Holzbachdurchbruch

Summary

An impressive gorge in which the Holzbach stream has dug deep into the basalt. As one of the oldest nature reserves in Rhineland-Palatinate, it offers a diverse flora and fauna as well as a natural hiking experience.

Description

The Holzbachdurchbruch nature reserve, also known as Holzbachschlucht, is a fascinating natural jewel in the Westerwald, Rhineland-Palatinate. It was placed under protection as early as 1929 and officially designated as a nature reserve in 1961, making it one of the oldest protected areas in the region. The approximately 1.5 km long section of the Holzbach stream has dug deep into the basalt of the Westerwald over thousands of years, creating impressive basalt walls up to 30 meters high. This geological peculiarity makes the Holzbach breakthrough a fascinating destination for nature lovers and hikers. Beech and hornbeam forests stretch along the stream, where rare plants such as the larkspur and hazelwort thrive. Animals such as the kingfisher, dipper and grass snake also find a home here.