The best traffic-free bike rides around Königstein im Taunus

The small town has a very beautiful old town with many half-timbered houses and a great market square, at the end of which the town hall is enthroned, which also has a lot of charm.

Rettershof is a historic estate in the Fischbach district of Kelkheim, now a popular local recreation and excursion destination offering restaurants, equestrian activities, nature, and events. Originally, the property was founded in 1146 as the Premonstratensian Retters Monastery; after its dissolution in 1559, it developed into an agricultural estate with various owners. In the 19th century, the Englishman Frederik Arnold Rodewald acquired the estate and had a grand manor house built in the English Tudor style between 1884 and 1885. This building still forms the heart of the complex and has been owned by the city of Kelkheim since the early 1980s. Today, Rettershof comprises: • the Rettershof Castle Hotel with its historic charm, • the country inn "Zum fröhlichen Landmann" (The Merry Farmer), • a modern equestrian center with an indoor riding arena and paddocks, • expansive meadows, orchards, and woodlands. Rettershof also serves as a venue for markets, festivals, concerts, and harvest and cultural events, attracting many visitors from the region. In short: Rettershof combines medieval monastery and estate history with a modern recreational and cultural landscape – ideal for walks, horseback riding, events, and excursions in the Taunus region.

The historic town hall was built in 1479 on the remains of Gothic city gates. Its history is closely intertwined with the history of the town of Oberursel. In 1444, the market town of Oberursel was granted city rights. Trade developed rapidly, and the number of citizens grew steadily. In 1481, the city walls were extended to include a new part of the town—the "valley." After fulfilling its military function, the town hall was built on the reclaimed site of the "Lower Gate" of the first city wall. At this juncture between the old and new towns, it became a visible testament to the self-confidence of the free citizens. Moreover, the building was centrally located on the newly created market square. In the turmoil of the Thirty Years' War, the town hall burned down for the first time in 1622. Although plans for its reconstruction existed as early as 1629, they could not be realized during the Thirty Years' War. In 1645, the temporary building erected in its place was burned down again, along with almost the entire town. The town hall was rebuilt in 1659, though on a smaller scale than originally planned in 1629. The interior was completed in 1663. A jail cell, known as the "Betzelkammer," was installed at its base, beneath the staircase. This cell could accommodate 20 prisoners. In 1702, a sundial was added to the town hall; during the 1933/34 renovation, an inscription was added. Above the town hall's entrance is a Baroque replica of the town's coat of arms from the 15th/18th centuries. On September 27, 1980, the renovated council chamber was reopened. Since then, the council chamber, with its beautiful wainscoting, has been available for special civic events and weddings.

The history of Oberursel's old town begins with its first mention in 791, developed from a farming settlement into an important commercial center in the 14th/15th centuries, received town rights in 1444 and experienced industrialization in the 19th century; today, the renovated old town with its historic town hall (built in 1479 on older foundations) and many half-timbered houses shapes the cityscape and has been extensively renovated since the 1970s, with pedestrian zones and new cultural centers.

The Viktoriatempel is a scenic highlight and an integral part of the local hiking trails in the Taunus Nature Park. The temple is located near Victoriapark and Altkönig in Kronberg im Taunus and offers a good view, including Kronberg Castle.

Baháʼí Temple – House of Worship of Europe In July 1964, the first European Baháʼí Temple was inaugurated in Hofheim am Taunus (Langenhain district). In 1987, the state of Hesse declared this building near Frankfurt am Main a cultural monument.

Up here from the big Mannstein you have a wonderful view

The Visitor Center is located here. Bahá'í Houses of Worship around the world are dedicated to the goal of combining devotion to God with service to humanity. There are eight continental Houses of Worship located in Australia, Chile, Germany, India, Panama, Samoa, Uganda, and the United States. These buildings are open to all and are visited by millions of people annually. Each House of Worship has its own distinctive architecture, influenced by the local landscape and culture. Bahá'i Houses of Worship are places of prayer, meditation, and reflection. They are designed to praise God and are open to all, regardless of religion or belief, nationality, or background.