Ödenwaldstetten: Discover Village History and Nature

Ödenwaldstetten combines village history with special opportunities to enjoy nature and get active. The Protestant St. Nicholas Church is mentioned as early as 1275, and the listed bakehouse represents the history of the village. There is also the “Hüttenstuhlburren” children’s nature reserve, a health hiking trail where you can experience different ground surfaces barefoot, and a mountain bike tour that starts in the village. When choosing a holiday apartment, consider whether you would like to focus mainly on village history, nature experiences or cycling tours.

Village history and notable buildings

The Protestant St. Nicholas Church in Ödenwaldstetten is mentioned as early as 1275. Another feature of the village’s cultural history is its listed bakehouse. It was built in the village centre in the early 19th century, together with an adjoining fire brigade shed. The building was fully renovated in 2007 and 2008. Its construction date, location and the structural connection between the two sections give the bakehouse a special place in the village’s history.

Nature experiences for different interests

The “Hüttenstuhlburren” children’s nature reserve lies between Ödenwaldstetten and Eglingen. Playful features and child-friendly information panels introduce visitors to the special features of a nature reserve. Families can learn about nature in an engaging way designed with children in mind.

Nearby paths also offer different ways to experience nature: along one section of a trail, the route follows the edge of the forest south towards the “Hüttenstuhlburren” nature reserve. Part of the area has been designed as a special children’s nature reserve. The health hiking trail in Ödenwaldstetten has a different focus. Along its sections, hikers can take off their shoes and feel different types of ground underfoot. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Hiking and nature in the wider Hohenstein destination

The wider Hohenstein destination has a range of circular routes for exploring the villages and surrounding area on foot. The nature trail runs partly through the Bauenhofen/Häulesrain nature reserve. When there is sufficient snow, cross-country ski trails are also groomed in Hohenstein. In addition to the nature experiences in Ödenwaldstetten, there are therefore further options to choose from, each with different conditions and starting points.

Culture and landscape can also be combined in the wider Hohenstein destination. Hohenstein Castle Ruins lie near Oberstetten in a forest among moss-covered boulders and gnarled trees. The grounds include a viewing platform and a barbecue area. The Hans-Reyhing-Stube was established in 1985 in memory of Hans Reyhing, a local poet from Bernloch.

Choose cycling tours by route profile

The East mountain bike tour in the wider Hohenstein destination is 24 kilometres long, with 390 metres of elevation gain. It starts at the farmhouse museum in Ödenwaldstetten and runs via Schachen through the Lauter Valley to Wasserstetten. A shorter alternative goes through the Amsel Valley instead of via Schachen.

For a longer and more challenging option, there is the West mountain bike tour: it is 32.3 kilometres long, with around 450 metres of elevation gain. It starts at Brechhölze in Bernloch; the listed highlights include Dachenstein, Hohenstein Castle Ruins, the Maßhalderbuch estate and Oberstetter Valley. If you would prefer to plan a relatively flat loop, consider the 30-kilometre “Around Hohenstein” tour. It can be ridden by bicycle or inline skates and is described as suitable for families.

Choose your accommodation based on your holiday plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, first consider which experiences you would like to shape your stay. If you want to focus on village history, the children’s nature reserve and the starting point of the East mountain bike tour, Ödenwaldstetten is a suitable place to search. If your plans include tours in the wider Hohenstein destination, it is also worth considering the different starting points: the East tour starts in Ödenwaldstetten, while the West tour starts in Bernloch. This lets you choose accommodation based on your preferred activities without treating the different routes and places as one single excursion area.

See the wider travel overview: Hohenstein.