Ravenstein Between History, Cycling Routes and Grünkern

When looking for a hotel for a stay in Ravenstein, it helps to first sort out your interests: historic places, cycling or countryside. The town lies in an area where the Kessach and Erlenbach rivers flow together with the Hasselbach towards the Jagst. Deciduous and coniferous forests, along with recreational areas on the banks of the Kessach, Erlenbach and Hasselbach, shape the landscape.

Historic Places in the Districts

Near the district of Ballenberg, remnants of the historic road associated with Charlemagne’s route from Würzburg to Switzerland have been preserved. In Oberwittstadt, the altar in the Chapel of the Fourteen Holy Helpers dates from 1456. The two places offer different historical highlights: a road associated with a route in one, and a dated altar in the other.

Merchingen offers another way to explore local history, with a Renaissance castle and a local history museum. In Oberwittstadt, the Steine Museum displays a collection of stones assembled over a long period. The Heimatstube Erlenbach focuses on changes in agriculture during the 20th century. The sculpture “Sculpture for the Road” is another distinctive local feature: it stands at the Ravenstein exit towards Oberkessach.

Cycling and Hiking Routes

Ravenstein has developed cycling and hiking trails for leisure. The Ravenstein cycling loop connects Hüngheim, Oberwittstadt, Unterwittstadt, Ballenberg, Erlenbach and Merchingen. Most sections are family-friendly; this is especially true of the connection between Oberwittstadt and Erlenbach. The loop therefore offers a way to include several districts in your route planning.

Two longer routes also differ in character and length: the 77-kilometre Sculpture Cycle Route connects regional tourist destinations as an art and nature experience. The Grünkern Cycle Route is more than 100 kilometres long and connects the Odenwald, the Tauber Valley, Hohenlohe and HeilbronnerLand. When planning, you can distinguish between a route focused on art and nature and one that crosses several regions.

Grünkern and Agriculture

Merchingen and Ravenstein’s other districts were centres of Grünkern production. In Merchingen, a functional Grünkern drying kiln was rebuilt next to the fire station and is occasionally used to dry Grünkern. The history of production and the kiln’s occasional use give the subject a local connection that goes beyond the name of the Grünkern Cycle Route.

Countryside and Getting There

For walks and time outdoors, the recreational areas along the banks of the three streams mentioned above are useful local reference points. If travelling by car, Ravenstein is directly accessible from the A81 via the Osterburken exit, which is in the area of Merchingen. There is a rail connection in neighbouring Osterburken. Check the timetable for specific journeys. This lets you consider your travel arrangements separately from choosing the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Neckarmühlbach, Schwarzach, Elztal, Fahrenbach, Limbach/Laudenberg, Zwingenberg, Schollbrunn, Neckarzimmern.

For the regional travel overview: Neckar-Odenwald District.