The best traffic-free bike rides around Wiesbaden

Purpose of the conversion: The distinctive three-legged steel tower, built in 2011, forms the interface of two important regional park routes. The immediate surroundings at the foot of the tower are now being fundamentally renovated for around 610,000 euros to make access to the Main river more spectacular and to create a high-quality area for staying and resting. What is being built: The construction measures include a terraced terrain structure and a newly paved square area. Modern relaxation zones with benches, loungers, and cozy wooden platforms are being created. For families, a wooden climbing structure will be integrated as a play offer for children. Green integration and paths: To visually connect the area harmoniously with the adjacent Flößerpark, nine new trees, willow bushes, and meadow areas will be planted. At the same time, new, clear sightlines to the river will be opened up and the path guidance will be made clearer. Schedule: Construction work began in April and the project is scheduled for completion in June.

The path on the (northern) bank of the Main estuary is already beautiful, but those who like it a bit nicer will find the detour to the Mainspitze (southern bank) even better.

Historical Age: The bridge was built around 1877 (twelve years after the harbor opened) and is today considered one of the oldest still preserved swing bridges in all of Germany. For this reason, the steel truss construction is an important cultural monument under strict heritage protection. Technical Dimensions & Function: The structure has a length of 37.50 meters, a width of 4.50 meters, and weighs around 54 tons. The original mechanical rotation mechanism ensured for decades that the bridge could be swung to the side at any water level to allow larger ships to pass into the harbor basin. Modernization: After the historical rotation mechanism was irreparably damaged and jammed in 1996, the bridge was fundamentally reconstructed in 2009. The historical appearance of the top chords was preserved, while the outdated mechanics were replaced by a state-of-the-art hydraulic rotation system. Location & Significance: It connects the Stresemann-Ufer (Old Town side near the Hyatt Hotel) directly with the Victor-Hugo-Ufer on the upstream mole. Today, it serves exclusively as an important, highly frequented connection for pedestrians and cyclists and is an integral part of recreational routes such as the popular Mainzer Drei-Brücken-Weg.

The Domäne Mechthildshausen near Wiesbaden-Erbenheim is a historic estate with over 800 years of history, which today presents itself as an award-winning ecological model farm. The property is operated by the Wiesbadener Jugendwerkstatt and serves as an important training center, where disadvantaged young people are qualified in professions related to agriculture, crafts, and gastronomy. The heart of the Domäne is consistent organic farming, which operates according to Bioland guidelines. On the extensive grounds, not only grains and vegetables are grown, but also livestock farming with on-site slaughtering is practiced. The special feature lies in the closed value chain: almost all products are further processed directly on-site in our own manufactories. These include a farm bakery, a pastry shop, a cheese dairy, and a butcher shop. For visitors, the estate is a popular excursion destination, as the listed inner courtyard offers an idyllic atmosphere. In the large farm shop, fresh organic products can be purchased, while various gastronomic offerings – from a simple self-service bistro to an upscale restaurant – invite you to stop by. With its stables, fields, and historic architecture, the Domäne Mechthildshausen combines modern nature conservation and social responsibility with traditional rural life.

Here is a beautiful straw tractor

The observation tower at Mainz-Kostheim harbor is a striking 20-meter-high steel monument that serves as an important experiential point of the RheinMain Regional Park. The three-legged structure, erected in 2011, consciously recalls the industrial history of the site in its aesthetics, particularly the inland navigation cranes and the neighboring cellulose factory. From the platform, visitors are offered a wide panoramic view over the Kostheim lock, the mouth of the Main river, and the silhouette of Mainz and Wiesbaden, all the way to the Taunus mountains. The tower stands at a strategic intersection between the Main Cycle Path and the Regional Park Circular Route, making it a popular stop for cyclists and hikers. The immediate surroundings of the tower are currently being extensively redesigned as part of the "Entrance to the Regional Park" project, in order to further enhance the quality of stay on the banks of the Main river through new resting areas and climbing elements. The ascent via the steel grate steps is free of charge and possible at any time, but requires a certain degree of freedom from vertigo due to the open construction.

Since 1987, the Wiesbaden Youth Workshop has managed the Mechtildshausen estate. This traditional farm, whose roots reach back to the 12th century, is now run as an educational institution where crafts can be learned from the ground up.

The Frankfurt skyline lends itself to the humorous name "Mainhattan"; very impressive!