Holzhausen Über Aar can be explored through specific local themes: its former fruit-growing industry, the architectural history of the Protestant church and the terrain to the west of the village. The Aartal Cycle Route also presents a practical planning consideration: its surfaces vary.
Apple History and the Village Landscape
Extensive orchards once shaped Holzhausen Über Aar; apples from Holzhausen were sold as far away as Frankfurt. Three apples are depicted in the lower part of the village coat of arms, and are said to refer to Saint Nicholas. The village’s history thus includes both its former fruit-growing industry and a coat-of-arms motif with a religious interpretation.
Church Construction and Former Uses
The chancel of the Protestant church is Gothic and was under construction in 1451. The nave, with its distinctive tower, was consecrated in 1728. These details refer to different parts and periods in the church’s architectural history: the chancel in the 15th century and the consecration of the nave in the 18th century.
The last school building, dating from 1865, also has a history involving several uses by the community. It served as a community centre for the Protestant parish and as a nursing station. Alongside the church, former uses of a school building are therefore part of the village’s history.
Terrain and the Aartal Cycle Route
To the west of Holzhausen Über Aar, the terrain drops steeply towards the Aar behind the Rotenberg (350 m). Different practical details are relevant to the Aartal Cycle Route: it runs mostly along paved paths, but also partly along gravel forest and farm tracks. If you are planning to use the route, take this change in surfaces into account.
Hohenstein as a Wider Travel Destination
In the wider travel destination of Hohenstein, Hohenstein Castle is the most historically significant site and the community’s landmark. Every year in June and July, the Taunusbühne stages theatrical performances on the open-air stage in the castle courtyard; some seats are covered. As the programme may vary from year to year, check the specific performance dates before your visit. Hofgut Georgenthal in Hohenstein is also home to the museum and visitor centre for the World Heritage Site of the Limes.
There are two circular routes to choose from for exploring the Limes, each with different features. The 5 km Georgenthal Limes Circular Route, with nine information boards, starts at the car park at Hofgut Georgenthal. The 5.5 km Hohenstein Limes Circular Route takes in additional visible Limes structures and has seven information boards. The Hohenstein route is therefore half a kilometre longer, while the Georgenthal route has two more boards.
The Family Yoga Trail in Burg-Hohenstein offers a different focus. Children and adults can try yoga exercises at its 14 stations. The short loop is 1.3 km long and the long one is 2.4 km; the starting point is the information board at the community hall.
Every year on the last Sunday in May, Aarstraße (B 54) is closed to motorised traffic for one day. The route also passes through Hohenstein and is then reserved exclusively for cycling, scooters and inline skating. The date and programme vary from year to year. If you would like to plan your visit around this event, check the details for the relevant year.
Discover more destinations: Born, Hohenstein Castle.
See the wider travel overview: Hohenstein.
