Discover Eltmann: the Main, hiking trails and history

Eltmann lies on the edge of the Steigerwald and Haßberge nature parks. Hiking in the foothills of the Steigerwald, cycling along the Maintal or Marien hiking trails, and activities on the Main offer different ways to spend your time.

Hiking, cycling and the Main

The Steigerwald-Runde Main-Panorama trail starts and ends at the Mainlände in Eltmann. It is 12.7 kilometres long, takes 3.75 hours and is of moderate difficulty. The distance, duration and level of difficulty give you a concrete framework for planning a day’s hike.

In Eltmann, you can hike in the foothills of the Steigerwald and cycle along the Maintal or Marien hiking trails. Another route starting in Eltmann first follows the Main, then skirts the Steigerwald, passes through the Haßberge and continues through the Abt-Degen wine valley. The Main at Eltmann is used for fishing and boating. Before taking part, find out about the conditions and local regulations.

For a cycling trip, you can also consider the bicycle rental service at Eltmann City Hall, where bicycles are available to borrow. Check whether the rental service is available before your visit.

Local history and events

The Ölberg Chapel is Eltmann’s oldest monument and dates back to the 13th century. The Wallburg of Eltmann is the ruin of a spur castle and a viewpoint at the site of the former keep. Eltmann’s outdoor swimming pool also has a historic distinction: it was Bavaria’s first outdoor pool with a 50-metre pool.

The history of the two-day Eltmann Beer Days goes back to the 1990s. At the event, breweries serve their beers, and the food on offer ranges from traditional Franconian to Mediterranean specialities. Dates and the annual food selection may vary. If you are planning to attend, check the current dates before arranging your trip.

The wider Haßberge destination

The wider Haßberge destination offers other independent hiking destinations. The “Castles & Palaces Quality Hiking Trail” lets you experience nature on foot in the German Castle District. The Haßberge Nature Park’s experience trails are half-day or full-day routes that loop back to their starting points. For longer distances, there is the 190-kilometre Castles & Palaces Hiking Trail through the German Castle District. The 254-kilometre Celtic Adventure Trail runs from the Werra via the Gleichberge and the Haßberge through the Steigerwald to the Aischgrund.

Culture and landscape also shape the wider Haßberge destination: Bettenburg is considered a landmark of the Haßberge, and the Schwedenschanze is a ring fort dating from the Hallstatt period. The Schwedenschanze observation tower crowns a 487-metre-high summit of the Haßberge ridge. From there, the view extends across mixed woodland to the Grabfeld and to the distant heights of the Rhön in the northwest and Thuringia in the north. Fatschenbrunn is known for producing “Hutzeln”: pears are dried there according to an old tradition to make delicious dried fruit.

Discover more destinations: Gädheim, Rentweinsdorf, Ebelsbach, Knetzgau, Hofheim In Unterfranken, Zeil Am Main, Maroldsweisach, Aidhausen

Return to the wider travel overview: Haßberge.