Neuhochstein: Hochstein, Basalt and Hiking Trails

Neuhochstein combines a striking landscape with a variety of hiking opportunities. At its center is Hochstein, a basalt rock formation on Kackenberger Stein that has been designated a natural monument and is also known as Neuhochsteiner Berg. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Neuhochstein can therefore choose the village as a starting point for a trip that brings together nature experiences, landscape history and routes of varying lengths.

Hochstein and Kackenberger Stein

Kackenberger Stein is 525 m high and the highest elevation in the Westerburger Land. The rock also shapes the history of the village's name: Neuhochstein did not receive its current name until 1927. Earlier names were “Kockenberch” around 1300, “Kockenberg” in 1352 and “Kackenberg” in 1507. The new name was derived from the nearby Hochstein elevation. This history of the name makes Hochstein not only a landscape landmark, but also a key to understanding Neuhochstein.

The Waldkirmes takes place on Hochstein in summer. In addition to nature and hiking, this adds a seasonal event that can be taken into account when planning a trip. If you are traveling with several generations or with different interests, you can arrange your stay to combine a hike to the rock formation with a local summer event.

Hiking Trails for Different Plans

The Hochstein Loop is part of the Höhner 8 and is 9.8 km long. It passes through Neuhochstein, running south of fields and pastures there. The loop also offers fascinating long-distance views. Those who prefer a more manageable route can use this distance as a guide for planning their day without committing to a specific walking time.

For a longer hike, the 22 km “Basalt and Lignite” circular trail leads via Dreisbach to Hochstein in Neuhochstein. The approximately 20 km Alexandria Trail also leads to Hochstein in Neuhochstein. Both distances offer a different approach to trip planning than the shorter Hochstein Loop: They are aimed at visitors who would like to include a more extensive route in their stay.

Another option is the approximately 14 km circular hike “SP8 Kackenberger Stein – Große Nister and Back”. It leads to Kackenberger Stein in Neuhochstein. The hike that descends into the Nister valley and to the outlet tunnel of the former Alexandria lignite mine also offers a distinctive landscape experience. When choosing accommodation, you can therefore first consider whether the focus should be on Hochstein, Kackenberger Stein, longer circular trails or the transition between elevated terrain and the valley landscape.

Discover Neuhochstein as a Place to Stay

A holiday apartment or holiday home in Neuhochstein can be chosen to suit your own excursion plans. For families, having a choice of hikes of different lengths is particularly helpful if not all travelers prefer the same amount of activity in a day. The 9.8 km Hochstein Loop, the approximately 14 km SP8 and the longer trails of 20 and 22 km provide concrete points of reference for putting together your stay. At the same time, there is room to combine Hochstein as a natural monument, the long-distance views from the Hochstein Loop and the summer Waldkirmes.

Those who want to get to know Neuhochstein through its landscape will find several clearly named destinations and routes here. As you continue searching for accommodation, you can base your decision on the travel plan that best suits your group: a shorter loop, a longer hike or a combination of nature, local history and seasonal tradition.

Other Places in the Surrounding Area

For further orientation, you can also look at Westernohe, Kroppach, Holler, Girod, Sessenbach, Steinebach An Der Wied, Ellenhausen and Molsberg.

For the higher-level travel overview: Westerwald.