4.5
(4575)
26,091
hikers
111
hikes
Urban hiking trails in Hegbachaue Bei Messel traverse a diverse landscape of forests and meadows, situated across parts of Offenbach, Darmstadt, and Darmstadt-Dieburg in Hessen, Germany. The area is characterized by floodplain forests along the Hegbach and Rutschbach rivers, interspersed with extensive grasslands. Notable water bodies include the Ernst-Ludwig-Teich and Kienswiesenteich, contributing to the region's varied ecosystems. This nature reserve offers accessible paths through its protected natural features.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
8
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
hikers
3.99km
01:01
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(1)
3
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
22
hikers
6.22km
01:38
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
4
hikers
10.8km
02:48
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Hofgut Pattershausen has special opening hours (few)!
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Varied alternative to sportingly dispose of the rest of your travel food from your back pocket without stopping, during the ride with aiming and throwing exercises :-). I somehow got the impression that the "insertion hole" is directed in the wrong direction and the trash cans were installed in the opposite direction.
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It's interesting to cycle along remote alleys!
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The Egelsbacher Eigenheim, now an event venue, was built in 1925 and inaugurated in 1926. The building was constructed at great financial expense by the homeowners' cooperative and served as a meeting place for all organizations affiliated with the free labor movement. For its time, the building was an impressive hall, unparalleled in the region. In September 1929, 800 young Nature Friends organized the Gaujugendtag (Gau Youth Day) under the motto "Never Again War." People from outside the area were accommodated privately by farmers in the small community. On September 21, Ernst Toller's anti-war drama "Masse Mensch" (Mass of Man) was performed with 120 young participants. https://www.63329.info/images/Geschichtsverein/006-Eigenheim.pdf
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In 2013, the “Gate of Friendship” was inaugurated at the “Tarsus complex”. The building is reminiscent of the ancient “Cleopatra Gate” in Langen’s twin town in Turkey.
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The “Vierröhrenbrunnen” is a landmark of Langen. In summer, the “Ebbelwoi” wine flows here in streams.
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The neo-Gothic hall church made of red sandstone with the 54 m high tower dominates the townscape on a hill in the old town area of Langen. The town church was built between 1879 and 1883 according to plans by the grand ducal building councillor Johann Christian Horst. It replaced a church that had been built in 1365 on the site of a previous building that had been mentioned in 834 and dedicated to the apostle James. This church, next to which stood a defensive tower dating back to Romanesque origins and existing until the 19th century, had to be closed and demolished in 1875 due to dilapidation. The current building is based on the Elisabeth Church in Marburg, for example in the proportions of the church tower. The 39 m long and 14 m high nave has the shape of a Latin cross. (Wikipedia)
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A very beautifully designed old fountain
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Hegbachaue Bei Messel offers a wide selection of urban hiking trails, with over 110 routes to explore. Most of these, around 100, are considered easy, making them accessible for many hikers.
The komoot community highly rates urban hiking in Hegbachaue Bei Messel, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 4,000 ratings. Hikers often praise the diverse natural landscapes, tranquil water features like the Hegbach and Rutschbach rivers, and the well-marked trails that offer a peaceful escape within an urban-adjacent setting.
Urban hikes in Hegbachaue Bei Messel feature varied terrain, including paths through floodplain forests along the Hegbach and Rutschbach rivers, oak-hornbeam and beech forests, and extensive grasslands. The trails are generally well-maintained and suitable for easy to moderate walks, with minimal elevation changes.
Yes, urban hikes in Hegbachaue Bei Messel offer several points of interest. You can visit the serene Ernst-Ludwig Pond, cross the picturesque Hegbach Bridge, or explore parts of the Hegbach Trail. The area is also known for its diverse ecosystems and the Pasture between Messel and Offenthal.
Many urban trails in Hegbachaue Bei Messel are ideal for families, offering easy and relatively flat paths through nature. The diverse landscapes and opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially around ponds like the Kienswiesenteich, make it an engaging experience for children. Consider routes like the Gate of Friendship in Langen loop for a pleasant family outing.
Yes, Hegbachaue Bei Messel is generally dog-friendly. The natural reserve offers plenty of open spaces and trails for you and your dog to enjoy. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash, especially in areas with wildlife or near other hikers, to protect the local ecosystem and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
Yes, many urban hiking routes in Hegbachaue Bei Messel are circular, providing convenient starting and ending points. An example is the Vending Machine at Birkenhof – Egelsbach Eigenheim loop, which offers a pleasant round trip through the area.
For beginners, Hegbachaue Bei Messel offers numerous easy urban hikes, with over 100 routes classified as such. These trails typically have minimal elevation gain and cover shorter distances. A good option to start with is the Vending Machine at Birkenhof loop from Egelsbach, which is relatively short and flat.
Hegbachaue Bei Messel is accessible via public transport, particularly to nearby towns like Langen and Egelsbach. From these points, you can often find trails leading into the nature reserve. For example, the Stadtkirche Langen – Old Town of Langen loop starts conveniently from Langen (Hessen), which is well-connected by public transport.
Yes, parking is generally available at various access points around Hegbachaue Bei Messel, especially near the towns and villages bordering the nature reserve. Look for designated parking areas in Egelsbach, Langen, or Messel, which often serve as starting points for the urban hiking trails.
Hegbachaue Bei Messel is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for urban hiking. In spring, the floodplain forests and meadows burst with new life and wildflowers. Autumn offers stunning foliage colors. Summer is also great, with shaded forest paths providing relief from the heat, while winter can offer serene, crisp walks, though some paths might be muddy.
While Hegbachaue Bei Messel is primarily a nature reserve, its proximity to the Koberstädter Wald means you might encounter historical sites. The wider area includes historical resting places like the Koberstädter Falltorhaus (from 1833) and an ancient forester's house dating back to 1631, offering glimpses into the region's past.
Absolutely. The urban hiking trails in Hegbachaue Bei Messel are often connected to or start from charming nearby towns. For instance, the Gate of Friendship in Langen – Langener Eiche loop allows you to explore the natural beauty while also being close to the amenities and character of Langen (Hessen).


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