Your body feels pleasantly exhausted after a summery bike ride through the Westerwald forest. Your feet beg to be dipped into the cool waters of the Dreifelder Weiher. Admiring the views of the glittering lakes all day has given you the urge to dive into the crystal clear water. Sink right in and immerse yourself in an ancient world.
The Westerwald Lake District is one of the most beautiful parts of the Westerwald and is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Protected by the chains of hills in the north, the region with its seven glittering lakes stretches south as far as the enchanting Saynbach valley. The magical scenery is made up of gentle rolling hills, the romantic river valley and green meadows.
However, the cultivated landscape dates back to the 12th century, when the monks from the local monasteries fashioned the first ponds and lakes in this marshy region in order to farm fish. In 1650, Count Frederick of Wied had the lakes expanded and ordered the construction of more. Visitors may be surprised to learn that the seven lakes covering a total of just under 620 acres were created by human hand and not the forces of nature. They are fed by the Wied, the Fehlschesbach, the Holzbach and the Saynbach. There are channels linking all the lakes, including the largest, the Dreifelder Weiher.
A break from cycling with a view over the Dreifelder Weiher, Westerwald
Until as recently as 2017, the water was drained every autumn to fish the pike and carp before the fish farming was discontinued. Today, the Brinken, Haiden, Wölferlinger and southern parts of the Dreifelder Weiher lakes are under nature conservation orders and a real paradise for migratory and water birds.
Cycle tour over a bridge at the Dreifelder Weiher, Westerwald
Westerwald Lake District: sunset over the Haidenweiher, Westerwald
A cycle tour is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake district. Your eyes are drawn back to the slumbering bodies of water, set like polished gemstones into the landscape. They are an invitation for a swim, a row or a pedalo ride, all of which can be enjoyed at the Dreifelder Weiher on the 20 km Lake District Cycle Trail. The adventure playground and crazy golf course are perfect places for the little ones to have a bit of fun. And if your legs need a little rest from cycling, there are numerous benches and mountain huts along the way offering the chance for a spot of relaxation and recuperation. In addition to the beautiful scenery, there are also exciting attractions for all ages along the Wied Cycle Trail and the Saynbach Route.
View over the Postweiher (also known as Freilinger Weiher) from the campsite in Freilingen, Westerwald
Camping with a motor home in Freilingen on the Postweiher, Westerwald
Of course, this paradise for adventurers and nature lovers also has its fair share of camping options. The modern campsites throughout the magical lake district offer much more than a place to stay the night. With playgrounds, sunbathing lawns and exciting adventures like golf and even parachute jumps, and much more besides, they are the perfect blend of action and relaxation for active families.
As you settle down to rest in the evening, tired after the day’s adventures but full of new memories, the anticipation of the days ahead tingles in your head like the cool water of the lake tingled on your feet earlier.
