Ödenwaldstetten combines village history with nature education: the listed bakehouse and the “Hüttenstuhlburren” children’s nature reserve each offer a different perspective. The village’s sights and activities range from the historic Protestant St. Nicholas Church to a health walking trail and a mountain bike route for outdoor exercise.
Church and Village History
The Protestant St. Nicholas Church in Ödenwaldstetten was first mentioned in 1275. The village centre is also home to the listed bakehouse, a cultural and historical feature of the village. It was built in the early 19th century, with an adjoining fire station shed, in the centre of the village, and was completely renovated in 2007 and 2008. The church and bakehouse thus offer different historical points of interest: the church’s early mention and the bakehouse’s construction and renovation history.
Nature and Outdoor Activities in Ödenwaldstetten
The “Hüttenstuhlburren” children’s nature reserve lies between Ödenwaldstetten and Eglingen. Playful features and child-friendly information boards introduce visitors to the special features of a nature reserve. A section of a nearby trail runs along the edge of the forest southwards to the protected area. This lets visitors combine the area’s distinctive design with a walk through the landscape.
The health walking trail has sections where hikers can take off their shoes and feel different types of ground beneath their feet. Alongside physical activity, the focus is on consciously experiencing the surface underfoot. Check local trail conditions before setting out.
Hiking and Cycling in Hohenstein
Hohenstein, the wider travel destination, offers more opportunities, too. Various circular routes can be used to explore the villages and surrounding area on foot. Cycling routes vary in length, elevation gain and course. The East mountain bike tour is 24 kilometres long, with 390 metres of elevation gain. It starts at the farmhouse museum in Ödenwaldstetten and runs via Schachen into the Lauter Valley to Wasserstetten; it therefore extends beyond Hohenstein. A shorter alternative goes through the Amsel Valley instead of via Schachen.
The West mountain bike tour is challenging, 32.3 kilometres long and has around 450 metres of elevation gain. Highlights include Dachenstein, Hohenstein Castle ruins, the Maßhalderbuch estate and Oberstetter Valley. The starting point is Brechhölze in Bernloch. Another option is the relatively flat 30-kilometre “Around Hohenstein” tour, which can be done by bicycle or inline skates. According to the description, it is well suited to families. The different details make it easier to compare the routes by distance, elevation gain and mode of travel.
More Destinations in Hohenstein
Near Oberstetten, Hohenstein Castle ruins stand in a forest among moss-covered boulders and gnarled trees. The site has a viewing platform and a barbecue area. In Bernloch, the Hans-Reyhing-Stube was established in 1985 in memory of local poet Hans Reyhing. Hohenstein also offers nature trails: the nature trail runs partly through the Bauenhofen/Häulesrain nature reserve. In winter, cross-country ski trails are groomed when snow conditions allow.
Go to the main travel overview: Hohenstein.
