Hessen's southernmost region, bordering the states of Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and the Rhineland-Palatinate, The Bergstrasse-Odenwald is celebrated for its unspoiled and diverse natural landscapes.
The Geo-Naturpark Bergstraße-Odenwald, shaped by over 500 million years of geological activity, spill over the borders of the Bergstrasse-Odenwald into Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. Alternating between sparsely wooded hills, gorge-like valleys and high plateaus thick with pine forests, the park provides gorgeous backdrops for its well-marked hiking and cycling trails.
Hikers and cyclists are spoiled for choice here. For castles and exquisite views of the Upper Rhine Plan (Oberrheingraben), hike the Burgensteig from Darmstadt all the way to Heidelberg. The circular Alemannenweg hiking trail crosses the low mountains of Odenwald, leading visitors through forests, orchards, fields and vineyards along the way. Popular cycling routes include the 3-State Bicycle Trail (3-Länder-Radweg), which affords magnificent views as it crosses from the Odenwald in Hessen into its two neighbouring federal states.
More open air highlights include the Sea of Stones (Felsenmeer), a spectacular sea of large crystalline rocks cascading down a wide path on Felsberg Hill, and the English gardens of the Fürstenlager State Park (Staatspark Fürstenlager), home to exotic plants and trees including one of Germany's oldest sequoias as well as gingko and Japanese cedar trees. The region also boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Neckar-Odenwald Limes (Neckar-Odenwald-Limes) features two portions of the former external Roman defensive frontier line complete with fortresses and watchtowers; and the Messel Pit (Grube Messel), a disused quarry home to an extraordinary wealth of fossils, provides a remarkable insight into 50 million years of Earth's history.
The Bergstrasse-Odenwald's numerous cultural highlights include the Jugendstil architecture and arts and science museums of Darmstadt, and the UNESCO World Heritage abbey at Lorsch (Kloster Lorsch). In Heppenheim, you'll find over 400 listed buildings and a beautiful market square, and Michelstadt is home to an extraordinary medieval town hall on stilts. Take a side trip to the neighbouring town of Steinbach to visit the 9th century Einhard's Basilica (Einhardsbasilika).
Thanks to its sun-soaked vineyards and orchards and their excellent produce, the Bergstrasse-Odenwald has a long culinary tradition. The charming Bergstrasse wine region is Germany's smallest, and its wines - including the unique Roter Riesling - are well-kept secrets, little drunk outside the region. Local apple specialties include delicious cakes, brandies and the sour, flat cider that's Frankfurt's favourite drink. Be sure to try Kochkäse (a melted sour milk cheese eaten warm or cold) and Handkäse (small sour milk cheeses formed by hand), and come Spring, head to the white asparagus growing region of Ried to celebrate Germany's king of vegetables.
