There is a widespread misconception that Hattgenstein, with its average elevation of 534 m above sea level, is the highest place in Rhineland-Palatinate, but this is not true.

Also belonging to Hattgenstein are the outlying homesteads of Helmhof, Waldfriede and Zur Zimmerei.

[1] The municipality's arms might in English heraldic language be described thus: Over a base countercompony gules and argent, gules on a mount vert the Hattgenstein Glockenhaus argent with timber framing sable and doors and windows of the field.

The following are listed buildings or sites in Rhineland-Palatinate’s Directory of Cultural Monuments:[6] The Glockenhaus (“Bell House”) is Hattgenstein's main landmark.

Hattgensteiner Fels, a crag with a lookout tower near the sporting ground, is believed to be the village's namesake.