Oberreifenberg: Castle, Hiking Trails and Winter Activities

Oberreifenberg combines a striking castle complex with historic churches, numerous hiking trails and winter sports. Oberreifenberg Castle Ruins are considered the highest medieval castle in the Taunus Mountains. Between architectural history, trails and seasonal activities, you can tailor your stay to the interests of your travel group.

Castle and Historic Buildings

Oberreifenberg’s notable sights include Reifenberg Castle, Bassenheim Palace and St. Gertrude’s Chapel. The surviving castle complex includes a tall, round keep dating from the 13th century, remains of the fortifications and a church cellar. The four-metre-thick curtain wall with round towers dates from the 14th century; the complex also includes a slender residential tower with a viewing platform. Bassenheim Palace stands below the ruins. The mortal remains of the Knights of Reifenberg lie in St. Gertrude’s Chapel.

Churches and Local History

St. George’s Parish Church was built in Oberreifenberg between 1845 and 1855, replacing the former church on the castle grounds. Its history broadens the picture beyond the medieval castle remains, reaching into the 19th century. St. Gertrude’s Chapel is a cultural monument in the Taunus and is picturesquely situated above the Oberreifenberg district in Schmitten im Taunus.

Hiking Trails and Winter Activities

Oberreifenberg offers numerous hiking trails and a range of winter activities, including a ski lift, sledging hills, cross-country ski trails and an ice-stock curling facility. Oberreifenberg ski lift is suitable for skiers and snowboarders; cross-country skiing, sledging and ice-stock curling provide further winter sports options.

An e-bike is recommended for the challenging TaunusRunde Höhenluft route. This also provides a specific point of reference for planning active days. You can consider the hiking trails and cycling route separately from the winter activities and choose the focus of your trip accordingly. The regular Waldgeister circular trail runs along the Krötenbach stream, up to Oberreifenberg and to the Pfarrheckenfeld car park. The trail offers a panoramic view of Oberreifenberg and its castle.

Visitor Information

Before your visit, check whether the castle grounds are accessible and what the opening hours are for the castle tower.

More Things to Do in Schmitten im Taunus

In the wider destination of Schmitten im Taunus, the Taunus Wichtel Weg (Taunus Gnome Trail) leads through forests, along the Weil River and over green meadow paths in Taunus Nature Park. Carved gnomes stand along the trail, each accompanied by a story to read; four information boards explain the hiking route.

Schmitten outdoor swimming pool is also part of the wider destination of Schmitten im Taunus. It has a 50-metre stainless-steel pool and two children’s pools with slides. Check current operating information before visiting.

When planning your trip, you can compare Oberreifenberg’s hiking trails and winter activities with options in the wider destination of Schmitten im Taunus, such as the Gnome Trail and the outdoor swimming pool.

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