Discover Höchheim: Castle History and Trails in Grabfeld

Castle History and Village Scenes

After Bishop Otto burned down Höchheim and its noble residence in 1225, a new castle was later built. To this day, it is colloquially known as “Neubau” (“new building”). The name captures the unusual sequence of destruction and rebuilding in the village’s history. Irmelshausen is also home to a moated castle on an artificial island in the Milz Valley. The medieval fortress is completely preserved and is described in tourism materials as the most beautiful moated castle in Franconia. Its island location and historic architecture create a different impression from the village scenes in Gollmuthhausen and Rothausen: Gollmuthhausen has an Evangelical Lutheran church and half-timbered houses, while Rothausen has a church and a bakehouse. Together, these places offer a range of starting points for anyone interested in castles, village architecture and regional history.

From the Milz Valley to the Grabfeld Plateau

South of Gollmuthhausen, the Malm Trail leads from the Milz Valley up to the Grabfeld plateau. A stately lime tree marks the end of the climb and is visible from far away. The trail can therefore be understood through a clear change in landscape: from the valley floor up to the plateau. Those who prefer to focus on the water will find a two-hectare lake with a bathing beach and areas for campers in Irmelshausen. This means different excursion themes sit side by side within the municipality: changing landscapes, village buildings and a lake. If you are planning to swim or camp, check the latest local information before you travel.

Nature and Culture in the Wider Rhön-Grabfeld Destination

Rhön-Grabfeld lies within the Rhön UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The region’s natural scenery includes the Lange Rhön, Bavaria’s largest nature reserve outside the Alps, and the Black Moor, which is strictly protected as a core zone of the biosphere reserve. A wooden boardwalk runs through sections of the moor, information boards explain the route, and an observation tower offers an impressive view over the moor.

Another natural highlight awaits at Gangolfsberg: the basalt column wall formed 30 to 10 million years ago during volcanic activity in the Rhön and can be explored on the Gangolfsberg nature trail. The trail is about 2.5 kilometres long; sturdy footwear is required. Guided tours for groups are available on request. This makes it possible to plan a specific nature excursion with an approximate trail length and practical guidance on what to wear.

For culture, the Franconian Open-Air Museum in Fladungen presents 350 years of rural everyday life in Lower Franconia and the Rhön through faithfully reconstructed houses and farms. The approximately 12-hectare museum grounds include around 30 historic buildings, including farmhouses, craft buildings and a village school. Hands-on activities about crafts and traditions range from demonstrations and practical courses to events. The Rhön-Zügle museum railway offers a different perspective on the region, travelling through the Streu Valley with steam and diesel locomotives.

Choose the Right Base for Your Trip

If Höchheim is your preferred base, its local history, destinations within the municipality and the Malm Trail offer specific themes to help you plan your trip. If you would rather focus on a particular museum, nature trail or another destination in the wider Rhön-Grabfeld area, search for a holiday apartment based on its location. This lets you compare destinations according to the experience you actually want to prioritise, rather than treating different places as interchangeable bases.

Discover more destinations: Heustreu, Stockheim, Niederlauer, Mellrichstadt, Bad Neustadt An Der Saale, Wollbach, Sandberg, Unsleben

View the wider travel guide: Rhön-Grabfeld.