In Buchen (Odenwald), different routes of discovery lead through local history and the surrounding landscape: the District Museum and the towers tell different stories of the past, while Hasenwald wildlife park focuses on animals and woodland. Hiking and cycling routes offer their own points of interest.
Museum and towers: different facets of the town’s history
The Buchen District Museum is housed in two buildings belonging to the former Electoral Mainz administrative winery: the Stone Building, dating from 1493, and the Trunzerhaus. The Stone Building displays farmhouses and bourgeois parlours, Baier cabinets typical of the Odenwald, clothing and Odenwald traditional costumes, as well as a toy collection. The exhibition thus combines insights into homes and everyday culture with regional collection items.
The Trunzerhaus has a dedicated room where visitors can listen to excerpts from compositions by Joseph Martin Kraus (1756–1792). The museum and towers offer different points of focus: here, collections and music take centre stage; there, buildings associated with the town’s former fortifications and defence.
The 14-metre-high Wartturm tower stands southeast of Buchen on Wartberg, which is 394 metres above sea level. According to its building inscription, the tower was built or renovated in 1490. In times of war, it served as a lookout tower from which residents of the fortified medieval town could be warned of approaching enemy troops.
The town tower is the Mainz Gate and one of the four former gate towers within the town fortifications. Above the outer gateway is the Blecker, Buchen’s widely known carnival symbol. The Wartturm and town towers thus illustrate two different functions: one served for observation and warning, while the other was part of the town’s gate system.
Wildlife park, hiking trail and sculpture cycle route
Hasenwald wildlife park is located in the Buchen district of Hettingen. Covering around 9,000 square metres, the Vogelfreunde e.V. association runs a small wildlife park set within a wooded area. It includes aviaries housing various bird species, as well as animals such as sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, goats and a pony. A woodland discovery trail and a small playground round out the wildlife park’s attractions.
The landscape around Buchen is also characterised by forests, flower-filled meadow valleys and babbling streams. Those wishing to explore several historic sites on foot can follow a hiking trail that passes St. Oswald’s Church, the Old Buchen Town Hall, the Beginenklösterle and the town tower, also known as the Mainz Gate. The route thus takes in different sights from the Wartturm and makes local history tangible through several named buildings.
For cyclists, the sculpture cycle route offers a different perspective. The 77-kilometre route connects tourist attractions in the region via two loops, with a total of 25 sculptures along the way. The western loop passes through Buchen. While the hiking trail passes buildings in Buchen, the cycle route places the town within a longer regional route.
Regional highlights in the Neckar-Odenwald district
In the wider destination of the Neckar-Odenwald district, regional food experiences complement the discoveries in Buchen. The annual “Brunch on the Farm” event features local produce such as smoked trout, tangy cheese and homemade bread. Check the event dates and participating farms in advance.
At farmers’ markets and direct-seller days in the Neckar-Odenwald district, you can talk directly with producers, ask questions and sample regional foods. If you plan to attend, check the relevant dates and market locations in advance.
Discover more destinations: Elztal, Waldbrunn, Schefflenz, Osterburken, Aglasterhausen, Zwingenberg, Neunkirchen, Seckach
For the full travel guide: Neckar-Odenwald district.
