Raunheim between Waldsee and the Main

Raunheim brings together two very different waterside settings: Waldsee, surrounded by woodland, and the Main, with its footbridge and cycle bridge. There are also signposted routes for cycling and walking, as well as places with a history of their own. During your stay, you can decide whether to focus on water, outdoor activities or cultural discoveries.

Waldsee: swimming, fishing and watersports

Raunheim’s Waldsee is a former gravel pit lake with a water surface of 21.6 hectares. The natural swimming area has designated sections for swimmers, non-swimmers and naturists. The facilities also include a sunbathing platform in the water and a pirate ship with a slide. If you are travelling with children, you will find specific information about the different areas and activities—though they may not suit every age group equally.

When planning your day, it is worth distinguishing between the lake’s different uses: it is not just for swimming, but also for fishing. A wakeboarding facility has been there since 2013. Waldsee therefore caters to both those seeking a relaxing visit and those looking for active pursuits. The sunbathing platform is also intended to serve as a lakeside stage for concerts and film screenings.

Cycling and walking along the Main

Most of the cycling routes in Raunheim are intended for leisure use and run mainly away from roads. The town considers them very suitable for families with children, too. Along the banks of the Main, a cycle route between Rüsselsheim and Kelsterbach was created in 2013 with the construction of the Ölhafen Bridge and the development of the Main floodplain. The bridge also closes a previously existing gap in the Main riverside path between Aschaffenburg and Mainz.

The Ölhafen Bridge connects the southern bank of the Main with Raunheim’s oil harbour. It is a public bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, and access is free of charge. The circular viewing area has a rest stop and a lookout point with views across the river. This means you can pause during an outing along the Main instead of treating the bridge merely as a link between the riverbank and the harbour.

For longer trips, consider the Regionalpark route network south of the Main. This signposted network is for cycling and walking, and Raunheim is one possible starting point. The routes are freely accessible all year round. If you prefer to follow a marked route, you can take this network into account when choosing your trip; if you would rather focus your day on Waldsee, you will find different options there.

Traces of historic crossings and a chapel

The Flörsheimer Fahr recalls an earlier crossing of the Main. The site preserves the history of a former ford and a later ferry crossing that connected Raunheim and Flörsheim am Main. The riverside area at the Flörsheimer Fahr is freely accessible. Its historical significance should not be confused with a present-day ferry service.

The Mönchhof Chapel offers another glimpse into Raunheim’s history. This listed Baroque chapel dates from the 17th century and is used for weddings, church services and cultural events. If you would like to include historical sites in your stay alongside nature and activities, you can add the chapel as a cultural stop of its own.

Which accommodation suits your stay?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Raunheim, you can first consider what you would like your days to revolve around: Waldsee and its designated swimming areas, cycling and walking along the Main, or visits to historic sites. These different themes give you a concrete basis for choosing your destination and accommodation, without assuming a particular location or set of amenities. For families, the swimming and cycling options described offer different ideas; the choice depends on whether you would rather spend time by the water or explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike.

Discover more places

You can also explore these destination pages: Nauheim, Ginsheim-Gustavsburg, Büttelborn, Riedstadt, Kelsterbach, Groß-Gerau, Biebesheim Am Rhein and Rüsselsheim.

Back to the main travel overview: Groß-Gerau.