Binau can be explored from several perspectives: its historic centre lies on the right bank, within the Neckar’s largest and longest loop. Binau Castle and the village church shape the townscape and invite you to explore the historic centre. Other highlights include traces of the town’s building and local history, a long connection with fruit growing, and the Neckar as a reference point for walks and time spent here.
Half-Timbered Houses, Church and Local History
A restored half-timbered house dating from 1569 stands near Binau Castle. The village church was built around 1350; between 1779 and 1783, its nave was transformed from Gothic to Baroque. The church’s original construction and the later transformation of its nave thus mark distinct stages in its history.
During restoration work in the 1920s, 14th-century wall paintings were uncovered in the tower choir. The choir walls also contain tombstones of the von Bödigheim family from the 16th century. The church thus brings together evidence from several centuries. The Jewish cemetery is also part of the town’s history: it is the only surviving reminder of Binau’s former Jewish community.
The Dauchstein ruins are privately owned and can be viewed from the outside. If you are exploring the town’s architectural history, they offer a different kind of insight from the half-timbered house and the church: here, the exterior is what you see during your visit.
Apple Culture Through the Ages
Binau’s apple orchard has 20 standard fruit trees bearing regional apple varieties, including some that were no longer being cultivated. Information boards explain the varieties’ origins, ripening times and uses. The orchard thus showcases the diversity of apples alongside practical information about when they ripen and how they are used. The municipality established it in 2001 in cooperation with the Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park.
Binau also has a long history of fruit growing: in the mid-19th century, the town operated a fruit-tree nursery where award-winning Binau dessert apples were cultivated. Historically, Binau apples were packed in wooden crates and sent by rail to nearby and distant cities. Together, the orchard, nursery and shipping offer a glimpse into apple varieties, cultivation and trade in the past.
Exploring the Neckar
The historic towpath runs right along the Neckar. On the Binauer Höhe, there is a rest area with views of Binau and the Neckar Valley. The towpath runs right along the Neckar; the rest area on the Binauer Höhe offers views of Binau and the Neckar Valley.
Getting There and Places to Stay
Binau is connected to the Rhine-Neckar S-Bahn. The station is within walking distance of both the residential area and the historic centre. If you plan to arrive by train, check the current timetable before travelling.
Fortuna Camping am Neckar is located right by the river and offers marked-out pitches, camping meadows and shepherd’s wagons. In summer, its facilities include a solar-heated outdoor swimming pool; there is also a small shop. Before your trip, check which of the listed facilities will be available on your dates. This will help you decide whether the riverside location and camping facilities or the town’s architectural and fruit-growing history are the main focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Osterburken, Seckach, HaĂźmersheim, Schwarzach, Mosbach, WalldĂĽrn, Fahrenbach, NeckarmĂĽhlbach.
For the main travel overview: Neckar-Odenwald District.
