Rimbach lies in the Weschnitz valley in the Vorderer Odenwald, framed by the Tromm and Juhöhe hills. Hedgerows and extensive orchard meadows run through the open countryside. On the slopes of the Tromm, forests with many boulders are considered characteristic protected landscape features; a large part of the Tromm Forest is protected under the European Habitats Directive. Individual areas around Rimbach that are valuable for their ecology, including sites where orchids grow, are also protected for nature conservation. The wider low mountain landscape around Rimbach also includes a finely branched network of waterways and elevations of 200 to 600 metres.
Marked Trails and Starting Points
Several marked circular hiking trails start in Rimbach and its districts at five nature park car parks. The Rimbach Art Trail starts at the “Tränke” nature park car park outside Rimbach and leads 941 metres from there towards Jungholzhöhe. Starting points and route information may change; check local notices before your visit.
Discover Orchard Meadows
The Rimbach-Albersbach Orchard Trail is 2.1 kilometres long and takes about an hour. Its theme is the orchard meadow landscape; the trail invites visitors to experience and explore it, learn more about it and spend time there. It explains the ecological structures and the flora and fauna of orchard meadows, and offers insight into fruit tree cultivation in the Odenwald. Using examples such as Goldparmäne, Gellert pear, Hauszwetschge plum and Nancy mirabelle, it explains the time of harvest and ripeness for eating, as well as how the fruit is used. Trail length and duration may change. At 941 metres, the Art Trail is shorter than the Orchard Trail; the latter is estimated to take about an hour.
Agriculture and Local History
The Historic Geopark Trail through Rimbach offers another perspective. Its 21 information panels are located at prominent sites and buildings in Rimbach. The trail interprets local agriculture: meadows, pastures, arable farming, fruit and nut trees, and forests are among the topics covered. While the Orchard Trail explores orchard meadow ecology and fruit growing in greater depth, the historic trail places them in the context of broader local agriculture.
Cycling Route and Rail
The Weschnitz Valley–Überwald Cycling Route connects the Bergstraße with the Odenwald and passes the railway stations in Birkenau, Mörlenbach, Rimbach and Fürth. This makes it possible to join or leave the route by train along the Weschnitz valley. If you plan to combine cycling and train journeys, check timetables and route information before travelling. The difference between the two types of excursion is clear: hiking and educational trails explore individual topics in Rimbach, while the cycling route connects the two landscape regions.
Bergstraße: Wine and More Trails
In the wider Bergstraße destination, gentle vineyards meet the Odenwald in Bergstraße district. Riesling is the Bergstraße’s typical white wine variety, while Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) dominates among the red wines. Visitors can sample Red Riesling and other Bergstraße specialities at producers, in wine taverns or at wine festivals.
The “Wine & Stone” Adventure Trail in Heppenheim is also part of the wider Bergstraße destination. It is about 6.9 kilometres long and has around 70 information stations. The annual autumn hike along the trail takes place on 3 October from 10 am to 6 pm; along the route, hikers can enjoy wine and food at five stations in the vineyards. Check event details before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Lampertheim, Groß-Rohrheim, Grasellenbach, Gorxheimertal, Abtsteinach, Wald-Michelbach, Einhausen, Birkenau
Back to the main travel overview: Bergstraße.
