If you are looking for a stay in Höchst i.Odw. that combines cultural history, wooded landscapes and outdoor activities, you will find concrete options in several directions: the former nunnery and its church represent different historical building phases, the Obrunn Gorge is a destination for exploring on foot, and several cycle routes pass through Höchst or lead from there into the Odenwald.
Monastery history and Roman traces
The former nunnery in Höchst is a Fulda Augustinian convent for women, dated to around 1200. The church of the former monastery is a successor to the monastery church and was built between 1566 and 1568. These dates mark different historical stages: the early dating of the monastery and the later construction of its successor church.
Another historical layer can be found near Hummetroth: the “Roman Villa Haselburg” archaeological site, dating from the 2nd century, is five kilometres from Höchst. The largest Roman civilian settlement discovered in Hesse to date was found there. The Haselburg and the former nunnery are therefore two separate destinations with different historical associations—Roman times on the one hand and monastery history on the other.
Obrunn Gorge and nature park
Höchst i. Odw. lies in the northern part of the “Bergstraße-Odenwald” Nature Park. In Höchst itself, the Obrunn Gorge is a specific point of interest for exploring the landscape.
The Obrunn Gorge is a wooded ravine about three kilometres long, with a stream running through it. Along its length, it descends about 150 metres and runs southeast from Höchst. You can explore the gorge on foot and independently; several hiking trails pass through it. This means that both the gorge itself and the various trails through this landscape are options to explore.
Choose cycle routes by length and course
The cycle routes differ in both length and course. The 46-kilometre “Hohe Straße” begins in Höchst or in the district of Hassenroth and runs over the Odenwald hills and through the Mümling Valley. The 24-kilometre “Haselburg Circuit” connects Höchst and Bad König; it runs between the Roman Villa and the Odenwald Therme. Based on the stated route lengths, the Haselburg Circuit is 22 kilometres shorter than the Hohe Straße.
The Mümlingtal Cycle Route R1 runs through the Odenwald and Höchst, from Obernburg am Main to Hirschhorn am Neckar. This offers different options: a route that explicitly begins in Höchst, a connection between Höchst and Bad König, and a route that passes through Höchst on its way between Obernburg and Hirschhorn.
Hiking destination Burg Breuberg and local outdoor pool
The “Nonnenweg” hiking trail leads from Höchst to Burg Breuberg. As part of the wider Odenwald travel destination, Burg Breuberg has a history spanning more than 850 years and is one of the largest and best-preserved castles in southern Germany. The Breuberg Museum is located in the castle. This destination beyond the local history adds another option for hiking and cultural interest.
Another local option is the heated outdoor pool in Höchst, with a 60-metre water slide. If you plan to visit the pool, check the current opening hours before your visit. History, trails through the Obrunn Gorge, cycle routes and the outdoor pool offer different ways to plan your stay in Höchst.
Discover more destinations: Michelstadt, Brombachtal, Reichelsheim, Rothenberg, Lützelbach, Erbach, Brensbach, Breuberg.
Back to the main travel overview: Odenwald.
