Husen between Altenau, Hiking Trails and History

Husen combines experiences of the landscape along the Altenau with historic buildings and varied trails. The small river flows entirely through the village and, together with the Altenautal, shapes the surrounding area. For planning your trip, the question is therefore less about a single attraction and more about the pace of holiday you want: Would you like to hike, explore the area by bike, discover nature-related topics or focus on cultural history?

Hiking between the village, fields and the Altenautal

One specific option is the A3 hiking trail near Husen. The route is around 9.8 kilometres long and runs between the village, fields and the Altenautal. The trail begins near the Schützenhalle on Lichtenauer Straße at the corner of Ellern and initially follows the Altenau westwards through Husen. The return route leads along the flood retention basin back to Husen. The approximate route length helps you fit the hiking day into your travel plans appropriately.

The Streuobstwiesen Husen nature trail also has its own particular focus. It leads through the orchard meadow area and provides information about the local natural environment and the importance of traditional orchard meadows. Anyone who would like to combine a walk with illustrative nature-related topics will find a different form of exploration here than on the longer A3 route.

Altenau, the reservoir and routes for cyclists

The Husen Reservoir is a flood retention basin that was built near Lichtenau-Husen after the extreme flooding in the Altenautal in July 1965. Today, the reservoir is visited as a local recreation destination and is surrounded by a network of hiking and cycling trails. In the Husen-Dalheim area, the Altenau has once again flowed in winding, lively channels since its renaturation in 2017. Extensive grazing during the renaturation project at the Husen-Dalheim flood retention basin led to the development of a species-rich insect population. Another aim of the renaturation is to provide fish and birds with a habitat again.

For an active outing by bicycle, there is a cycling route of approximately 19 kilometres along the Altenau. The family-friendly circular route climbs gently behind Husen. There is an explorer box at the orchard meadow between Husen and Dalheim. This allows you to add a special point of discovery to the cycling tour, without the outing having to focus solely on cycling.

Historic monuments and regional history

Husen Castle is located in the centre of Husen, a listed monument set on partially wooded grounds. The present building was probably erected in 1712 in place of an older castle complex. Another prominent site is the Catholic parish church of Maria Magdalena. The Neo-Romanesque hall church was built in 1903/04 according to plans by Franz Mündelein; its organ gallery comes from the former Dalheim Monastery. These historical details give a stay in Husen a cultural dimension, even if you mainly want to spend your days outdoors.

The freely accessible Annen Chapel, also called Amerunger Chapel, is located in the surrounding area. It stands at the confluence of the Altenau and the Holtheimer Wasser between Lichtenau and Husen. The present Baroque building was erected in 1669. The Altenau Hiking Trail and the Altenau Cycle Route pass by the building; the surrounding area is suitable for a break in nature.

Husen as a starting point for finding accommodation

When looking for a holiday apartment in Husen, you can first decide which experiences should shape your trip. The A3 connects the village, fields, Altenautal and flood retention basin in a longer hike. The nature trail focuses on orchard meadows and local nature, while the cycling route along the Altenau offers an approximately 19-kilometre circular tour. Visitors interested in history can include Husen Castle, Maria Magdalena and the Annen Chapel in their plans.

For the overarching travel overview: Lichtenau.