of Bad Marienberg. In almost any weather, you can also visit the falconry or the 18 metre high Hedwig Tower. The large playground with tables and benches for a snack in between also offers a change from the live animals in the petting zoo.

Gastronomy

The Westerwald cuisine stands for down-to-earthness and a love of home. The wide range of dishes on offer includes hearty main courses, sweet desserts and savoury soups. Despite its proximity to the wine-growing regions of Rhineland-Palatinate, the Westerwald is a real beer-drinking region. One of the region's traditional top dogs is the Hachenburg brewery. Its Westerwald-Bräu is still produced and drunk using the classic brewing process as it was around 1900.

People in the Westerwald have always attached great importance to the processing of regional products, so it is not surprising that the potato is still very popular. A typical dish is therefore, for example, Döppekooche, which also contains onions, eggs and strips of bacon or Mettwurst sausage.

Best time to visit

Moderately warm summers and mild winters are typical of the Westerwald's temperate climate. Compared to other regions, the Westerwald is a fairly humid area and the average annual rainfall is around 800 millimetres. Despite the comparatively low hills, the Westerwald has a gentle climate typical of low mountain ranges, which is considered to be beneficial to health and healing.

It is precisely this climate that makes the numerous groves, meadows, forests and heaths bloom in their magnificent colours, which is why a holiday in the summer months is particularly recommended. However, camping in Westerland can also be wonderful in winter and the corresponding facilities are often open all year round.