Offenbach: Discover culture, nature and trails

In the Offenbach district, cultural and historical sites and trails covering a wide range of themes are close together: from Seligenstadt’s history to nature trails and cycling and hiking routes. You can shape your stay around culture, nature or a mix of both—and choose your accommodation based on the experiences you want to define your days.

Culture and history in Seligenstadt

The Einhard Basilica is Seligenstadt’s present-day landmark and is considered one of the most important churches from the Carolingian era on German soil. The RegioMuseum offers further insights into the history of the town and abbey. Its subjects include prehistory and early history, folklore and crafts, as well as 15th- to 18th-century painting and sculpture. The history of Seligenstadt and its abbey is also part of the exhibition.

The Palatium in Seligenstadt was built on the Main during the Hohenstaufen period; Emperor Frederick Barbarossa is believed to have had it built as a hunting lodge. The free “Stolpersteine” walking tour offers another way to explore the town’s history. It begins at the Jewish cemetery and follows selected Stolpersteine—memorial plaques set into the pavement—to various sites and stories from the lives of Seligenstadt’s Jewish residents. The tour is open to everyone. If you plan to take it, you can check the latest route details in advance.

The guided walk “In die Sommerfrische” (“A Summer Retreat”) also explores the history of the former Benedictine abbey. The route is about 3.5 kilometers long and leads from the monastery along the Main to the moated castle. Since this is a bookable experience, it is advisable to confirm availability before your trip.

Trails for nature, activity and discovery

The Main Cycle Route follows the Main from its source to its mouth through Franconian and Hessian landscapes, passing regional points of interest along the way. In the Offenbach district, Mainhausen, Seligenstadt, Hainburg and Mühlheim lie on this route along the Hessian Lower Main. It follows varied paths away from heavy traffic and is signposted to a high standard.

Another route through the Rhine-Main region is the Regionalpark circular route, a key cycling and hiking connection extending for a total of 190 kilometers. It links orchards and wetlands with artworks, historical sites, viewpoints and play areas. Sections can be explored by bike or on foot. The route’s varied landscape and cultural themes make it a good choice for different kinds of outings.

For a shorter trail with a clearly defined theme, consider the Egelsbach Evolution Trail: Along its 1.1-kilometer route, 19 signs vividly describe significant developments or events in evolution. The trail starts directly opposite the entrance to Egelsbach airfield; one section overlaps with the Rhine-Main Regional Park Route. The nearly six-kilometer Rodau nature trail between Urberach and Ober-Roden focuses on different subjects. Twelve panels cover nature in, around and along the Rodau, including conservation successes as well as fish, small animals, birds and plants.

The Rodau nature trail also makes the river’s changes over time visible: its stops explore four former mills along the banks and earlier stream courses, as well as the river’s straightening in the 1930s and the renaturalization work that began in 2009. The 60-kilometer Einhard Trail between Seligenstadt and Michelstadt offers a longer-distance option. Marked with a white “E” on a red background, it can be hiked in either direction. The stated distances give a sense of the different scales to consider when planning your day, without specifying how long any walk takes.

Hessian specialties and brewery culture

On the Offenbach town and district regional loop of the Hessian Apple Wine and Orchard Route, local restaurants serve Hessian specialties. A typical Hessian drink is apple wine served in a ribbed glass. If brewery culture interests you, consider a tour of Glaabsbräu in Seligenstadt: it is offered as a sensory experience and ends with a refreshing Glaabs beer. Check that the tour is available before your trip.

When looking for accommodation, you could first decide whether you want to focus mainly on Seligenstadt’s cultural history, shorter themed trails or longer routes. The differences between a 1.1-kilometer nature trail, the nearly six-kilometer Rodau nature trail and the 60-kilometer Einhard Trail offer a practical guide. Discover more destinations: Rodgau, Seligenstadt, Offenbach am Main, Obertshausen, Neu-Isenburg, Mühlheim am Main, Egelsbach, Dudenhofen, Dietzenbach, Rödermark, Mainhausen, Langen, Heusenstamm, Hainburg, Dreieich.

Back to the overview of destinations: Hesse.