Eppstein hiking paradise: On the trail of the Kaisertempel and Staufen!

Eppstein hiking paradise: On the trail of the Kaisertempel and Staufen!

In the Hessian Taunus, where the hills invite beauty and the air is fresh, lies Eppstein, a place with a rich history. Until the 19th century, Eppstein was known as impoverished, but the Lords of Eppstein, who appointed four archbishops of Mainz in the 13th century, once had a decisive influence on this town. The fate of the place was changeable; after the Lords of Eppstein died out, both divisions and changes of ownership inhibited development. In 1803, the sale and possible demolition of the castle was even discussed. It was only the connection to the railway network in 1877 that laid the foundation for tourism and made Eppstein a popular resort for well-heeled guests who discovered hotels and restaurants. The “Eppstein Beautification Association”, founded in 1878, built, among other things, the Imperial Temple in 1894, which is still a popular destination for hikers today.

Another important historical event took place here: In October 1838, the von Gagern brothers took their “Staufen oath” nearby to promote the unity of Germany. A striking stone pyramid and a bronze plate on the Großer Mannstein are reminders of this moving story.

The hiking trip

The ideal starting point for a trip to this picturesque area is the Hofheim-Lorsbach S-Bahn station, where the hike towards Staufen begins. The route description leads along Münsterer Straße and through the forest to the Walterstein rock group, where a memorial plaque commemorates the composer Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, who stayed in Eppstein between 1837 and 1847. The path continues to Staufen, which marks the summit with a small stone pyramid, and offers a fascinating view of Kelkheim and Frankfurt from the Großer Mannstein.

The total distance of around 2.7 kilometers from Gasthof Gundelhard to Staufen can be covered in about an hour, including leisurely photo stops. On clear days you can see as far as the Odenwald. On top of that, the region has the Großer Mannstein, around which there is a romantic legend: a noble boy in love and the noble maiden were turned into stone by a witch and wake up every 13 years in order to be able to stroll around the Gimbacher Hof.

Restaurants and recreation

Around the Staufen and the associated hiking trails, the Gasthof Gundelhard is also a popular hub for hikers, as is the Imperial Temple or the Bahá'ì Temple, which are also nearby. Gasthof Gundelhard is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 2 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. and is ideal for a rest during the hike. Here you can enjoy the view of the beautiful surroundings while enjoying a delicious refreshment.

Getting there is easy via the A66 and B455, while S-Bahn line 2 and regional trains run regularly to Limburg. Anyone who decides to take a trip to the Taunus has done everything right with the dense forests, the historical sites and the inviting spaces for a break. Eppstein is just waiting to be discovered by you – a real insider tip for hiking enthusiasts.

FAZ reports that ... and adds that the history of the Staufen is not only shaped by nature, but also by a living culture. The Barbara's Blog highlights how the hiking trails in this region invite you to explore and how the surrounding amenities are not neglected. Enjoy the breathtaking views and the exciting history hidden in the stones of Eppstein.