Alzenau: Castle, Forest and Cultural Trails

Alzenau has many sides: the castle and cultural trails tell the story of the town, while the Hahnenkamm and circular walks bring landscapes and outdoor activity into the mix. In Michelbach, there is also a museum, a rose garden and renowned vineyards. The family-friendly forest swimming pool is another option for your stay. You can choose between culture, hiking trails and a day in the water.

Castle and Cultural Landscape

Alzenau Castle was built around 1400, when Alzenau was granted town rights. It is also the focal point of the “Wine and Lordship” cultural trail. Those interested in this trail will find a historical starting point around the castle. Access arrangements differ for the two castle courtyards: the Lower Castle Courtyard is open during the district court’s opening hours, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Upper Castle Courtyard is opened for events. Check the current access arrangements before your visit.

Three European cultural trails run through the Alzenau municipal area as part of the Archaeological Spessart Project. Information boards highlight archaeological, historical, geological and biological features of the cultural landscape. Their themes therefore extend beyond individual buildings to encompass the surrounding landscape.

Circular Walks of Varying Lengths

The “Wine and Lordship” cultural trail runs from Wasserlos to Alzenau in a loop of about five kilometres. Another loop runs for about seven kilometres to Hörstein; the entire route can also be walked.

Another option is the “Forest and Pilgrimage” circular trail. It is about eight kilometres long and runs from the castle car park via the Zeller clay pit to the highest point in the municipal area. From there, it continues to the “Maria zum Rauhen Wind” pilgrimage church, then returns to the castle via the Seven Sorrows Trail in the Kahltal valley. This circular walk is longer than the loops of about five and seven kilometres. Its waypoints combine a scenic route with a place to visit and a named return path.

Hahnenkamm and Michelbach

The wooded Hahnenkamm ridge rises to 437 metres and shapes Alzenau’s townscape. The Ludwig Tower stands on its crest. It was originally built by the Freigerichter Bund in 1880 and renovated in 2004. The ridge and tower offer a distinctive alternative to the castle and cultural trails.

Since 2006, Michelbach Castle in the Alzenau district of Michelbach has housed the Alzenau City Museum. Exhibits, installations and media technology tell the story of Alzenau, shaped by borderlines, regional independence and far-reaching upheavals. Michelbach is also the northernmost Franconian wine village and is known for its vineyards. Roses bloom in the castle’s rose garden in early summer, which is freely accessible at all times. The museum, vineyards and rose garden each offer a different cultural and landscape point of interest in Michelbach.

Swimming and Getting There

The family-friendly Alzenau forest swimming pool is located above the castle. Its children’s swimming area includes a toddlers’ pool with slides, water jets and a spray column, as well as a paddling pool with a stream and weir for playing. If a day at the pool is part of your stay, check seasonal opening times before travelling.

Westfrankenbahn offers a direct train connection on the “Bembel” from Schöllkrippen via Alzenau to Hanau. It allows Alzenau residents to travel by local public transport beyond the town limits. Check current timetables before travelling.

If you’d like to experience several sides of Alzenau, you can factor your preferred balance of culture, activity and swimming into your stay plans.

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