Hungen walks

The ‘In the Shepherd’s Footsteps’ route takes you to notable spots around Hungen linked to sheep, sheep farming and the flora and fauna of nutrient-poor grasslands. Nine information boards provide plenty of fascinating facts and numerous historical and contemporary photographs. Questions such as the following are answered: - What is the shepherd’s monument?- Where do sheep live in winter?- Did the Romans keep sheep too?- What do sheep like to eat?- What rare animals live around Hungen?- What do sheep do in the woods?- Are there sheep on the volcano? Exciting discoveries await! Walk along old cattle tracks – still in use today – along the Limes, through orchard meadows to idyllic woods.

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 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 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.

The circular walk leads from what is now the “Hauptstraße” up to the Wendelinus Chapel and then along the edge of the woodland to the viewpoint overlooking the Kinzig Valley. From there, the route returns to the village, where you reach the starting point again.

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.

The Spessart Trail ‘Niederrodenbach’s Barbarossa Spring and Monastery Ruins’ runs almost entirely along shaded woodland paths and combines the enjoyment of nature with special, atmospheric spots. Along the way, you’ll find the mystical ruins of St Wolfgang’s Monastery and the Barbarossa Spring, idyllically situated in the woods with seating by the spring pond. At the old Hanau Wolfgang Forestry Office, you’ll also be impressed by Hanau’s tallest tree, a giant sequoia.

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 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.