In Offenbach district, major cycling routes run alongside trails that explore specific topics. Along the Main, the cycle route forms part of a long riverside trail; in Egelsbach, 19 signs tell the story of evolution. Seligenstadt adds significant sites from the Carolingian and Hohenstaufen periods to this picture. So, in Offenbach district, the range extends from nature and cultural trails to Hessian cuisine.
Cycling and nature trails in Offenbach district
Places in Offenbach district along the Main Cycle Route include Mainhausen, Seligenstadt, Hainburg and MĂĽhlheim on the Hessian Lower Main. The Main Cycle Route follows a varied course away from heavy traffic and is signposted to a high standard. Following the Main from its sources to its mouth, it runs through Franconian and Hessian landscapes, with regional highlights along the way.
A shorter themed trail in Egelsbach takes visitors on a journey through evolution: The 1.1-kilometre nature trail has 19 signs that clearly describe significant developments and events. It starts directly opposite the entrance to Egelsbach airfield. Part of the Evolution Trail overlaps with the Rhine-Main Regional Park Route.
The routes vary in length: the Evolution Trail is 1.1 kilometres long, the Rodau Nature Trail just under six kilometres, and the Einhard Trail 60 kilometres. The Einhard Trail runs between Seligenstadt and Michelstadt, is marked with a white “E” on a red background, and can be walked in either direction.
The Regional Park Circular Route is a key cycling and hiking connection in the Rhine-Main region. Over a total of 190 kilometres, it connects orchards and wetlands with works of art, historic sites, viewpoints and play areas. Sections can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Along the Rodau Nature Trail, twelve signs describe the natural environment in, around and along the Rodau, including conservation successes as well as fish, small animals, birds and plants. The trail, just under six kilometres long, between Urberach and Ober-Roden also reveals how the Rodau has changed over time—from four former mills and old stream courses to its channelisation in the 1930s and the renaturalisation that began in 2009.
Discover Seligenstadt’s history
The Einhard Basilica is considered one of the most important Carolingian churches on German soil and is Seligenstadt’s present-day landmark. The RegioMuseum presents local prehistory and early history, folklore and crafts, as well as 15th- to 18th-century painting and sculpture. It also covers the history of the town and Seligenstadt Abbey. The Palatium was built on the Main during the Hohenstaufen period, probably as a hunting lodge for Emperor Barbarossa.
The free “Stolpersteine” walking tour begins at the Jewish cemetery and follows selected Stolpersteine memorial stones in Seligenstadt, stopping at locations connected with the lives of Jewish residents. It is open to everyone. As route details may be updated, it is best to check them before setting out.
The guided walk “A Summer Retreat” runs from the monastery along the Main to the moated castle. The approximately 3.5-kilometre route explores the history of the former Benedictine abbey. If you plan to book this walk, check current availability before your trip.
Hessian specialities and apple wine
Along the Offenbach city and district regional loop of the Hessian Apple Wine and Orchard Route, restaurants serve Hessian specialities. A typical Hessian drink is apple wine, served in a ribbed glass. Another discovery for those interested in regional drinks is the tours at Glaabsbräu: the brewery tours are designed as a multisensory experience and conclude with a refreshing Glaabs beer. Check the tour’s availability before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Rodgau, Seligenstadt, Offenbach am Main, Obertshausen, Neu-Isenburg, Mühlheim am Main, Egelsbach, Dudenhofen, Dietzenbach, Rödermark, Mainhausen, Langen, Heusenstamm, Dreieich, Hainburg.
See the main travel overview: Hesse.
