On the tracks of Snow White through the ‚Räuberland‘.
Pure nature, unique history and architecture and a truly fairytale atmosphere - the Spessart offers all this and much more. One of the largest forest areas in Germany, it meanders gently and hilly through the area between Würzburg and Frankfurt. Anyone who spends an active holiday here must be a foodie. For away from the magnificent scenery and charming villages, traditional delicacies and first-class wines await.
Details of the tour from Gemünden to Aschaffenburg
Your journey starts in the "Franconian Three-River Town". In picturesque Gemünden, the Franconian Saale and Sinn rivers flow into the Main. Stop off in one of the rustic pubs to sample a glass of wine or two. The first stage leads over hills and rocks in the footsteps of Snow White to the town of Lohr. The Kurmainz Castle, the Bayersturm or the monastery church are waiting to be discovered.
On day 3 you'll be heading for the heights! From the Pollasch summit you can enjoy magnificent views of the Laufach valley. Via the small village of Waldaschaff you will finally reach Aschaffenburg, where the Main promenade invites you to relax. Stroll through the old town, but be sure to pay a visit to Johannisburg Castle. Finally, a hike to Mespelbrunn is on the programme before heading back to Aschaffenburg.
Highlights of the 6-day tour
On premium trails through the Spessart Nature Park: Many of the hiking trails in the Spessart have been awarded the German Hiking Seal "Premium Trail”. This testifies to the quality of the routes.
Picturesque castles and parks: Walk with us along historic paths! The time-honoured buildings of the region are awaiting your visit. The moated castle of Mespelbrunn, for example, have a history of almost 600 years.
Franconian hospitality and regional delicacies: Admittedly, the local cuisine is rather hearty. Schäufele, Sauerbraten and bratwurst are on most menus, but fish dishes and light fare are also part of the repertoire. Would you like a glass of Silvaner, Riesling, Müller-Thurgau or Scheurebe to go with it?
Enchanting half-timbered houses and medieval monasteries: The architecture of the region truly exudes charm. Amidst the half-timbered houses in Lohr, you might actually think you've been transported to Snow White's fairytale.
Pristine hiking trails through colourful deciduous forests: The closeness to nature here can be soaked up with every pore - the world under the leafy canopy of the Spessart is simply impressive, a bit mysterious and, above all, beautiful. Experience it for yourself!
Useful information about the tour through the Spessart
The tours through the Spessart are suitable for hikers of all levels of experience. The terrain is not too steep, but can be described as gently undulating. The 15 to 25 kilometre stages can be shortened by public transport if necessary.
The other tour variants through the Spessart range from five days to eight days.
Along the narrow alleyways of the city of three rivers Gemünden you ascend to the range of hills of the Franconian Ledge. From the Schönrain castle ruin you enjoy a fantastic view onto the deep-blue river Main down below in the valley. Through dense forests and extensive fields you proceed to the Mariabuchen monastery before a splendid path through the middle of the nature reserve at Mount Romberg leads you into the pretty little town of Lohr. Follow the tracks of Snow White through the chic historic centre.
From the spa resort Heigenbrücken you climb high up during the ascent to the first Spessart-summit, the Pollasch. Grandiose panoramic views into the Laufach-valley and varied themed paths accompany you featuring great views whilst descending into the valley, listen to the quiet dabble of the stream and the rustling of the beech forests en route to your hut for a break. Through blooming apple orchards you reach Waldaschaff, a little hamlet located amidst the Spessart-forests and hills.
The ‚Hochspessart‘ awaits: along the Franconian Marienweg-path you ascend to the Posthalterkreuz-cross, past sandstone walls to the rural chapel Herrenbild. Dense forest surrounds you like a green cloak, little monuments and wayside crosses greet you en route. You proceed via a spectacular high-altitude path always along the hilltops, far below in the valley you can already make out the beautiful hamlet Mespelbrunn, your Day Finish situated in the heart of the Spessart-forest.
The finale of your hiking week is characterised once again by the forests of the Spessart: Via the ‚Old School Route‘, an historic connecting trail, you walk through a convoluted rock labyrinth until you reach the highest point of your hiking holiday at the Geißhöhe-peak. Unspoilt trails finally lead you on gently undulating terrain below the leaf canopy all the way to Henneburg castle, towering high above the glistening river Main, the crowning glory of the end of your hiking adventure in the Spessart.
Throughout you walk on well-maintained hiking paths, forest trails and in parts also on forest roads. The route leads gently along the hills of the Spessart, for walking times of up to 5.5 hours a good basic fitness level is sufficient. Longer tours can comfortably be shortened by public transport.