Holiday in Odenwald
Area in Germany — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇩🇪
Country
Germany
Type
Area
Best time to travel
April to October (15-27 °C, best hiking time). October Halloween at Burg Frankenstein. December Michelstadt Christmas Market.
Budget/day
60-130 €
Getting there from Germany
By train to Darmstadt, Heidelberg, or Bensheim, then regional train or bus to the Odenwald. By car via A5, A6, or A67.
Deals for Odenwald:
What makes Odenwald special as a destination?
The Odenwald is a low mountain range between the Rhine, Main, and Neckar rivers, extending over parts of Hesse, Bavaria, and Baden-Württemberg. The region combines fairy-tale forests, the legendary Felsenmeer, picturesque half-timbered towns, and the Nibelungenstraße — the route that, according to legend, Siegfried took on his last journey through the Odenwald before he was murdered by Hagen. The Felsenmeer near Lautertal-Reichenbach is the most famous natural monument of the Odenwald: a massive stream of granite blocks that stretches down the slope for over 200 meters, as if a giant had poured them out. The Romans worked granite here 1,800 years ago — unfinished Roman column fragments still lie among the rocks today. Children love to climb and balance on the rocks. The Nibelungenstraße leads from Worms through the Odenwald to Würzburg, following the mythical route of the Nibelungen saga. Along the way are the Siegfried Fountain at Grasellenbach (alleged murder site of Siegfried) and numerous castles and castle ruins. The half-timbered towns of Michelstadt, Erbach, and Hirschhorn on the Neckar are among the most beautiful in all of Germany: The town hall of Michelstadt (1484) with its distinctive pointed arch bay windows is one of the most photographed half-timbered houses in Germany. The Odenwald Marbach Reservoir and the UNESCO Geopark Bergstraße-Odenwald with its fossil finds complete the offer.
What are the top highlights in Odenwald?
The top highlights in Odenwald include Felsenmeer Lautertal, Michelstadt Town Hall (1484), Nibelungenstraße, Burg Frankenstein, UNESCO Geopark Bergstraße-Odenwald.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Felsenmeer Lautertal
Huge granite stone river with Roman column fragments: climbing paradise for children, 1,800-year-old stonemasonry.
Michelstadt Town Hall (1484)
One of the most beautiful half-timbered houses in Germany: pointed arch bay windows and picturesque marketplace with Christmas market tradition.
Nibelungenstraße
Mythical route of the Nibelungen saga through the Odenwald: Siegfried Fountain, castle ruins, and legendary landscapes.
Burg Frankenstein
Castle ruin that allegedly inspired Mary Shelley for her novel: Halloween events and panoramic view of the Rhine plain.
UNESCO Geopark Bergstraße-Odenwald
Geological journey through 500 million years: fossils, volcanoes, quarries, and nature trails.
Hotels in Odenwald
Compare thousands of hotels, apartments and resorts on Expedia – with price guarantee, free cancellation and reward points.
* You will be redirected to Expedia.de. Their terms of use apply.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Odenwald?
The best time to visit Odenwald is April to October (15-27 °C, best hiking time). October Halloween at Burg Frankenstein. December Michelstadt Christmas Market.. 17-28 °C, warm and sunny, Bergstraße particularly mild In winter: 0-5 °C, occasional snow in higher elevations, Bergstraße mild
Recommended travel time
April to October (15-27 °C, best hiking time). October Halloween at Burg Frankenstein. December Michelstadt Christmas Market.
Summer
17-28 °C, warm and sunny, Bergstraße particularly mild
Winter
0-5 °C, occasional snow in higher elevations, Bergstraße mild
How much does a holiday in Odenwald cost?
Budget travellers: 30-55 €/day, mid-range: 60-130 €/day, luxury: 140-300 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
30-55 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
60-130 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
140-300 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Odenwald?
By train to Darmstadt, Heidelberg, or Bensheim, then regional train or bus to the Odenwald. By car via A5, A6, or A67.
Book a package holiday to Odenwald
Compare thousands of package holidays to Odenwald and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Odenwald?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Visit Felsenmeer early — very popular with families on weekends and in nice weather. Much quieter during the week or early in the morning.
Odenwald mountain biking — the hilly landscape is ideal for mountain bikers. Marked trails from Michelstadt and Erbach.
Try Ebbelwoi — the Odenwald is part of the apple wine region. Odenwald cider houses serve natural Ebbelwoi.
Michelstadt Christmas Market — one of the most beautiful small Christmas markets in Germany, around the historic town hall. On Advent weekends.
Burg Frankenstein at Halloween — Germany's largest Halloween event with horror show and costume run. Buy tickets online in advance.
What should you eat in Odenwald?
Typical specialities in Odenwald: Handkäs mit Musik — sour milk cheese marinated with onions, vinegar, and oil: the music comes afterward — a classic from the Odenwald and Hesse., Odenwälder Kochkäse — melted quark with baking soda, butter, and caraway: a hearty delight on fresh bread., Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi) — natural apple wine from traditional apple varieties: tart-sour and refreshing, served in a Bembel., Grüne Sosse — cold herb sauce made from seven herbs with eggs and potatoes: Hesse's most famous side dish, also popular in the Odenwald., Odenwälder Kartoffelsuppe — hearty soup with bacon and bread cubes: a warming winter dish from rural cuisine..
These specialties you must try!
Ready for Odenwald?
Plan your Odenwald holiday now with our free tools.
