Sinntal: Chess Flower Meadows and the Kinzig Source

Chess Flower Meadows and Sweeping Landscapes

The Sinnwiesen nature reserve stretches from Sinntal-Altengronau to Sinntal-Jossa and includes the chess flower meadows. Their flowering season is seasonal and depends on the weather. The Chess Flower Festival is held in Sinntal-Altengronau every year at the end of April; free guided tours take visitors across the meadows. As the timing and program may vary, it is worth checking the latest festival dates before you travel. You can also see the flowers from various cycling and hiking trails, such as the paved cycle and footpath between Altengronau and Jossa.

The nearly 14-kilometre-long Spessartfährte Quellwinkel Kinzig offers a different perspective. The circular trail runs from Sinntal-Sterbfritz to Sinntal-Weiperz through two nature reserves. Along the route, open countryside alternates with wooded slopes; the ridges around the source of the Kinzig offer wide-ranging views towards the Rhön, Spessart and Vogelsberg. Numerous orchid species grow right beside the trail in the Stephanskuppe and Weiperzberg nature reserves. The Spessartfährte thus combines scenic views with distinctive plants along the way.

For a shorter circular walk, try the nearly six-kilometre-long Spessartspur Jossa-Sinn-Blick. It starts at the sports ground in Sinntal-Jossa and passes a shelter with a barbecue area on the hilltop above Jossa, a state-recognised health resort. The different route lengths and starting points make it easier to plan your day, without judging a walk solely by its distance.

The Source of the Kinzig, a Rest Stop and Nature Watching

At the source of the Kinzig near Sinntal-Sterbfritz, tables and benches provide a place to rest while enjoying views across the orchards. The site also connects to the Drei-Burgen-Weg, which runs from Sterbfritz to Schlüchtern and links Schwarzenfels Castle, the ruins of Steckelberg Castle and Brandenstein Castle. In the wider Main-Kinzig district, the Kinzig rises in the northeast near Sinntal-Sterbfritz and flows into the Main at Hanau.

Wooden benches and tables are available at Willingsgrundweiher. As well as seeing beaver lodges, with patience and luck you may also spot beavers, which are active at dusk and at night. The Schlüchtern Forestry Office offers guided tours of the beaver information trail near Sinntal-Breunings on request, so tours should be requested in advance. When choosing your accommodation, consider whether you would prefer to focus on hiking, the chess flower bloom or nature watching at the pond.

Historic Traces and Swimming

The Old Jewish Cemetery near Sinntal-Altengronau has been preserved in its original condition. More than 1,400 gravestones have been identified; the first graves were established in 1680. Religious calendar restrictions apply to visits. Check the current visiting regulations before your visit. The Church of the Ascension in Altengronau also preserves traces of the past: remnants of a church more than 500 years old have survived. These include a sacrament niche made from a single piece of the old church wall, which was incorporated into the new building.

The Altengronau natural swimming pool adds a swimming option to the nature and cultural attractions. Its water surface covers 680 square metres; facilities include a sandstone diving rock, a slide hill, a water playground for children, a waterfall, a children’s playground and a table tennis table. Grassy sunbathing areas, wooden decks and loungers offer more places to relax. Check the pool’s current seasonal opening dates before you travel.

Discover More Destinations

Weichersbach, Züntersbach, Jossa, Flörsbachtal, Gründau, Jossgrund, Biebergemünd, Bruchköbel.

Back to the main travel overview: Main-Kinzig District.