Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle
10.3miLength
2,208ftElevation gain
5.5–6hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route follows stage 4 of the Alemannenweg and connects Zwingenberg with Frankenstein Castle. Leaving Zwingenberg, the path traverses the forested crests of the Bergstraße region, passing Schloss Alsbach, the Heiligenberg estate with its historic castle and monastery ruins, and the remains of Tannenberg Castle. After passing the mysterious magnetic stones (Magnetsteine), hikers reach the iconic hilltop of Frankenstein Castle. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses and hotels in adjacent villages; wild camping is prohibited in Hesse. Hikers should carry sufficient water, though refilling is available in towns along the way. Both ends link to public transit, with schedules at https://www.rmv.de. The full Alemannenweg is a 138 km (86 miles) circular trail through the Odenwald, usually completed in 7 days.
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Part of a multi-day route
Alemannenweg
Top sights
Burg Frankenstein
Castle
Summloch
Attraction
Burg Frankenstein
Ruins
Burgruine Tannenberg
Castle
Tannenberg
Castle
Alsbacher Schloss Burgturm
Viewpoint
Ernst-Ludwigs-Hütte
Weather shelter
Langenberg (Odenwald)
Peak
Alsbacher Schloss
Ruins
Waldquiz
Attraction
Klosterruine Heiligenberg
Ruins
Schlossteich
Pond
Barfußpfad
Attraction
Blick nach Pfungstadt
Viewpoint
Seeheimer Schloss
Castle
Görschelanlage
Picnic site
Grabstein
Attraction
alte Torhausmauer
Ruins
Taufstein
Attraction
Weidetunnel
Attraction
Goldenes Kreuz
Attraction
Quiz: Tiere und deren Spuren zusammenführen
Attraction
Schutzhütte Seeheim
Weather shelter
Grabsteine der Familie Oberkeim
Attraction
Altes Pfarrhaus
Building
Top sights
Burg Frankenstein
Castle
Summloch
Attraction
Burg Frankenstein
Ruins
Burgruine Tannenberg
Castle
Tannenberg
Castle
Alsbacher Schloss Burgturm
Viewpoint
Ernst-Ludwigs-Hütte
Weather shelter
Langenberg (Odenwald)
Peak
Alsbacher Schloss
Ruins
Waldquiz
Attraction
Klosterruine Heiligenberg
Ruins
Schlossteich
Pond
Barfußpfad
Attraction
Blick nach Pfungstadt
Viewpoint
Seeheimer Schloss
Castle
Görschelanlage
Picnic site
Grabstein
Attraction
alte Torhausmauer
Ruins
Taufstein
Attraction
Weidetunnel
Attraction
Goldenes Kreuz
Attraction
Quiz: Tiere und deren Spuren zusammenführen
Attraction
Schutzhütte Seeheim
Weather shelter
Grabsteine der Familie Oberkeim
Attraction
Altes Pfarrhaus
Building
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Top trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Check out this 10.3-mile point-to-point trail near Bensheim, Hesse. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 8 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle?
Expected weather for Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle for the next 5 days is:
- Wed, September 23 - 63 degrees/clear
- Thu, September 24 - 65 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 71 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 75 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 82 degrees/clear
Where is Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle located?
Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle is a trail located in Geo-Nature Park Bergstrasse-Odenwald.
How hard is Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle?
Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle is considered a hard hike that covers 10.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,208 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 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 Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle?
Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle is considered a hard hike that covers 10.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,208 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle a point to point trail?
Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle is a point to point trail that covers 10.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,208 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle?
Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle is a point to point trail that covers 10.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,208 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle?
Dogs may be allowed on Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle.
How busy is Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle?
According to trailgoers, Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle is usually somewhat busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle.
Are there scenic views at Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Alsbacher Schloss Burgturm and Blick nach Pfungstadt.
Is backpacking allowed at Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle?
Backpacking is allowed on Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle. 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 Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle?
Yes, Alemannenweg Stage 4: Zwingenberg - Frankenstein Castle is a forest trail in Geo-Nature Park Bergstrasse-Odenwald.
Last updated on September 21, 2026 at 10:24 pm GMT+0