Our holiday apartments: The ideal starting point for unforgettable activities in the Westerwald
A stay at Château d’Esprit offers far more than just exclusive accommodation; it is the ideal starting point for discovering the diversity of the Westerwald and the Rhine Valley. Whether you are seeking peace in nature or wish to explore cultural treasures – the region around Höhr-Grenzhausen and Bendorf holds unforgettable activities in store for you.
We have summarized the most beautiful local activities for you, allowing you to plan your getaway with us completely worry-free. Explore the historic local ceramic traditions, hike on award-winning trails, or enjoy the proximity to the ‘Rheinsteig’. After an eventful day full of new impressions and inspiring activities, return to your cozy apartment to recharge your batteries. Let our recommendations inspire you and design your stay according to your personal wishes. We are happy to support you in making the most of your time and your planned activities at Château d’Esprit.
Ceramics Courses – Creative Activities right on your Doorstep
A stay at Château d’Esprit can be perfectly combined with a creative experience. Immerse yourself in the world of clay! Thanks to our central location in the ceramics district, you can reach the city’s best workshops comfortably on foot.
Whether you want to learn how to use a potter’s wheel, are interested in sculpting, or are simply looking for a taster course at the Ceramics Museum – the possibilities around clay are endless. Many of our guests take advantage of the short distances to attend a course in the morning and let the afternoon fade away relaxedly in their apartment at Château d’Esprit. We recommend reserving both your activities with the artists and your accommodation at Château d’Esprit well in advance, as the courses in the ‘Kannenbäckerstadt’ are very popular.
Armin Skirde & Andreas Hinder (Brunnenstraße 13)
Directly next door, you will find the workshops of Armin Skirde (specialist in wheel-throwing) and Andreas Hinder (renowned for his impressive animal sculptures). Armin Skirde offers highly sought-after courses on the pottery wheel, where each participant is provided with their own workspace.
Walking distance: approx. 4 minutes.
“die HausFrau” – Susanne Schmidt (Brunnenstraße 11a)
Susanne Schmidt is renowned for her poetic ceramic houses and exquisite surface designs. In her ‘Studio in the Garden’ (Atelier im Garten), she offers courses that can often be combined with a visit to the adjoining Café Libre.
Walking distance: approx. 3–4 minutes.
proTON Keramikworkshops (Lindenstraße)
Located just about 450 meters from Château d’Esprit, the proTON team offers professional workshops at the Ceramics Museum. The program is diverse, ranging from weekend courses for beginners to specialized advanced techniques.
Walking distance: approx. 6 minutes.
Keramikgruppe Grenzhausen (Brunnenstraße 13)
High-caliber workshops take place regularly in this workshop collective (including Monika Debus, Martin Goerg, and Susanne Altzweig). These artists are part of the international elite of the ceramics scene.
Walking distance: approx. 2 minutes.
Discover more ceramic studios here
Ceramics Museum Westerwald (Höhr-Grenzhausen)
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of ceramic art. As one of the largest ceramics museums in Europe, it offers exciting insights into the traditions of the region. A must-see for culture enthusiasts during their stay at Château d’Esprit.
Europe’s largest ceramics museum is located practically around the corner. It offers not only fascinating exhibitions but also its own museum education department with workshops for adults, children, and groups.
Walking distance: approx. 5–7 minutes.
Keramikmarkt Höhr-Grenzhausen: Ein Fest vor der Haustür des Château d’Esprit
A special highlight in the event calendar is the European Ceramics Market. Traditionally held on the first weekend of June, the best part is that the vibrant festivities take place right on the doorstep of Château d’Esprit. Artists from all over Europe present their works in the streets of Höhr-Grenzhausen. As our guest, you are right in the heart of the action and can experience the unique atmosphere of this major cultural event firsthand.
Art & Inspiration: The Studio of Meike Siefken
A stay at Château d’Esprit offers not only space for tranquility but also for creative activities. Just a short walk away, at Brunnenstraße 4 in Höhr-Grenzhausen, the artist Meike Siefken opens the doors to her world of colors and forms.
After a career in finance, Meike Siefken has dedicated herself entirely to her true passion: art. In her own studio, she creates works inspired by nature, the colors of the sea, and the flowers of her garden.
Style & Technique: Her work ranges from abstract to figurative. She masterfully experiments with materials such as marble dust, sand, fabrics, and acrylics to create profound collages and expressive paintings. Intuition: For Meike, painting is an intuitive process. Her paintings often bear no titles, leaving you as the viewer the freedom for your own personal interpretation.
Visitors are warmly welcome to the studio by prior appointment. Whether at regular events like the “KunstMarkt” in the community center or during a private viewing – let yourself be inspired by the creative activities in Höhr-Grenzhausen.
Butterfly Garden Sayn (Bendorf)
A truly magical place. Amidst tropical plants, hundreds of colorful butterflies fly freely. Especially for families and nature lovers, this is one of the most beautiful activities in the immediate vicinity of our holiday apartments in Bendorf—but even from Höhr-Grenzhausen, you can be there in just 15 minutes.
Sayn Palace & Sayn Castle (Bendorf)
Experience history firsthand. The Neo-Gothic palace and the castle ruins towering above offer not only a magnificent view but also insights into the Rhenish nobility. Perfect for cultural activities.
Pure Nature: Hiking around Höhr-Grenzhausen and Bendorf
The Westerwald region and the Middle Rhine Valley are a true paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Directly from our accommodations, you can access an extensive network of trails. Especially recommended are the “Traumpfade” (Dream Paths), which boast spectacular views and diverse nature. Whether it is a relaxed tour through the Brexbach Valley or more challenging paths along the Rheinsteig – here you will find the peace and quiet you are looking for. After your hiking activities, return worry-free to your apartment and reflect on the day in a relaxed atmosphere.
Koblenz: Where History Meets Modernity
Just a short drive from Château d’Esprit or our holiday apartments in Bendorf lies Koblenz, one of the oldest cities in Germany. An absolute highlight is the “Deutsches Eck” (German Corner), where the Rhine and Moselle rivers converge. From there, you can soar across the Rhine by cable car and visit the impressive Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. In addition to its historical architecture, Koblenz attracts visitors year-round with top-tier events such as “Rhine in Flames” or the atmospheric Christmas market. An excursion that perfectly combines culture and experience – activities you won’t forget.
Active on Two Wheels: Bike Tours & Bicycle Rentals
Discover the picturesque surroundings with total flexibility from the saddle. The region offers both flat routes along the riverbanks and challenging forest trails for mountain bikers. For everyone wishing to explore the area on two wheels without worrying about transport, the rental service Adventure Bike offers a very special convenience: enjoy the luxury of having your high-quality rental bikes or e-bikes delivered directly to the doorstep of your apartment in Höhr-Grenzhausen or Bendorf Sayn upon request, and collected from there as well. This way, your cycling activities through the scenic landscape begin completely stress-free right outside your front door.
Species Conservation & Adventure: Zoo Neuwied
Just a short drive from Château d’Esprit or our holiday apartments in Bendorf Sayn, an experience for the whole family awaits you: Zoo Neuwied. As the largest zoo in Rhineland-Palatinate, it is home to over 1,800 animals from around 185 species. Especially impressive are the pride of Barbary lions and the largest kangaroo herd outside of Australia.
Whether you stroll through the Exotarium or observe the chimpanzees in their modern enclosure – a visit to Zoo Neuwied is one of the unforgettable activities of your stay at any time of year. The idyllic location on the edge of the Westerwald makes this excursion perfect for nature lovers who wish to enrich their stay in our apartments in Höhr-Grenzhausen or Bendorf with animal encounters. After an eventful day full of discoveries, return worry-free to your stylish home away from home.
Secure your stylish home away from home at Château d’Esprit now and turn your anticipation into unforgettable experiences – simply click, choose your preferred dates, and book with ease!