Discover Fernthal: GeoRoutes, Chapels and Nature

Fernthal brings together outdoor activities, regional history and distinctive landscape features within a compact area. Those planning a trip with varied interests will find opportunities here for active days, cultural discoveries and travel planning around fixed dates. Fernthal belongs to the local municipality of Neustadt (Wied). The local municipality of Neustadt (Wied) lies in the Vorderer Westerwald and in the Rhine-Westerwald Nature Park. Its landscape is characterised by valleys, uplands and woodland at elevations ranging from 120 to 370 metres above sea level.

Hiking trails with different stages

One notable highlight is the “In the Valley of the Old Hütte” GeoRoute. Its first stage begins at the sandstone church in Fernthal and is 9.5 kilometres long. The complete route covers 17.6 kilometres and can be hiked in three stages or in one go. This means the route can be incorporated into your daily planning in different ways: You can focus on the first section or plan to complete the entire route. In addition, a signposted connecting trail leads from Altenhütte back to Fernthal.

The “Basalt and Non-Ferrous Metals” GeoRoute also has its own distinctive character. It explains the volcanic forces that shaped the ridge as far as Fernthal. Those who want not only to hike but also to learn about the geological background of the landscape will find a specific thematic destination here for their trip planning.

Chapels, art and a long pilgrimage tradition

Fernthal’s cultural heritage includes the Catholic Maria Himmelfahrt filial chapel, built in 1911. The chapel houses a Madonna dating from the 15th century. The chapel therefore combines a building from 1911 with a work of art from the 15th century, highlighting both sacred art and Fernthal’s regional history.

One special tradition is the pilgrimage from Fernthal to the Maria-Hilf Chapel in Koblenz-Lützel. It has taken place every May since 1830 and begins at 5:45 a.m. at St. Maria Himmelfahrt Chapel in Fernthal. The pilgrimage combines sections on foot with bus journeys. The early start and the alternation between walking and travelling by bus are important details for anyone wishing to include this event in their travel plans.

Activities beyond the GeoRoutes

The Fernthal activity circuit next to the kindergarten offers free outdoor training at five stations. Clear exercise instructions focus on mobility, coordination and strength.

Another option is the tennis hall in Fernthal. It is open to everyone interested in playing and training; court times can be booked online. This allows you to add a sporting activity to your trip if, alongside hiking and culture, you would like to plan an additional pastime.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Fernthal, it is worth first asking which focus defines your trip. For hikers, the 9.5-kilometre first GeoRoute stage, the complete 17.6-kilometre route or the signposted return trail from Altenhütte may shape the itinerary. Visitors interested in culture may instead plan their stay around Maria Himmelfahrt Chapel, the historic Madonna or the pilgrimage in May. Those travelling with varied interests can also take the activity circuit and tennis hall into account.

Fernthal therefore does not offer just one predetermined type of trip, but several clear points of access: thematic hikes, religious tradition, art history, physical activity and explanations of the geological landscape. These differences help you choose accommodation according to your own itinerary and plan your days at a pace that suits your personal interests.

For the broader travel overview: Neustadt.