Binau: Neckar Loop, Local History and Apple Culture

Binau’s historic center lies on the right bank, within the Neckar’s largest and longest loop. Binau Castle and the village church define the townscape and invite you to explore the center. Near the castle stands a restored half-timbered house dating from 1569.

Building History and Places of Remembrance

The village church was built around 1350. Between 1779 and 1783, its nave was transformed from Gothic to Baroque. During restoration work in the 1920s, 14th-century wall paintings were uncovered in the tower choir. The choir walls also contain tomb slabs of the von Bödigheim family dating from the 16th century. The building phases, paintings and tomb slabs offer different insights into the history of the church building.

The Jewish cemetery is also part of the town’s history: it is the only surviving memorial to Binau’s former Jewish community. The ruins of Dauchstein are privately owned and can be viewed from the outside. Together with the castle, church and half-timbered house, they offer several points of interest for a walk exploring architectural history and historical landmarks.

Apple Garden and Fruit-Growing Tradition

Binau’s apple garden has 20 standard fruit trees bearing regional apple varieties, including some that had partly fallen out of use. Information boards explain the varieties’ origins, ripening times and uses. The garden was established in 2001 by the municipality in cooperation with the Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park. The boards and trees connect knowledge of the varieties with practical questions: Where does a variety come from, when does it ripen, and what is it used for?

Fruit growing in Binau has a longer history, too. In the mid-19th century, the town operated a tree nursery where award-winning “Binauer Tafelobst” (Binau dessert apples) was grown. In the past, apples from Binau were packed in wooden crates and shipped by rail to nearby and distant cities. The tree nursery and shipping practices describe an earlier way of doing business; today, the apple garden focuses on the diversity of regional varieties.

Neckar Riverside and Routes

The historic towpath runs directly along the Neckar, adding another aspect of the town’s history to the riverside setting. A rest area on Binauer Höhe offers views of Binau and the Neckar Valley. Hiking and cycling routes near the hill include the “Dauchstein Castle Tower–View of Binau Castle” loop and the “Neckar River–Dauchstein Castle Tower” loop, which starts in Binau. Their names help distinguish these routes from a visit to the town center or riverbank.

Another regional hiking trail starts at Binau station and heads towards Margarethenschlucht Gorge. The station is therefore also a starting point for an excursion beyond the town. Plan the exact route using the latest route description.

Getting Here and Finding Your Way

Binau is connected to the Rhine-Neckar S-Bahn network. Both the residential area and the historic center are within walking distance of the station. This can make planning easier if you want to combine arriving by train with a visit to the center. Since travel information can change, check the current timetable before your trip.

Regional Highlights in the Neckar-Odenwald District

Regional food is also a focus across the wider Neckar-Odenwald district. The annual “Brunch auf dem Bauernhof” (Brunch on the Farm) features products such as smoked trout, flavorful cheese and homemade bread. At farmers’ markets and direct-sales events, visitors can meet producers, ask questions and sample local food. These offerings are part of the Neckar-Odenwald district and are not specific to Binau. Before your trip, check event dates and participating farms, as well as market times and locations.

Discover more destinations: Neckargerach, Zwingenberg, Fahrenbach, Haßmersheim, Walldürn, Waldbrunn, Aglasterhausen, Hettigenbeuern

Go to the main travel overview: Neckar-Odenwald-Kreis.