The best traffic-free bike rides around Offenbach am Main

a beautiful floodplain and biotope

The Schlossgarten Heusenstamm, also known as Herrengarten, is a sprawling parkland that encloses the historic ensemble of the baroque Schönborn Castle, the Hintere Schlösschen, and the Bannturm. Its origins date back to the early 18th century when it was laid out under the von Schönborn family as a strictly symmetrical baroque garden with avenues and sightlines, following the French model. In the course of the 19th century, the area was partially transformed into an English landscape park, giving it a varied character today. The grounds are traversed by the Bieber river and are characterized by old moats and castle ponds that once served for the defense of the castle. Today, the park is a central recreational area and part of the RheinMain regional park. In addition to well-developed walking paths and extensive meadows, it also offers a large playground. Furthermore, the garden serves as the city's most important cultural event space, hosting regular festivals, concerts, and the popular wine festival in the shadow of the historic walls.

The Hintere Schlösschen and the Bannturm form the historical core of Heusenstamm and date back to a medieval moated castle from the 13th century. The Bannturm is the oldest part of the entire complex; it was built as a fortified residential tower made of sandstone and also served as a prison over the centuries. Its current appearance with the large windows was only acquired through renovations in the 19th century. The directly adjacent Hintere Schlösschen was built in the 15th and 16th centuries on the foundations of an even older building. When the Counts of Schönborn later built the magnificent new castle, the Hintere Schlösschen was primarily used for administration and as living quarters for servants. Today, the building has been extensively restored and serves as the town's cultural center: it houses modern event rooms as well as the registry office's wedding chamber and is an integral part of the town hall complex.

Helpful phone booth if you need a book

The Luderbachaue nature reserve in Dreieich, with an area of around 300 hectares, is one of the most important protected areas in the Offenbach district. It extends along the Luderbach stream, which gives it its name, and as an FFH area, it forms a valuable mosaic of near-natural oak-beech forests, moist floodplain meadows, and still waters. The ecological significance lies primarily in the protection of rare species: the area provides habitat for the protected stag beetle, the green broom moss, as well as numerous endangered bird and amphibian species. For visitors, the floodplain is an important local recreation area with a well-developed network of paths. Popular destinations in the immediate vicinity include Hayn Castle in Dreieichenhain and the modern land art installation, the Stangenpyramide. To avoid endangering the sensitive flora and fauna, a strict path requirement applies throughout the entire area, as well as a leash requirement for dogs.

The Market Square in Seligenstadt forms the historic center of the town of Einhard and is known for its exceptionally well-preserved ensemble of colorful half-timbered houses and the classical town hall. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in the region and is a central meeting point for tourists and locals alike. Around the Market Square, there are plenty of terraces where you can enjoy a snack and a drink while enjoying the view of the beautiful square.

The Einhardhaus is one of the most iconic half-timbered houses in the historic city center of Seligenstadt, Germany. This richly decorated building, dating from 1596, is known for its ornate façade, wooden oriel windows, and the legend that explains the town's name. The current half-timbered house dates from 1596, as evidenced by the inscriptions on the façade. It is a prime example of late German Renaissance half-timbering, characterized by lavish ornamentation and a striking corner oriel window. Although the house was built centuries after his death, it is named after Einhard (c. 770–840), the biographer of Charlemagne and founder of the monastery in Seligenstadt. The oriel window bears an inscription referencing the legend of Einhard and Emma (Charlemagne's daughter). According to legend, Charles recognized his daughter here after a long separation, after which he exclaimed: "Selig sei die Stadt genannt, da ich meine Tochter Emma wiederfand" ("Blessed be the city called where I found my daughter Emma again"), which would explain the name Seligenstadt.

It is an important nature reserve located directly next to the "Hofgut Patershausen".