Highlights of Spessart/Main Odenwald

The Region Spessart / River Main / Odenwald is full of history – history that comes alive sometimes, for instance, when the Prince himself joins a meal. But history also still lives in all out castles and palaces, in the chapels and churches. Like in the baronial church of the Benedictine Abbey of Amorbach, which has kept its Rococo splendor to this day.

The Roman Museum in Obernburg takes you far into the past, when the Limes was still separating the Roman Empire from the barbaric Germanic tribes. Numerous picturesque castle ruins in this vacation region bring Minnesong and Middle Ages back to live. More than a few nobles built imposing palaces here; one of the most beautiful is the moated castle of Mespelbrunn.

Alongside the River Main, near Stadtprozelten and Miltenberg, castles are still dominating the river valley. In constrast, the Palace of Johannisburg, and of the Pompejanum of Aschaffenburg, the „Bavarian Nice“ seem tamed yet glamorous.

But the modern age has its own attractions: A boat ride with the white fleet guarantees a wonderful excursion on the River Main. And for train enthusiasts the trip here is made worthwhile by a ride with the old „steam horse“ of the Kahlgrundbahn alone.

Other Highlights that should not be left out during your stay:

Palace of Mespelbrunn – built in the 16th century, it stands amidst a deciduous forest and is the tourist magnet of the region: Visitors can explore the historic private rooms, as well as the palace chapel.

And there is Bavaria's smallest town with 1,200 residents: Rothenfels, with its pretty half-timbered houses and its landmark castle.

Aschaffenburg – the Schönbusch Park is regarded as one of Germany's prettiest „English“ garden complexes. Also of significance is the Palace of Johannesburg, the former seat of the Princes of Mainz. In the palace gardens the Pompejanum can be found: A copy of a Roman Villa, built by King Ludwig I.