European Cultural Walking Trail “Along Old Trade Routes and New Roads”

The “Aufenauer Berg- und Talspur” combines sweeping views, tranquil forest paths and charming valley sections to create a varied hiking experience. From the Kirchberg, the view opens out over Aufenau and the Kinzig Valley. Historic boundary stones at the tri-border area and the valuable Zelleraue wetland make this Spessart trail particularly varied and rewarding.

From the Gondelteich, the Spessart trail ‘Vorderspessartblick Horbach’ leads across open hills and quiet stream valleys around Horbach. Time and again, sweeping views open up over the Kinzig Valley, into the Wetterau and as far as the Vogelsberg. Along the way, the Krötenweiher, the near-natural Näßlichbach stream and the impressive Mariengrotte provide a variety of sights.

The route passes through all three districts – Gondsroth, Neuenhaßlau and Niedermittlau – taking in their sights. Another stop is the panoramic trail at the Heiligenkopf in Niedermittlau, which offers a lovely view of Hasselroth and Freigerichter Bay, as well as Frankfurt and the Taunus.

The trail starts at the Fernblick car park and follows the Spessartbogen downhill to the old Rodfeldeiche oak and on into the valley. From the edge of the forest, there are many different and new views and panoramic vistas of the landscape. Along the outskirts of Neuses, the path leads gently uphill again, offering further stunning views of the Vorspessart landscape. After crossing the access road to Fernblick, the Spessartspur runs through the forest and rejoins the Spessartbogen long-distance hiking trail. Together, the Bogen and the Spur lead back to the Fernblick car park.

This Spessart trail is particularly appealing to anyone wishing to experience the landscape, history and regional industrial heritage in combination. Along the route, historic sites, distinctive buildings and sections of the trail set amidst nature alternate. Information boards bring the history of industrialisation to life, with a regional focus.

The Spessartspur trail starts at the Jahnstraße car park in the municipality of Hasselroth. The circular route leads into the forest past the burnt fir trees and, through ever-changing woodland scenery, steadily uphill to the summit of the Karlsberg. The route descends out of the forest via the Sauloch, offering fantastic views of Somborn and into the Spessart. Shortly afterwards, you reach the Edelweißhütte in Somborn, which is open at weekends. From there, the route continues through fields and orchard meadows towards Gondsroth, offering beautiful views, before returning to the starting point.

From the Burgjosser Heiligen car park, the path winds its way towards Roßkopf and then continues westwards at the same elevation to the former military cemetery. There, it crosses the country road and continues northwards towards Wegscheide (an alternative starting point for the tour). Passing the school camp, the route continues to Ameisenrain and through the Orber Stadtwald back to the starting point at the Burgjosser Heiligen car park.

The Spessart Trail ‘Wildly Romantic Hirschborn Ponds’ is a beautiful walking route through the impressive forests of the Hessian Spessart Nature Park. The circular trail along the slopes of the Klingbach Valley runs largely through ancient, pure deciduous forests, which have been part of the ‘Alsberger Hang’ natural forest reserve since 1997. The coexistence of woodrush and wood sorrel beech forests, as well as the stands of old, gnarled sessile oaks, provide a nursery and habitat for bats, rare birds and other wildlife. Enjoy and respect the tranquillity of this beautiful woodland area alongside them.