Renchen: Cultural History and Walking Routes

Renchen brings together Grimmelshausen’s literary legacy, local history and routes through the surrounding area. Highlights include the Simplicissimus House, historical sites and three routes of different lengths and layouts. This lets you decide before your stay whether to focus more on cultural sites or on walking routes.

Cultural History and Grimmelshausen

The Simplicissimus House explores the reception history of Johann Jakob Christoph von Grimmelshausen and is located next to Renchen Town Hall. It is open to visitors, and audio tours are available on request. Check the current visiting arrangements before your visit.

The local history exhibition offers a different perspective, featuring archaeological finds, original artifacts, models and works of art. The Mummelsee Fountain offers an artistic interpretation of the Mummelsee theme in Grimmelshausen’s “Adventurous Simplicissimus Teutsch.”

The Grimmelshausen Monument also has its own backstory. The stone was originally intended as a memorial to the insurgents who were shot during the Revolution of 1848–49. It was brought to Renchen, reworked as the Grimmelshausen Monument and unveiled in 1879. The monument therefore connects two historical references: the Revolution of 1848–49 and the later commemoration of Grimmelshausen.

Routes Through Renchen

The 8.7 km route connects Renchen with the districts of Ulm and Erlach. Since it uses almost exclusively cycle paths, it is suitable for a short bike ride as well as a hike.

The 9.3 km Mauritius Legends Circular Route starts at the marl pit in Renchen, passes through Renchen, Ulm and Erlach, and returns to the marl pit. The Renchen Nature Trail is a circular route of about 9 km. It starts at the railway station and leads through the Rench lowlands; signposts marked with a stork symbol indicate the way. The stork symbol provides a clear marker for the route.

The three routes are similar in length: 8.7 km, 9.3 km and approximately 9 km. Their starting points may therefore also help you compare them: Ulm and Erlach, the marl pit or the railway station. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Culture and Leisure Throughout the Year

During the summer months, local associations offer a varied program of cultural events and festivities in Renchen’s historic town park. Events vary, so if you want to attend a particular festival, check the dates in advance.

A municipal announcement planned the reopening of the mini-golf course, bistro and beer garden at Weidenstraße 32 from March 28, 2026. Weather permitting, it was to be open daily from 2 to 8 p.m. Check the latest information before visiting.

The Ortenau District: Regional Context

The Ortenau District lies between the Rhine and the Black Forest. It has 23 nature reserves covering a total area of around 3,110 hectares, extending from the Rhine plain to the higher elevations of the Black Forest.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hornberg, Oppenau, Biberach, Kippenheim, Nordrach, Kappel-Grafenhausen, Ohlsbach, Oberwolfach.

Back to the main travel overview: Ortenau District.