Discover Elztal: Trails, architectural history and distinctive traces

Elztal offers a range of options for a stay: circular hiking trails, a cycling route along the Elz and traces of cultural history in Dallau, Rittersbach and Neckarburken. The trails differ in length, trail markers and stops; the buildings represent different periods in history.

Hiking trails: length, trail markers and stops

The approximately 5 km Kalkofen circular hiking trail starts at the former, renovated “Fahr” lime kiln in Dallau. From the Römerweg onwards, it is marked with white signs bearing the words “Kalkofenweg”. Its starting point, approximate length and trail markers give this route a clear framework for planning your day.

Along the Minerva Trail stands a Jupiter bench designed and built by Micha Reichert. Reconstructions of wooden palisades, faithfully modelled on historical examples, also stand along the route. The Jupiter bench stands out for its design and construction by Micha Reichert; the palisades, meanwhile, focus on recreating historical examples.

The circular trail in the Mariental passes the Wurzelino, Naturbadewanne, Kneippbecken, Sinnespfad and Steinkreis stops. The hiking options thus differ in tangible ways: the Kalkofen circular trail has an approximate length and trail markers, the Minerva Trail features a Jupiter bench and palisades, and the Mariental circular trail passes five named stops.

Cycling along the Elz

Coming from Mosbach, a well-marked cycle path follows the Elz, running parallel to the railway line, through Neckarburken and on to Dallau. The direction and places named offer clear guidance for anyone looking to include cycling in their travel plans. In addition to the circular hiking trails, there is also a cycling route with its own distinct course.

Architectural history in Rittersbach, Dallau and Neckarburken

St George’s Church in Rittersbach was built in 1886 in the Romanesque Revival style, to plans by Ludwig Maier, replacing an older building. This dated from the 14th century and had been renovated in the 18th century. The church contains copies of the frescoes at St George’s Church in Reichenau-Oberzell, which is a World Heritage Site; Fritz Kohlund made them in 1888. The dates link the history of the older church building with its later replacement and the fresco copies from the late 19th century.

The surviving parts of the former Teutonic Order moated castle at Schloss Dallau include a round corner tower and the palas with its medieval stepped gable. In Neckarburken, remains of the west gate, the “Porta Decumana”, are still visible at the village exit in the direction of Dallau. These historic sites offer different points of interest: the building history and fresco copies of St George’s Church, surviving parts of the former moated castle and visible remains of the gate.

A taste of the Neckar-Odenwald district

In the wider travel destination of Neckar-Odenwald district, the annual “Brunch on the Farm” features local products such as smoked trout, savoury cheese and homemade bread. At farmers’ markets and direct-sales days in the Neckar-Odenwald district, you can also talk to producers, ask questions and sample regional food. Before your trip, check the dates and participating farms, as well as the times and locations of the markets.

Choose the right location for your accommodation

If a particular starting point or place to visit is important to you, you can tailor your search accordingly and compare options for your planned stay.

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Back to the main travel overview: Neckar-Odenwald district.