Discover Höchst i.Odw.: Monastery history, gorge and cycling routes

Höchst i.Odw. brings together several distinct themes: monastery history, paths through a wooded gorge, cycling routes and a heated outdoor swimming pool. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus on cultural history, hiking or cycling.

Monastery history and tradition

The former convent in Höchst dates back to around 1200 and was an Augustinian convent belonging to Fulda. The church of the former convent is a successor building to the convent church and was built between 1566 and 1568. The dates therefore refer to different historical milestones: the convent and the later church building.

The 73rd Höchst Apple Blossom Festival was also held in Höchst, as a celebration of community, joy and living tradition. Alongside the town’s architectural history, community celebrations are therefore part of its local character.

The Obrunn Gorge and walking routes

Höchst i. Odw. is in the northern part of the “Bergstraße-Odenwald” Nature Park. One striking landscape feature is the Obrunn Gorge: this wooded ravine is about 3 km long and shaped by a stream. From Höchst, it runs southeast and descends about 150 metres along its length.

You can explore the Obrunn Gorge on foot and independently; several hiking trails pass through it. The “Nonnenweg” (“Nuns’ Way”) is another named route: it leads from Höchst to Breuberg Castle. This gives you two different options for planning a walk: a route through the gorge and a hiking connection to a named destination.

Cycling routes of different lengths

At 46 km, the “Hohe Straße” (“High Road”) is the longer of the two cycling routes for which a distance is given. It starts in Höchst or in the district of Hassenroth and leads over the Odenwald hills and through the Mümling Valley. The 24 km “Haselburg Circuit” connects Höchst and Bad König and runs between the Roman Villa and the Odenwald Therme. It is 22 km shorter than the “Hohe Straße”.

The Mümlingtal Cycle Route R1 is another cycling connection through the town. It leads from Obernburg am Main to Hirschhorn am Neckar, through the Odenwald and through Höchst. The routes therefore differ in their stated lengths, described courses and the places named along the way.

Roman history and outdoor swimming pool

Nearby, at Hummetroth, is the “Roman Villa Haselburg” archaeological site, dating from the 2nd century. It is 5 km from Höchst i. Odw. The Haselburg is the largest Roman civilian complex discovered so far in Hesse.

Höchst also has a heated outdoor swimming pool with a 60 m water slide. If you would like to include the pool in your travel plans, check its current opening hours before visiting.

These different themes give you concrete options when choosing a destination: monastery and Roman history, walking routes, cycling routes or an outdoor swimming pool.

Discover more destinations: Michelstadt, Erbach, Fränkisch-Crumbach, Beerfelden, Brensbach, Reichelsheim, Hesseneck, Sensbachtal

See the regional travel overview: Odenwald.