Discover Ehlscheid: Hiking and Nature
Accommodation in Ehlscheid
In Ehlscheid, hiking trails with different route profiles meet discoveries in the spa park. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you can choose between longer circular hikes and a short discovery trail; the spa park also features a Kneipp wading pool, a barefoot path and a tree trail. Ehlscheid is located in the Rhein-Westerwald Nature Park and close to the Rheinsteig and Westerwaldsteig trails. This combination makes the town an interesting destination if you want to make nature experiences and outdoor activities the focus of your trip.
Hiking trails with different levels of difficulty
The E1 circular hiking trail to Forsthaus Gommerscheid is 5.8 km long and has around 185 metres of elevation gain. It is an easy hike on good paths and offers expansive views from the heights. This gives it a different character from trails described as having greater elevation changes and steep sections. A hiking map in PDF format and a GPX file are available for the E1.
The E3, “Views of the Wied Valley,” is 6.5 km long and has around 454 metres of elevation gain. It starts at the car park by Ehlscheid spa park. The E4, “On Both Sides of the Laubach,” is shorter at 3.9 km and has around 140 metres of elevation gain; it runs almost entirely through the forest.
The E2 through Gommerscheid Wildlife Park is another option: according to the route information, it is 6.5 km long and has around 215 metres of elevation gain. The first half of the route includes a longer, partly steep descent. From the “Almblick,” the trail climbs continuously, and is also steep in places. Ankle-high hiking boots are recommended for the E2. Guided hikes for interested participants are offered from Ehlscheid on Saturdays and last around two to three hours.
Spa park and woodland discoveries
In the spa park, the Ehlscheid barefoot path combines exercise with a sensory trail. It has nine large sections with different surfaces, including pebbles, shell sand and coconut mats. The park also has a large Kneipp wading pool. On the Klosterweg, the Kneipp facility in Ehlscheid offers a refreshing first stop after the strenuous climb.
Those interested in trees can find a tree trail in the spa park, with 13 new tree signs and descriptions of the trees. Another nature experience is the approximately 800 m-long Ehlscheid discovery trail, “With Helos and Heloni in the Local Forest.” The circular route has numerous interactive stations for taking part, marvelling and enjoying the surroundings. Information boards share interesting facts about plants and animals. The trail is a popular destination for kindergarten and school outings, offering another way to combine a stay with small discoveries in the forest.
Choose Ehlscheid for your holiday
If hiking is your main priority, you can take the route profiles and elevation gains into account: the E1, described as easy; the E4, which runs mostly through the forest; and the E2, with its steep sections, each offer a different focus. For a trip that also includes short nature experiences, there is the discovery trail and the spa park’s attractions. You might consider a holiday apartment in Ehlscheid when choosing your destination if you want to explore these local hiking and nature attractions in particular.
For questions about tourism, recreation and leisure in and around Ehlscheid, the Tourist Information Office at “Haus des Gastes,” Parkstraße 2, is a point of contact for residents and visitors.
More places to discover: Vettelschoß, Leutesdorf, Isenburg, Urbach, Bad Hönningen, Windhagen, Buchholz, Straßenhaus.
For the wider travel overview: Neuwied.
