Elz: Discover Local History, Church Art and Trails

Historic Houses and Church Art

The Historic Walk leads to the older surviving buildings in the town centre. It gives an impression of what Elz once looked like, with its intact rows of old houses. The focus is not just on a single building: the rows of houses bring the former townscape as a whole into view.

The Catholic parish church of St John the Baptist has Baroque altars from Limburg Cathedral, as well as works from the Hadamar School that are believed to have been made by Volk around 1748. If you are interested in these works of art, the Celtic burial ground in Elz Forest, or the exhibitions at Haus Loer, you could consider a special guided tour offered by the Elz History and Museum Association. These tours are available by appointment; please arrange a time in advance.

Cycling Routes and a Walking Route

Elz has its own signposted network of cycling and hiking trails. Two cycling routes offer different highlights: the Hessian Long-Distance Cycle Route R8 runs through Elz along the Elbbach. The Nassau-Wäller Cycling Loop also passes through Elz and is about 58 kilometres long in total. This stated distance refers to the entire loop.

A specific walking route leads from Malmeneich along the Hasslerbach to Pfaffenkopf in about twenty minutes. There you will find the earthen mound of a lowland castle. Alongside the cycling routes, this offers a named starting point, a stream, and a historic destination for a hike. The approximate time refers to the walk to Pfaffenkopf.

Sculptures and Local History

In front of the Elzer Backes stand the bronze sculpture “The Singing Girl” and the sculpture “The Waving Girls”. They adorn the forecourt and symbolise the multifaceted work of the local clubs, as well as expressing the village’s musical tradition. Together, the two works connect a specific public space with Elz’s club life and music.

The Haus Loer local history museum was restored in 1988/91. It showcases the history of Elz and hosts many temporary exhibitions. Alongside the themes of the special guided tours, it offers a historical perspective ranging from local history and changing exhibitions to the Baroque altars and the Celtic burial ground.

Further Highlights in the Wider Limburg-Weilburg Destination Area

The wider Limburg-Weilburg destination area has further, independent attractions to explore. In Runkel, the medieval castle was first mentioned in 1159 and still defines the townscape today. Runkel’s history also includes the historic Lahn Bridge, dating from 1448. It is one of the oldest bridges on the Lahn to have been preserved in its original condition. The Lahn Hiking Trail and the permanent hiking trails “In the Steep Slopes of the Lahn” and “Through the Kerkerbach Valley” also run through Runkel.

A different focus awaits you at the Rosenhang Museum in Weilburg. Housed in the former August Helbig brewery, it presents contemporary art in changing exhibitions across approximately 2,000 square metres. Studios are also available to artists. In the wider Limburg-Weilburg destination area, you can therefore explore architectural history and hiking in Runkel on the one hand, and contemporary art in Weilburg on the other.

A clear distinction can help you choose the focus of your holiday: Would you like to centre your plans on Elz’s local history and trails, or include other places in the wider Limburg-Weilburg destination area? This decision gives your search for a holiday apartment a clear direction.

Discover More Destinations

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Back to the main travel overview: Limburg-Weilburg.