Erzhausen Travel Guide

Discover all the must-see attractions, activities, and local culture of Erzhausen, Hesse, Germany in this comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Erzhausen

Located in South Hesse, in the heart of Germany, Erzhausen is a small town with a rich history and natural beauty. As a gateway to the stunning Odenwald forest, Erzhausen is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. In addition to its breathtaking scenery, Erzhausen offers a variety of cultural and historical sights and delicious local cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Erzhausen

There are plenty of interesting places to visit in Erzhausen, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum im Schloss: A charming museum featuring local art and history, housed in a beautiful castle.
  • Römerkastell Pfungstadt: The remains of an ancient Roman military fort, situated just a short drive from Erzhausen.
  • Comburg Ruins: These imposing ruins once housed a Benedictine monastery, dating back to the 13th century.

Natural Attractions of Erzhausen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Odenwald Forest: A beautiful, sprawling forest with plenty of hiking and biking trails, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
  • Bessunger Forst: Another beautiful forest with a variety of flora and fauna and stunning scenic views.
  • Lake Pfrimm: A picturesque lake with clear blue water and a scenic hiking trail around its circumference.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Erzhausen

Erzhausen is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and offers a variety of hiking and biking routes for visitors to explore. Some popular options include:

  • The Erzhausen Circular Trail: A scenic route that takes visitors through the heart of Erzhausen and its beautiful surroundings.
  • The Odenwald Forest Trail: A challenging hiking trail that leads visitors through the rolling hills and lush forests of the Odenwald Forest.
  • The Pfungstadt Weinberg Trail: Located just a short drive from Erzhausen, this trail offers stunning views of the countryside and vineyard-covered hills.

Best Things to Do in Erzhausen: Activities and Tours

Erzhausen offers plenty of activities and tours for visitors to explore, including:

  • Wine Tasting Tour: Explore the diverse wines of Hesse with a local guide on a wine tasting tour.
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: See the stunning natural beauty of Erzhausen from a new vantage point with a hot air balloon ride.
  • Canoe Adventure: Paddle down the serene Pfrimm River and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside.

Week-Long Itinerary for Erzhausen

For visitors looking to spend a week in Erzhausen, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Museum im Schloss and explore Erzhausen
Day 2 Hike the Erzhausen Circular Trail and bike through the Bessunger Forst
Day 3 Take a wine tasting tour and visit the Comburg Ruins
Day 4 Go on a hot air balloon ride and explore the Odenwald Forest
Day 5 Canoe down the Pfrimm River and visit Lake Pfrimm
Day 6 Spend the day exploring nearby cities like Frankfurt and Darmstadt
Day 7 Relax in Erzhausen and enjoy the local cuisine

Food and Drink Scene of Erzhausen

Erzhausen is home to a number of great restaurants and cafes, serving up delicious local cuisine. Some must-try dishes include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Handkäse mit Musik: A regional specialty featuring sour milk cheese marinated in onions and vinegar.
  • Grüne Soße: A green sauce made from herbs, eggs, and other ingredients, typically served with potatoes and meat.
  • Rindswurst: A beef sausage that’s a popular street food in Germany.

Local Beverages

  • Apfelwein: A regional apple wine that’s a popular drink in Hesse.
  • Beer: Germany is known for its beer, and Erzhausen is no exception, with a variety of local breweries to try.

Where to Stay in Erzhausen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Erzhausen offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences, including:

  • Gasthof zur Traube: A charming guesthouse in the heart of Erzhausen, offering comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving local cuisine.
  • Hotel Stadt Heidelberg: A modern hotel with spacious rooms, located just a short drive from Erzhausen.
  • Jugendherberge Darmstadt: A budget-friendly hostel located in the nearby city of Darmstadt, offering comfortable dormitory rooms and amenities like free breakfast.

What to Buy in Erzhausen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Erzhausen is known for its handcrafted items, including:

  • Pottery: Erzhausen has a long tradition of pottery-making, and visitors can purchase beautiful handmade pieces.
  • Woodcarvings: The surrounding Odenwald Forest is known for its woodcarving traditions, and visitors can purchase intricate pieces made by local artists.
  • Wine: Hesse is home to many excellent wineries, and visitors can bring home a bottle of local wine as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Erzhausen

Erzhausen has a strong sense of local culture and customs, including:

  • Fasching: A carnival held before the start of Lent, featuring parades, street performances, and plenty of fun and revelry.
  • Osterbrunnen: A local Easter custom where the town’s fountains are decorated with brightly colored eggs, creating a festive and beautiful display.

Best Time to Visit Erzhausen

Erzhausen is beautiful year-round, but visitors might want to consider visiting during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and pleasant, and outdoor activities are in full swing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Erzhausen

Do:

  • Do try the local cuisine, including the regional specialties.
  • Do respect the natural beauty of Erzhausen and its surroundings.
  • Do explore nearby cities like Frankfurt and Darmstadt.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.
  • Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes for hiking and biking.
  • Don’t forget to try the local wine and beer.

Safety and Health

Safety in Erzhausen

Erzhausen is a safe destination for tourists, but visitors should still take common-sense safety measures, like not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of their surroundings at all times.

Health in Erzhausen

Travelers to Erzhausen should ensure they have adequate travel insurance and check with their doctor about necessary vaccinations before traveling.

Getting to Erzhausen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Erzhausen

The closest airport to Erzhausen is Frankfurt Airport (FRA), which is located approximately 18 miles away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or public transportation to Erzhausen.

Bus Stations Near Erzhausen

Erzhausen is well-connected to nearby cities like Frankfurt and Darmstadt by bus, with regular departures throughout the day.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to Erzhausen, with plenty of parking options available, or take a train to nearby Darmstadt and then take a bus or taxi to Erzhausen.

How to Get Around in Erzhausen

Erzhausen is a small town, and many of the attractions and sights are within walking distance. Visitors can also rent a bike or take public transportation to get around the town and its surroundings.

Where to Go Next from Erzhausen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Erzhausen is a great starting point for exploring other nearby destinations in Hesse, including:

  • Frankfurt: A vibrant and cosmopolitan city with plenty of museums, shopping, and cultural attractions to explore.
  • Darmstadt: A charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a lively cultural scene.
  • Heidelberg: A picturesque town known for its stunning castle and scenic old town.

Conclusion

Erzhausen is a hidden gem in the heart of Germany, with a wealth of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and delicious local cuisine to discover. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, Erzhausen has something for everyone.