Discover Fischbachtal: Castle, Rocks and History

Fischbachtal combines striking high points with traces of geological and local history. Lichtenberg Castle stands prominently high above Fischbachtal on a hilltop that juts into the valley. There are also historic circular trails, rock formations and seasonal carriage or sleigh rides. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between scenic views, historical discoveries and activities in the countryside.

Landscape and traces of history

From the Bollwerk, you can enjoy a view of Lichtenberg Castle and the Vorderer Odenwald. This viewpoint brings together a specific historic building and a panorama of the landscape.

The Pfad der Geschichte(n) (Path of History and Stories) is in Lichtenberg in Fischbachtal; its two circular routes start at the Heuneburg car park in Lichtenberg. The 20 stops cover geological, cultural and local history. Geological features sit alongside settlement, agriculture and water supply; the castle and tourism are also among the topics. The range of themes therefore extends from the history of the landscape to the development of the town. The Heuneburg is of Celtic origin; the outlines of its former ring wall can be seen in the terrain.

Rocks and seasonal rides

The Gagernstein near Fischbachtal-Steinau is a seven-metre-high rock of flaser granitoid that is popular for bouldering.

In summer, Haflingerhof Pabst offers full-day or half-day carriage rides; in winter, sleigh rides follow the highland and forest trails around Fischbachtal. The rides vary by season, and in summer also by duration. If you are planning a ride, check with the provider in advance; seasonal activities and current availability may change.

The wider area: Darmstadt-Dieburg

The Darmstadt-Dieburg district encompasses the Hessian Rhine Plain, the Untermain Plain, the Messel Hills, the Reinheim Hills, as well as the Vorderer Odenwald and the Sandstone Odenwald. In the district, the Bergstraße forms a striking transition between the Rhine Plain and the Odenwald. This information offers an overview of the varied landscapes within the wider Darmstadt-Dieburg travel destination.

A distinct focus on natural history there is the Messel Pit UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fossil deposit contains exceptionally well-preserved and diverse fossils that document the history of the Earth’s development 47 million years ago. The Messel Pit Visitor Centre explains the history and significance of Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are also other options for activities in the district: Darmstadt-Dieburg has an extensive network of well-marked routes for hiking, walking and Nordic walking. Themed cycling routes run along the small rivers Modau and Gersprenz; there is also the Genießer-Radroute (Gourmet Cycling Route) and the Familienradroute (Family Cycling Route).

Choose accommodation based on your travel interests

When looking for accommodation in Fischbachtal, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: would you primarily like to explore historical topics, focus on geological features or plan a seasonal ride? If you are travelling with children or a larger group, it is best to discuss everyone’s interests in advance.

Discover more destinations: Griesheim, Darmstadt, Messel, Seeheim-Jugenheim, Babenhausen, Groß-Bieberau, Alsbach-Hähnlein, Dieburg

Go to the overview of the wider travel region: Darmstadt-Dieburg.