Best moderate trails in Hessian Spessart Nature Park
The Hessian Spessart Nature Park was established in 1963 and covers an area of over 740 km². Over half of the park is forested - mixed forest and large stands of oak and beech in particular can be found in the low mountain range landscape. The Hessian Spessart borders the Bavarian state border in the south, where it continues as the Bavarian Spessart. The red sandstone makes it and its flora so special and distinguishes it from its neighboring areas. Bilberry and woodruff can be found on the ground, black knapweed and woodland rampion can be found on the wetter forest edges and in the northern part there are many orchids and other rare plants that grow on the shell limestone grassland. The extensively used grassland areas, woodland meadows, rough pastures and very species-rich meadows of the mountains are another special feature of the nature park. The rare chess flower even has an annual festival dedicated to it, the Altengronau Chess Flower Festival in April. The extensive woodland areas are home to red deer and wild boar, as well as foxes, wildcats and badgers. The beaver has also returned to the stream valleys. In addition to kites, falcons and long-eared owls, the woodpeckers that gave the Spessart its name (Spechts-Hardt) are particularly numerous with great spotted, black, middle-spotted, green and gray woodpeckers.
Plant lovers, animal watchers, hikers and bikers, families with children - everyone can discover the nature park in their own way or together as part of the annual program.
Top sights
Top trails
- 4.6 (14)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrVersatile, certified premium hiking trail in Spessart, Hesse. This Spessart trail is a certified premium hiking trail. Here open slopes up to higher altitudes, from which extensive panoramic views can be expected. The varied route starts at the former moated castle in Burgjoss. The mighty castle walls and the green castle meadow park are historical attractions that are worth seeing. The route then leads along the idyllic Jossa, which also crosses stone footbridges in some places. We continue...
- 3.9 (18)·Moderate·7.8 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrVaried loop in the Hessian Spessart Nature Park, Hesse. The route starts at the parking lot Klosterruine and leads through the forest to the old forestry office with the forest store, where you can buy a good selection of regional products (note opening hours). The undisputed hike highlights are the Wolfgang monastery ruins and the Barbarossa spring. Past the vineyards and through the nature reserve "Niederrodenbacher Steinbrüche," it returns to the starting point. There is a possibility to...
- 4.6 (11)·Moderate·3.7 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hrHistorical hike in the Spessart Nature Park, Hesse. The hike begins at the castle parking lot of the former orangery. The trail leads uphill through the park on beautiful paths in beech forests towards Steckelberg Castle. The ascent to the ruins of Steckelberg Castle, the ruins of a hilltop castle near Ramholz, begins at a large crossroads. From there, the trail leads back to the crossroads and downhill again through Ramholz Castle Park. Back in the valley, the actual park with its...
- 4.5 (10)·Moderate·5.8 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrPopular hike in the Kinzig Valley, Hesse. The route starts in Gelnhausen. The Barbarossa city is known for its numerous historical monuments, including the imperial palace. In addition to such attractions, the hike with its picturesque forest trails will delight you. Highlights of the hike: - Inside and outside wooden gate - idyllic forest - Marienkirche - Local museum
- 4.2 (9)·Moderate·6.8 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrPopular premium hiking trail in the Hessian Spessart Nature Park, Hesse. This Spessart trail is a certified premium hiking trail that offers wonderful views over the Kinzig valley and to the Vogelsberg. Damp mountain meadows, mixed deciduous forest and varied flora can be expected. The trail is easy to reach by bus and train (e.g. Steinau an der Straße station). It is also worth making a detour to Steinau's old town. It can impress with a wealth of cultural experiences: The castle, a...
- 4.4 (15)·Moderate·5.8 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrPanoramic premium hiking trail in the Hessian Spessart Nature Park, Hesse. This route is a certified premium hiking trail that alternates between varied forests and meadows and is well signposted throughout with the "Spessartfährten" sign. It passes pretty ponds and an idyllic meadow orchard. From the Vogelsberg, the wonderful view over the Kinzig valley can be enjoyed. However, it is rarely completely quiet on this premium hiking trail, as the aeroplanes approaching Frankfurt can often be...
- 4.1 (9)·Moderate·8 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrBeautiful and varied hike through forest areas near Altenmittlau in the Spessart Nature Park, Hesse. The trail goes through fields and forests; uphill and downhill. There are several beautiful viewpoints and places that invite you to take a little rest. There are also several options for stopping off. A thoroughly varied and recommendable round. Highlights of the hike: - varied forest paths along rivers - Numerous refreshment stops along the way
- 4.9 (5)·Moderate·4.2 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrPopular loop trail in the Hessian Spessart Nature Park, Hesse. This wonderful hike enchants with great views of Bad Orb, the romantic nature of the Upper Habers valley and historical monuments such as the Bocksberg chapel and a hydroelectric power station from 1901. Since you are partly on narrow, natural paths, sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. After the hike on loop trail 11, the day can come to a relaxed end with a visit to the nearby spa gardens or a stop at a restaurant in Bad...
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Suitability
Points of interest
- Gradierwerk
- Barbarossa Quelle
- Metzler-Born
- Mittlere Tannenhütte
- Beilstein
- Balthasar-Neumann-Pavillon
- Schloß Ramholz
- Kinzigtalsperre
- Burg Burgjoss
- Burgruine Steckelberg
- Miniatur-Mühlrad
- Klosterruine Sankt Wolfgang
- Ruine der Klosterkirche mit Sakristei
- Brunnenkranz der Klosterruine
- Hermannskoppe
- Burgruine Hüttelngesäß
- Hermannsbrunnen
- Burgruine Beilstein
- Wohnmobilstellplatz Horbach
- Hirschbornteiche