The Spessart is still considered an insider's tip for hikers and has a lot to offer: Unspoilt nature, tranquillity, first-class hiking trails and, in addition, castles, the Main river, hearty culinary delights and charming small towns.
Details about the walking holiday from Gemunden to Aschaffenburg
The three-river town of Gemünden, the Snow White town of Lohr and Aschaffenburg with its wonderful old town and many sights - the first destinations on the tour are all gems of Franconian history and culture. Follow in the footsteps of the Echter family in Mespelbrunn. On day 6 of the tour, you dive into Räuberland.
The Main valley, the forest, the lush green meadows and the wide fields make for a unique experience of nature, here you will find true tranquillity. The last hiking stage takes you first to the Geißhöhe, which is around 520 metres high. The last kilometres of the tour finally lead to Henneburg Castle, one of the largest castle ruins in Bavaria.
The highlights of the Spessart walking tour:
Spessart Nature Park: Hiking in the low mountain range is a real pleasure! This is not least due to the award-winning hiking trails, which on the one hand have been beautifully laid out.
Castles and parks: Both Johannisburg Castle and Mespelbrunn, as well as all the other magnificent buildings on the tour, are worth a visit.
Franconian hospitality: Franconia not only has world-famous vineyards but also one of the highest brewery densities in the world!
Medieval monasteries: You will never go long on this tour without seeing the view of a historic wall that is an imposing reminder of the past.
Pristine hiking trails: The Spessart is one of those areas where nature still seems to be in harmony with itself.
Worth knowing about the hiking tour in the Spessart
This walking tour suits all kinds of hiking enthusiasts. As a low mountain range, it never gets steep in the Spessart, the mountains are rarely higher than 600 metres. The route takes you to enchanting small towns and magical natural backdrops.
Route summary
Throughout you walk on well-maintained hiking paths, forest trails and in parts also on forest roads. The route leads gently along the hills of the Spessart, for walking times of up to 5.5 hours a good basic fitness level is sufficient. Longer tours can comfortably be shortened by public transport.
Along the narrow alleyways of the city of three rivers Gemünden, you ascend to the range of hills of the Franconian Ledge. From the Schönrain castle ruin you enjoy a fantastic view of the deep-blue river Main down below in the valley. Through dense forests and extensive fields you proceed to the Mariabuchen monastery before a splendid path through the middle of the nature reserve at Mount Romberg leads you into the pretty little town of Lohr. Follow the tracks of Snow White through the chic historic centre.
From the spa resort Heigenbrücken you climb high up during the ascent to the first Spessart-summit, the Pollasch. Grandiose panoramic views into the Laufach-valley and varied themed paths accompany you featuring great views whilst descending into the valley, listen to the quiet dabble of the stream and the rustling of the beech forests en route to your hut for a break. Through blooming apple orchards you reach Waldaschaff, a little hamlet located amidst the Spessart-forests and hills.
Today you explore the marvellous parks of Aschaffenburg. The stunning hiking path starts at the pheasantry and gently winds over countless little hills through picturesque wooded areas to the idyllic Schmerlenbach monastery, which invites you to a good rest enjoying regional delicacies. Back in Aschaffenburg, there is plenty of time left in order to discover the lovely historic centre, Johannisburg palace and the idyllic Main-river terraces in peace and quiet.
The ‚Hochspessart‘ awaits: along the Franconian Marienweg-path, you ascend to the Posthalterkreuz-cross, past sandstone walls to the rural chapel Herrenbild. Dense forest surrounds you like a green cloak, and little monuments and wayside crosses greet you en route. You proceed via a spectacular high-altitude path always along the hilltops, far below in the valley you can already make out the beautiful hamlet Mespelbrunn, your Day Finish situated in the heart of the Spessart-forest.
In the so-called ‚Räuberland‘ (land of bandits) you have endless opportunities to embark on short or extensive hiking tours in the surroundings. However, do not be afraid, you will only encounter bandits on the colourful waymarking. Visit the legendary hut on top of the ‚Hohe Wart‘, inclusive beer garden and fresh Spessart-beer, located amidst the forest. Also visit the Mespelbrunn water castle, known through the German movie classic ‚Das Wirtshaus im Spessart‘ (the Inn in the Spessart). The quality of the hiking paths makes every hiker’s heart leap for joy.
The finale of your hiking week is characterised once again by the forests of the Spessart: Via the ‚Old School Route‘, a historic connecting trail, you walk through a convoluted rock labyrinth until you reach the highest point of your hiking holiday at the Geißhöhe-peak. Unspoilt trails finally lead you on gently undulating terrain below the leaf canopy all the way to Henneburg castle, towering high above the glistening river Main, the crowning glory of the end of your hiking adventure in the Spessart.
ca. 5,5 hours
25 km
700 m
800 m
Day
8
Departure or extension
Route information
Throughout you walk on well-maintained hiking paths, forest trails and in parts also on forest roads. The route leads gently along the hills of the Spessart, for walking times of up to 5.5 hours a good basic fitness level is sufficient. Longer tours can comfortably be shortened by public transport.