Straddling the states of Hessen, Baden-Württemberg, and Bayern (Bavaria), the Odenwald is mostly located in the southern tip of the state of Hessen, roughly between the Rhein river to the west and the Main river to the east (partially). It is an area of beautiful woods, spread out over just about 1,350 square miles and studded with many small and medium-sized towns. Some of those towns are more known than others. Certainly, the most famous of them all is the city of Heidelberg.
Just like its more famous cousin, the Schwarzwald (Black Forest), the Odenwald has many areas you can explore, but without the crowds!
What’s there to know about the area?
The Odenwald is rich in culture and history, dating back to about 2,500 BCE. In part, it was shaped by the Celts that settled there around 400 BCE. By 100 CE Romans had invaded the area and brought much sophistication with them. Remnants of that can still be seen today if you know where to look. For example, you can still find bits and pieces of the Limes (the Roman border to the Germanic people) in different towns. Miltenberg was along that frontier. One of the best preserved sections, about 80 km (about 50 miles) long are in the so-called Odenwaldlimes and can still be seen today.
The area is also known for playing a vital role in the famous legend of the Nibelungen, a story that wasn’t put on paper until the 13th century. The Odenwald served as the Nibelungen’s hunting ground and its hero Sigfried was killed on a trip through the area. To this day there are quite a few sites which claim to the famous murder site and some of those you will find in Gras-Ellenbach (Siegfriedsbrunnen), Mossautal-Hüttenthal (Lindelbrunnen), and Heppenheim (Siegfriedbrunnen).
In addition to that, the Odenwald offers a large variety of towns for you to explore, lots of natural beauty to admire, a variety of festivals and attractions to experience as well as typical regional foods & drinks to try!
Some of the most beautiful towns to visit:
- Heidelberg: Likely the most well-known of all, this town is famous for being Germany’s oldest university town, for its wonderful pedestrian-only shopping/sightseeing area along the old town as well as for the Heidelberger Schloss (castle). Though mostly in ruins, it also houses the popular “pharmacy museum.”
- Michelstadt: Has a well-known and beautiful historic downtown. Some of its museums are quite unique, like for example the private ivory museum or the toy museum.
- Miltenberg: Features a beautiful historic downtown with wonderful market square. Germany’s oldest inn, the Hotel Zum Riesen is definitely worth a stop!
- Mörlenbach: Still has remnants of a wall from the 13th century that used to surround the whole historic downtown. From this town, you can also access to Tromm for an awesome hiking experience.
Some of the most gorgeous natural beauties to experience:
- Felsenmeer: Located in Lautertal-Reichenbach, here you can climb huge boulders up a steep hill. Or, if you prefer, you can walk through the forest alongside the boulders.
- Tropfsteinhöhle: Found in Eberstadt, this well preserved and beautiful cave is open to the public.
- Juhöe (part of Mörlenbach): An area where supposedly the devil himself stopped by when people used to make offerings in particular shaped stones.
- Hiking trails: The Odenwald features over 6,000 miles of beautiful trails that can be accessed from many cities and towns.
Some of the most interesting festivals and attractions to visit:
- Erbacher Wiesenmarkt: This is a much smaller, more local version of an Oktoberfest.
- Űberwald-draisine: A unique and one-of-a-kind experience. A former railway system between Mörlenbach and Wald-Michelbach was repurposed for visitors to sit in cars powered by their own leg-power (pedaling!) or electricity (if there’s a steep incline) and takes you on a 10 km (just over 6 miles) unforgettable sightseeing tour.
- Nibelungen-Siegfried-Strasse (Nibelung Street): For a once in a life-time experience, you can follow along the two roads that signify where the Nibelungen of the famous German legend lived!
Some of the best must-try foods & drinks:
- Kochkäs (Kochkäse/cooked cheese): a very popular and easy cheese many people like to make at home.
- Äpplewoi (Apfelwein/apple wine): Hesssen’s and therefore the Odenwald’s national drink that can be served as Most (when it is just done and very sweet) or when it is “done,” tasting more dry.
- Odenwälder Dreispitz: a different kind of cookie with potatoes as its base and absolutely delectable!
- Odenwälder Wasserspatzen: similar to the Swabian Spätzle, these are made with only 2 ingredients and scraped into boiling water to cook.
Where ever you decide to go in the Odenwald area, be sure to see and do some of everything: explore some towns, go on some hikes, try out some of the attractions, and most definitely try some of the regional food. Nothing is better than experiencing an area like that!
Wondering how to pronounce those German words? This link will give you some guidance on how to pronounce consonants, vowels, and more!
Gems of Germany 