On the trail of mining history
More than 2,500 years of mining and iron smelting characterize the Lahn-Dill region. Hikers can trace the mining history on the approximately 26-kilometer miner's route between Wetzlar and Braunfels. Signs along the way show interesting details about the local mining history. One should not miss an underground tour of the Fortuna mine, which was closed down in 1983. It is the only significant visitor mine in Germany with a shaft experience.
Where Goethe walked
The 7.5-kilometre Goethe Trail from Wetzlar to Garbenheim follows the paths that the young Goethe often walked during his summer stay in the former imperial city in 1772. Even then, he was enthralled by the view of the romantic Lahn valley during his walks. Today, walkers can experience this and learn more about Werther's emotional world and the Sturm und Drang era on the circular trail. Eleven quotation stones mark the original passages on which the descriptions in the epistolary novel are based.
Discover cultural treasures on the Lahn cycle path
The Lahn Cycle Path leads over 245 kilometers from its source in the Rothaar Mountains to its confluence with the Rhine. Numerous cultural treasures line the route, such as the Landgrave Castle of Marburg or the elegant spa town of Bad Ems. All larger towns on the cycle path can be reached by bus or train. This means that cyclists can plan their tour flexibly or only drive part of the route. Wetzlar is strategically located in the middle section of the Lahn cycle path. For example, if you leave the city of Goethe over the old stone bridge downstream, you will reach the fairytale-like Braunfels Castle shortly after Solms. A café in the inner courtyard invites you to take a break. After a total of around 30 kilometers, the baroque residence town of Weilburg is in front of you. A visit to the renaissance castle and the magnificent park should not be missed. For the way back, you can use public transport very comfortably and end the evening in a relaxed beer garden directly on the Lahn.
