From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer
20.4kmLength
683mElevation gain
6–7hrEstimated time
Circular
Popular circular hike in the UNESCO Bergstraße-Odenwald Geo-Nature Park, Hesse.
The hike starts at Bensheim-Auerbach railway station (for those arriving by car: Fürstenlager car park), from where it leads to the Fürstenlager state park, which was built between 1787 and 1795 by Landgrave Ludwig X of Hesse-Darmstadt. At the garden bar "Ada's Buka", follow the signs for the Nibelungensteig and you will soon reach the Ohlyturm. From here, the trail descends into the Balkhaus valley and then climbs slightly to Auerbach Castle. At Auerbach Castle, it is worth spending some time exploring the imposing castle complex and enjoying the panoramic view over the Odenwald. Another highlight is a 300-year-old pine tree. The route then winds its way back to the railway station via the Alemannenweg. If you wish, you can extend the hike with a detour to the Melibokus.
Highlights of the hike:
- Fürstenlager state park
- Hermitage
- Roman relics
- Geopark information centre
- Ohlyt Tower
- Auerbach Castle
- Excursion to the Melibokus (optional)
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Schwanenteich
Lake
Fürstenlager
Attraction
Schloss Auerbach
Castle
Riesenstuhl
Attraction
Teufelstein
Picnic site
Felsberg
Peak
Felsenmeer
Attraction
Entenweiher
Pond
Felsenmeerquelle
Spring
Altar Stone
Archaeological site
Rastplatz
Picnic site
Ludwigslinde
Picnic site
Gesundbrunnen
Attraction
Giant Pillar
Archaeological site
Schatztruhe
Attraction
Bei uns d hoam
Picnic site
Giant's Armchair
Attraction
Ohlyturm
Building
Paul Forster-Hütte
Weather shelter
Box
Attraction
Folterwerkzeuge
Attraction
Labyrinth
Attraction
Top sights
Schwanenteich
Lake
Fürstenlager
Attraction
Schloss Auerbach
Castle
Riesenstuhl
Attraction
Teufelstein
Picnic site
Felsberg
Peak
Felsenmeer
Attraction
Entenweiher
Pond
Felsenmeerquelle
Spring
Altar Stone
Archaeological site
Rastplatz
Picnic site
Ludwigslinde
Picnic site
Gesundbrunnen
Attraction
Giant Pillar
Archaeological site
Schatztruhe
Attraction
Bei uns d hoam
Picnic site
Giant's Armchair
Attraction
Ohlyturm
Building
Paul Forster-Hütte
Weather shelter
Box
Attraction
Folterwerkzeuge
Attraction
Labyrinth
Attraction
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Experience this 20.4-km circular trail near Bensheim, Hesse. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 58 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
What is the expected weather this week for From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer?
Expected weather for From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 26 September - 28.7 degrees/onbewolkt
- Sun 27 September - 28.3 degrees/onbewolkt
- Mon 28 September - 28.4 degrees/onbewolkt
- Tue 29 September - 28.5 degrees/onbewolkt
- Wed 30 September - 26 degrees/motregen
Where is From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer located?
From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer is a trail located in Geo-Nature Park Bergstrasse-Odenwald.
How hard is From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer?
From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer is considered a hard hike that covers 20.4 km, with an elevation gain of 683 m. It takes about 6–7 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer?
From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer is considered a hard hike that covers 20.4 km, with an elevation gain of 683 m. It takes about 6–7 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer a circular?
From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer is a circular trail that covers 20.4 km, with an elevation gain of 683 m. It takes about 6–7 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer?
From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer is a circular trail that covers 20.4 km, with an elevation gain of 683 m. It takes about 6–7 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer?
Dogs may be allowed on From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Are there lakes at From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer?
Yes, From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer is near Schwanenteich.
Is backpacking allowed at From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer?
Backpacking is allowed on From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer?
Yes, From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer is a forest trail in Geo-Nature Park Bergstrasse-Odenwald.
Is From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer rocky?
Yes, according to trailgoers, From the Bergstrasse to the Felsenmeer includes rocky terrain. Watch your footing and wear footwear with good traction.
Last updated on 26 September 2026 at 01:09 GMT+0