Darmstadt-Dieburg: Between the Messel Pit and the Odenwald

Between the Rhine Plain and the Odenwald, Darmstadt-Dieburg combines fossil history, protected landscapes and historic destinations. Depending on what you would like to experience on your trip, you can focus on nature, cycling or culture.

Landscapes and protected areas

The district includes the Hessian Rhine Plain, the Lower Main Plain, the Messel Hills, the Reinheim Hills, the Vorderer Odenwald and the Sandstone Odenwald. Within the district, the Bergstraße forms a distinctive transition between the Rhine Plain and the Odenwald. The region therefore ranges from the two plains, through the hill country, to the different parts of the Odenwald.

The Reinheimer Teich nature reserve lies in the northwestern foothills of the Odenwald and is surrounded by meadows and fields. You can explore the area along a circular trail or from one of its many benches. The Pfungstädter Moor nature reserve has a different layout: it consists of three sections, covers around 103 hectares and can be explored on designated paths. The areas therefore differ both in their landscapes and in the ways described for experiencing them.

Hiking and cycling

Darmstadt-Dieburg has an extensive network of well-marked trails for hiking, walking and Nordic walking. Themed cycle routes follow the small rivers Modau and Gersprenz; there is also the Leisure Cyclists’ Route and the Family Cycle Route.

In the district, the Family Cycle Route runs from Erzhausen to Seeheim-Jugenheim and is about 40 kilometres long. Its endpoints and approximate length provide a guide for planning. The themed cycle routes, in turn, are defined by their routes along the Modau and Gersprenz, as well as by their names as the Leisure Cyclists’ and Family routes. Check current route conditions before setting out.

The Messel Pit and Earth’s history

The Messel Pit UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fossil deposit with uniquely preserved, diverse fossils. They document the history of Earth’s development 47 million years ago. The visitor centre presents the history and significance of Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Messel, therefore, the focus is not only on the fossil deposit itself, but also on its historical and scientific context.

Castles, views and history

Darmstadt Castle in Groß-Umstadt originated as a former moated castle, was expanded into a residence in the late Middle Ages and was one of Groß-Umstadt’s seven former aristocratic residences. The sequence from moated castle to later residence tells the story of the building’s historical development.

Frankenstein Castle in the Odenwald is a popular day-trip destination and a starting point for hikes. From the castle, you can look out over the Rhine Plain and the city of Darmstadt. The Tannenberg castle ruins lie east of Seeheim on a spur of the Odenwald about 200 metres high; from there, you can see the Bergstraße and the Rhine Valley. The viewpoints therefore offer different vistas: Frankenstein Castle looks out over the Rhine Plain and Darmstadt, while Tannenberg’s ruins overlook the Bergstraße and the Rhine Valley.

Museums and guided tours

The Reinheim Railway Signal Box Museum was built in 1896 and served railway operations on the Odenwald Railway for many years. When it is open to visitors, the historic signal-box technology is demonstrated. If you are planning a visit, check the specific opening dates. Events are held throughout the year at the Gruberhof Museum, which also features a varied exhibition on agriculture and crafts. Since individual events may change, it is worth checking the dates if you are planning your stay around them.

From September to October, the town of Groß-Umstadt, together with Rainer Bausch, offers group tours on the theme of the fruit and wine harvest; a wine tasting is included. The town offers group tours of the Kleine Bergstraße from January to December. The different timeframes provide different planning options: the fruit and wine harvest tour is limited to September and October, while the Kleine Bergstraße tour is offered from January to December. For both group offers, you can check current dates and booking arrangements in advance.

With this selection in mind, you can then look for a place to stay that suits your plans.

Discover more destinations

Darmstadt, Griesheim, Groß-Umstadt, Messel, Reinheim, Roßdorf, Mühltal, Weiterstadt, Babenhausen, Erzhausen, Münster, Modautal, Groß-Zimmern, Dieburg, Pfungstadt, Alsbach-Hähnlein, Seeheim-Jugenheim, Ober-Ramstadt, Fischbachtal, Groß-Bieberau, Otzberg, Bickenbach.

Go to the main travel overview: Hesse.