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In Raiffeisenland in the Westerwald-Sieg region, you can follow in the footsteps of the famous social reformer and co-founder of the co-operative idea, Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen. Born on 11 March 1818 in Hamm (Sieg), he served as mayor of Weyerbusch from 1845 following his military service and administrative training in Koblenz. During the so-called hunger winter of 1846/47, he founded the Weyerbusch Bread Association, which operated a co-operative bakery, among other things. In Flammersfeld, he founded the Flammersfelder Hülfsverein in 1849 to support destitute farmers, which granted loans to farmers. Numerous other co-operative foundations to support the rural population living in poverty were to follow. His work was always based on the following principles: Self-help - self-responsibility - self-administration. Even today, more than 200 years after his birth, Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen is not only revered in his home country and his principles are still practised; people all over the world are organised in cooperatives. Every year, numerous tourists from near and far visit Raiffeisenland and the places where Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen worked.
At the German Raiffeisen Museum, visitors embark on a fascinating journey into the 19th century - directly into the life and work of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen. In eight barrier-free exhibition rooms, the museum displays unique original artefacts such as his birth certificate, documents from his time in office and, as a special highlight, the original death mask. The beginnings of the co-operative movement are impressively documented here. With audio guides and a virtual tour in five languages, the museum is ideal for anyone who wants to discover Raiffeisen's world.
Hamm (Sieg)
German Raiffeisen Museum
Raiffeisen worked as mayor in the Raiffeisen House in Flammersfeld, the former mayor's office, from 1848 to 1852. 250 years old, the house is now a museum. It brings visitors closer to the life of Raiffeisen and also refers to co-operatives of more recent times.
Flammersfeld
Raiffeisen Museum Flammersfeld
Going for a walk like Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen? No problem at all in the birthplace of the cooperative founder. Follow in Raiffeisen's footsteps and experience what inspired him almost every Sunday.
Wäller Tour Raiffeisen's Sunday walk - Hamm (Sieg)
The Raiffeisen Meeting Centre in Weyerbusch is housed in the historic mayor's house. The meeting centre also includes a bakery and a seminar house built in 1989. The bakehouse is a faithful replica of the original and symbolises self-help. The original building was constructed in 1846/47 by the "Brodverein Weyerbusch", one of the first co-operative-like associations. Today, the Raiffeisen Meeting Centre can accommodate groups of 40-60 people for meetings or celebrations. For more information and to register, visit www.raiffeisenzentrum.de.
Weyerbusch
Raiffeisen:Historic mayor's house and replica of the former baking house
The Raiffeisen iron monument in Weyerbusch commemorates the first co-operative association founded by Raiffeisen, the Weyerbusch Bread Association. It shows Raiffeisen handing over a loaf of bread to two children. The monument was inaugurated in 1997 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Weyerbusch Bread Association. The monument is freely accessible and can be visited at any time.
Raiffeisen Meeting Center
Raiffeisen Monument
From Hamm (Sieg), the birthplace of Raiffeisen, you follow the historic Raiffeisen Road via Weyerbusch and Flammersfeld, where he lived, to Neuwied. On the way, you will pass his creative stations, such as the two former mayors' houses in Weyerbusch and Flammersfeld, as well as the Raiffeisen Tower. Not only did Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen's entire life take place along this road, but he also had this road built in the middle of the 19th century. The construction of the approx. 40 km long route was intended to connect the Westerwald, which was poorly developed at the time, with the main transport artery, the Rhine.
The Romantikhotel Alte Vogtei is not only home to a beautiful hotel, but is also the childhood home of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen. Built in 1753, the house offers visitors and guests a very special historical atmosphere. Travel back in time to Raiffeisen's childhood and visit the Hotel-Restaurant Alte Vogtei. In the restaurant, you can indulge in culinary delights and look forward to a regional menu with the freshest ingredients.
Romantic Hotel Alte Vogtei
Raiffeisen, a naturally cloudy, amber-coloured pilsner, is THE new beer in the Westerwald-Sieg region. A beer cooperative was founded in Hamm (Sieg) for the anniversary year 2018 and has been marketing a specially brewed beer with the face of the father of the cooperative all over the world ever since. If you are interested, you can also participate in the Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen beer cooperative yourself. Further information on selling beer or participating in the beer co-operative can be obtained from the Hamm (Sieg) Tourist Information Office (Tel.: +49 2682 969789; raiffeisen@hamm-sieg.de).
The 35 metre high Raiffeisen Tower on the Beulskopf in Heupelzen is a popular excursion destination in the Westerwald-Sieg region. It was built in 1990 in honour of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen and offers a breathtaking 360° panorama on a clear day. From the viewing platform, the view sweeps across the Westerwald to the Siebengebirge, the Hohe Acht in the Eifel and the Siegerland. The wooden observation tower is ideal for hikers, nature lovers and families who want to enjoy a special nature experience with a far-reaching view.
Weitblicke ins Raiffeisenland
WesterwaldSteig: Marienthal Station/Raiffeisen Tower/Obererbach Station (11th Stage)
Our tour guides will take you back to the time of F.W. Raiffeisen: Get to know the founder of the co-operative from new perspectives and discover what traces of his work you can still find today. There is something for everyone in our varied programme of events.
From 29 June to 13 July 2025, Raiffeisen Week once again invites you to discover Raiffeisenland in all its facets. Under the motto "What one person can't do alone, many can!", visitors can expect a varied programme with readings, concerts, a museum festival, sporting events such as the triathlon and many other cultural highlights. The series of events is organised by the municipalities of Altenkirchen-Flammersfeld and Hamm (Sieg) .
The "We are one" Association Municipality Day in the Raiffeisenhalle Güllesheim on 29 June marks the official opening. In the two weeks that follow, visitors to Hamm, Weyerbusch and Flammersfeld can immerse themselves in the world of Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen - from inspiring museum visits to interactive experiences that bring his vision of community and cooperation to life.
Be there when Raiffeisen Week brings the legacy of a great social reformer to life - an event that is brought to life by many people!
02.02.2025 - 07.12.2025
Museumssonntag in Hamm (Sieg)
18.12.2022 - 07.12.2025
Raiffeisenhaus Flammersfeld - admission with guided tour
14.09.2025
Tag des offenen Denkmals im Raiffeisenmuseum
Here you can find all the excursion destinations and interesting hiking routes for your holiday planning in Raiffeisenland in the map view: Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen's life stations, monuments and discovery tours in the district of Altenkirchen.
