On the Western Limes Trail

Following the conquest of France, the Romans advanced across the Rhine. The Odenwald Limes was erected to secure the stretch between the Main and Neckar rivers, which were regarded as natural boundaries. This boundary wall, built around the year 85 AD, was intended to protect the Roman province of Germania Superior.
Your hike takes you along the former borderline in five stages, from Obernburg on the sunny banks of the Main, through the densely wooded Odenwald, to Neckarzimmern in the romantic Neckar Valley.
During this scenically and culturally enriching tour, you will pass the remains of Roman watchtowers, forts (troop quarters), bathhouses and border fortifications. Informative signposts highlight the sights and provide insights into life in the former border region.

Photos

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

1. S
   

   The Roman walk as an "amuse-gueule" for the Western Limes Trail

   1.34 mi 157 ft 157 ft

   This short walk takes you along the historic city wall, past the Almosenturm tower to the Annakapelle chapel. Continue along the picturesque Kapellengasse to the Mittlerer Höhenweg, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view over the town and the Main Valley as far as the Spessart. On the way back, you will pass the Lower Gate, St. Peter and Paul's Church and the former Stiftshof before arriving back at your starting point at the Roman Museum.

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2. 2
   

   Western Limes Trail (E1) from Obernburg to Michelstadt-Vielbrunn

   12.25 mi 1,401 ft 364 ft

   Following the conquest of France, the Romans advanced across the Rhine. The Odenwald Limes was erected to secure the stretch between the Main and Neckar rivers, which were regarded as natural borders. This boundary wall, built around the year 85 AD, was intended to protect the Roman province of Germania Superior.The first stage of your walk takes you along the former border from Obernburg on the sunny banks of the Main to Michelstadt-Vielbrunn.During this scenically and culturally enriching tour, you will pass the remains of Roman watchtowers, forts (troop quarters), bathhouses and border fortifications. Informative signposts highlight the sights and provide insights into life in the former border region.

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3. 3
   

   Western Limes Trail (E2) from Michelstadt-Vielbrunn to Hesselbach

   12.89 mi 794 ft 659 ft

   After conquering France, the Romans advanced across the Rhine. The Odenwald Limes was built to secure the route between the Main and Neckar rivers, which were considered natural borders. This border wall, built around 85 AD, was intended to protect the Roman province of Germania Superior. The second stage of your hike takes you along the former border line from Michelstadt-Vielbrunn to Hesselbach. During this scenically and culturally enriching tour, you will pass the remains of Roman watchtowers, forts (troop quarters), bathing facilities and border fortifications. Informative boards point out the sights and provide insights into life in the former border region.

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4. 4
   

   Western Limes Trail (E3) from Hesselbach to Limbach-Wagenschwend

   11.59 mi 1,073 ft 1,004 ft

   After conquering France, the Romans advanced across the Rhine. The Odenwald Limes was built to secure the route between the Main and Neckar rivers, which were considered natural borders. This border wall, built around 85 AD, was intended to protect the Roman province of Germania Superior. The third stage of your hike takes you along the former border line from Hesselbach to Limbach-Wagenschwend. During this scenically and culturally enriching tour, you will pass the remains of Roman watchtowers, forts (troop quarters), bathing facilities and border fortifications. Informative boards point out the sights and provide insights into life in the former border region.

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5. 5
   

   Western Limes Trail (E4) from Limbach-Wagenschwend to Neckarburken

   10.06 mi 499 ft 1,575 ft

   After conquering France, the Romans advanced across the Rhine. The Odenwald Limes was built to secure the route between the Main and Neckar rivers, which were considered natural borders. Built around 85 AD, this border wall was intended to protect the Roman province of Germania Superior. The fourth stage of your hike takes you along the former border line from Limbach-Wagenschwend to Neckarburken. During this scenically and culturally enriching tour, you will pass the remains of Roman watchtowers, forts (troop quarters), bathing facilities and border fortifications. Informative boards point out the sights and provide insights into life in the former border region.

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6. E
   

   Westlicher Limesweg (E5) from Neckarburken to Neckarzimmern

   9.15 mi 919 ft 1,024 ft

   After conquering France, the Romans advanced across the Rhine. The Odenwald Limes was built to secure the route between the Main and Neckar rivers, which were considered natural borders. Built around 85 AD, this border wall was intended to protect the Roman province of Germania Superior. The fifth and final stage of your hike takes you along the former border line from Neckarburken to Neckarzimmern. During this scenically and culturally enriching tour, you will pass the remains of Roman watchtowers, forts (troop quarters), bathing facilities and border fortifications. Informative boards point out the sights and provide insights into life in the former border region.

   View the route