Discover Runkel
Accommodation in Runkel
Runkel combines a medieval castle and a historic half-timbered old town with cycling and hiking trails. Runkel Castle was first mentioned in 1159. In the old town, half-timbered houses invite you to take a romantic stroll. Two cycle routes also pass through the historic old town: the Lahn Cycle Route and the R 7 long-distance cycle route. During your stay, you can choose different priorities: explore historic buildings and the townscape, or include cycling tours in your plans.
Castle, old town and buildings in Dehrn
Schadeck Castle is also well worth a look. It stands on the opposite slope of the Lahn, across from Runkel Castle, and was first documented in 1288. The two buildings therefore each have their own historical date and location. Dehrn Castle defines the townscape of the Runkel district of Dehrn and is its landmark. Below the castle lies the renovated and restored Saint Nicholas Chapel, dating from the 12th century.
Every year during Advent, the Nikolausmarkt (St Nicholas Market) takes place in Dehrn around St Nicholas Chapel. If you are planning a visit at this time, you can include the market as a seasonal attraction in your trip. Another cultural highlight is Hofener Mill: this listed heritage site has a fully preserved grain mill and a hydroelectric power station, both of which can be visited. Runkel’s sights therefore include both historic buildings and insights into milling technology.
Hiking and cycling around Runkel
The permanent hiking trail “In the Steep Slopes of the Lahn” is 12 km long and open year-round. It starts and ends at Altstadt Café in Runkel. In winter, the route is neither gritted nor cleared; bear this in mind when planning a winter visit. Another hiking option in Runkel is a 10 km trail along the Lahnhöhenweg. The different route lengths offer a useful guide when planning hikes during your stay.
For longer tours, the Kerkerbachbahn route runs for around 30 km from Runkel to Mengerskirchen. Today, it is a cycling and hiking trail from the Lahn to the Westerwald. Together with the two cycle routes through the old town, this gives you a choice between tours that pass through Runkel’s town centre and a longer route towards the Westerwald. The route that interests you most can help guide your choice of accommodation.
Nature and getting here
The “Wehrley von Runkel” nature reserve gives special protection to rare plants, fern species, moss flora, and botanical, geological and ornithological features. This nature-focused experience adds another dimension to exploring the old town and its historic buildings. Runkel is therefore suited to a trip where you can give nature, culture or outdoor activities as much emphasis as you like.
Runkel is also a railway station on the Gießen–Koblenz Lahn line. If you are considering arriving or taking day trips by train, this station connection is a practical feature of the town. You can choose a holiday apartment based on whether you mainly want to use it as a starting point for hikes, cycling tours or visits to historic buildings, depending on the outings that interest you most.
More local guides: Hintermeilingen, Elz, Mengerskirchen, Dornburg, Hünfelden, Löhnberg, Selters, Brechen.
For the broader travel overview: Limburg-Weilburg.
