Elztal: Hiking Trails and History
Accommodation in Elztal
Elztal can be explored in a variety of ways and through its architectural history. Local highlights include circular hiking trails, a cycle path between Mosbach and Dallau, and historic buildings. The routes vary in form: one circular hiking trail, about five kilometres long, starts at a former lime kiln, while other stops lie along the circular trail in the Mariental valley.
Hiking Trails and Cycle Route
Along the Minervatour, there are two striking features: a Jupiter bench designed and made by Micha Reichert, and reconstructions of wooden palisades faithfully modelled on historical examples. The seating feature and palisades add distinct touches along the same tour.
The approximately 5 km Kalkofen circular hiking trail starts at the former, renovated “Fahr” lime kiln in Dallau. From the Römerweg onwards, it is marked with white signs bearing the words “Kalkofenweg”.
The stops along the circular trail in the Mariental valley in Dallau are Wurzelino, Naturbadewanne, Kneippbecken, Sinnespfad and Steinkreis. The names of these five points give the trail a different character from the Kalkofen circular hiking trail: here, several named stops form part of the route description.
You can also explore the area by bicycle: a well-signposted cycle path runs from Mosbach along the Elz, parallel to the railway line, via Neckarburken to Dallau. This means there are circular hiking trails as well as a cycle route with a clearly stated direction—a useful distinction when choosing how to explore during your trip.
Churches, a Castle and Gate Remains
St George’s Church in Rittersbach brings together architectural history from several centuries. It was built in 1886 to plans by Ludwig Maier in the Neo-Romanesque style. An older building dating from the 14th century had previously stood on the site and was renovated in the 18th century. The church also contains copies of the frescoes of St George in Reichenau-Oberzell, which are part of a World Heritage Site. Fritz Kohlund made the copies in 1888.
A round corner tower and the palas, with its medieval stepped gable, remain from the former moated castle of the Teutonic Order in Schloss Dallau. The term palas refers to the main building of a castle complex; together with the tower, it is one of the specifically identified surviving parts of the former moated castle.
Another visible historic feature lies at the edge of Neckarburken in the direction of Dallau: remains of the west gate, the “Porta Decumana”, can be seen there. This precise location makes the gate remains a distinct point of historical interest, alongside the buildings in Rittersbach and Dallau.
A Culinary Look at the Neckar-Odenwald District
The wider Neckar-Odenwald district also offers regional culinary experiences. At farmers’ markets and direct-sales days, visitors can talk to producers, ask questions and sample local foods. The annual “Brunch on the Farm” features local products such as smoked trout, tangy cheese and homemade bread. Before your trip, check the dates and participating farms, as well as the locations and times of the markets.
Discover more destinations: Schollbrunn, NeckarmĂĽhlbach, Schefflenz, Ravenstein, Mudau, Fahrenbach, Mosbach, Obrigheim.
Back to the main travel overview: Neckar-Odenwald District.
