View of the Odenwald – Auerbach Castle loop from Hähnlein-Alsbach

Hiking trails & Routes

Germany

Hesse

Landkreis Darmstadt-Dieburg

Alsbach-Hähnlein

View of the Odenwald – Auerbach Castle loop from Hähnlein-Alsbach

Hard

4.7

(169)

533

hikers

View of the Odenwald – Auerbach Castle loop from Hähnlein-Alsbach

06:34

21.7km

680m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 25, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Geo-Naturpark Bergstraße-Odenwald

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

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1.79 km

View over the NABU orchard meadow to the Rhine plain

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7.95 km

View of the Bergkirche in Auerbach

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The mountain church in Auerbach, a district of Bensheim, can hardly be overlooked. The church stands on a hill above the historic town center. The church was actually consecrated as a Catholic, but with the Reformation in 1528 the first Protestant pastor was appointed and the Catholic community ceased to exist.

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9.65 km

View of the Odenwald

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Every now and then you get some really beautiful views on this route. Sometimes the trees are in the way, but then you just walk a few meters further and you can see far.

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9.88 km

Auerbach Castle

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Auerbach Castle was built above the town of Zwingenberg at the beginning of the 13th century to ensure customs revenue and security on the mountain road. It was built by the Counts of Katzenelnbogen, a powerful noble family from the Rhine-Main area.

At that time, the castle was considered impregnable and was expanded over the years. When the last Count von Katzenelnbogen died around 250 years after the castle was built in 1479, the castle came into the possession of the Landgraviate of Hesse-Darmstadt. Initially, the magnificent building continued to be inhabited, but due to the development of black powder siege weapons, the castle lost its strategic importance and was abandoned.

Despite everything, the ruins are in impressive condition today and both towers that have been preserved are accessible again after restoration. A unique sight is the over 300 year old pine tree that sits atop the shield wall.

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10.0 km

Ancient Scots Pine on the Castle Wall

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A rare but beautiful sight... how nature prevails

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10.2 km

Auerbach Castle

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16.4 km

Alsbach Castle with Castle Tower

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High above the village of Alsbach is the castle of the same name. It was built around 1235 by the Lords of Bickenbach. After the Bickenbacher noble family threaded through marriage on and on, the mighty castle became a so-called Ganerbenburg, which was also owned by various lords of the castle. Towards the end of the 15th century, a Ganerbe bought all shares of the other heirs and was thus again the only lords of Bickenbach.

After further changing owners, the castle came into the possession of the Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt. As with other castles, this was only interested in the lands and let the castle expire. Despite everything, the castle still offers an impressive sight today. Particularly noteworthy is the restored keep. From its crown you have a great view of the Rhine plain.

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18.5 km

Sperbergrund Parking Area

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Large parking lot below the pool

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21.7 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

14.3 km

3.11 km

3.08 km

874 m

349 m

Surfaces

8.73 km

4.89 km

3.60 km

2.13 km

1.98 km

231 m

191 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (440 m)

Lowest point (100 m)

Weather

Friday 9 October

17°C

9°C

14 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

September 26, 2021,Burgensteig 2. Etappe: Seeheim-Jugenheim - Bensheim-Auerbach 26.09.2021

After I hiked the 1st stage of the Burgensteig with Andreas in May 2018, we had finally decided on the 2nd stage. From Seeheim it went via the Lufthansa conference center in the direction of Alsbacher Schloss; from there then to Auerbach Castle to Bensheim. The tour was very nice and I can only recommend it!

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April 11, 2022,Schlosstour im Odenwald: Aber der April der macht was er will

Soft pink flowers begin to bloom, the plants stick their heads out of the ground and the birds are chirping. It is a beautiful spring day when I go hiking with my mother.

First we explore the castle tower of Alsbach Castle and enjoy delicious potatoes with eggs and green sauce in the castle tavern. The Hessians will know it …

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November 19, 2023,DE / Odenwald / Burgensteig 2.Etappe : Seeheim-Jugenheim nach Bensheim/Auerbach

Beautiful autumnal hike with friends and delicious mulled beer at Alsbach Castle and, at the end, great evening skies at Auerbach Castle.

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January 6, 2022,Etappe 2: Von Seeheim-Jugenheim nach Auerbach – Burgensteig Bergstraße

walked the second stage of the Burgensteig Bergstrasse today in good weather. For the most part, the paths are easy to walk. It is a shame that there is unfortunately only one refuge along the whole route. As an alternative (which was also nice) you can take a break at the two locks.

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June 30, 2022,Heute eine kleine Wanderung zum Alsbacher Schloss 🏰 & zum Auerbacher Schloss

🤔......
And again a line over the trees 🌳 from komoot where I'll never get there in my life 🤭 but otherwise a nice route, the best thing was the pub in ice-cold water 💧 at the end
And everything else is with Melli 😁👍🏻

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June 30, 2022,Schloss Alsbach 🔄 Schloss Auerbach

We were finally able to tackle a long-planned tour: from Alsbach Castle to Auerbach Castle and back. Strangely enough, we made it to the parking lot of God's Need umpteen times, but never went further to Auerbach Castle, although it's really only a few meters. 😂👍
Yes - I don't have to say much about Alsbach Castle, you can find …

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