Kimbach: Meadows, Forests and Hiking Trails

Kimbach is nestled among meadows and forests in a beautiful side valley of the Mümling. The Kimbach rises above the village and flows into the Mümling in Bad König. The valley, stream and wooded hills give the village a strong connection to its landscape. For your stay, it is therefore worth exploring the trails and natural attractions that define Kimbach and its surroundings.

Hiking Trails to the Odenwald Oak

The Odenwald Oak is a destination for many hikers. The “Natural Monuments – Oaks Along the Way” hike leads from Momart via Kimbach to Bad König and, in Kimbach, to a more than three-hundred-year-old sessile oak known as the Odenwald Oak. The route thus connects several place names with a striking landmark in the landscape.

The Georg Vetter Trail also climbs uphill to Kimbach and passes the Odenwald Oak at the edge of the forest. It is dedicated to the Bad König landscape painter Georg Vetter. In Bad König, the trail begins directly at the Georg Vetter Museum and leads out of town between gardens and meadows towards the cemetery. The centuries-old cemetery chapel stands there, a motif Georg Vetter often used in his paintings. The natural landmark and artistic connection give this trail distinct points of interest.

Another option is the easy, 4.8-kilometre Nordic walking tour from the cemetery to the Gesundheitsbrunnen spring. It follows field and forest trails through the Kimbach Valley. Its stated distance and named destination make it easy to distinguish from hikes that focus on the Odenwald Oak.

Landscape, History and Nature Conservation

The Roman Odenwald Limes ran along the hills above Kimbach. This historical connection adds another layer of history to the landscape, while today’s hiking trails lead to the tree, valley and hills.

Nature conservation is also a topic in Kimbach: the “Kimbacher Runde” takes place at the Odenwald Nature Conservation Centre at 7 pm on the third Thursday of every month. This open discussion and working forum addresses all aspects of nature conservation in the Odenwald. Check the date before your visit, as the exact event time may change.

Bad König as the Wider Local Destination

The wider destination of Bad König offers further attractions for a varied stay. Bad König spa park has two lakes, a mini-golf course, a water playground, a balance course and a foot-bath pool. There is also a planet trail, sundials and water fountains, as well as facilities for outdoor chess and boules. The paths around the lakes are lit, and visitors can walk or jog there until 10 pm. Facilities, lighting and opening times may change, so check the latest information before visiting.

Bad König’s historic town centre is home to the castles, the pleasure garden, the castle church, the Rentmeisterei and the open-air stage, among other sights. The Old Castle dates back to 1559. Formerly the residence of the Counts of Erbach-Schönberg, it stands on elevated ground at the southern end of Schlossplatz; its broad façade with many windows and its size define the square. The ground floor houses two exhibition rooms of the local history museum. The open-air stage has been part of the historic town centre since 1985 and hosts outdoor events.

The Odenwald Railway is also a useful point of reference when travelling to Bad König: the station is about 800 metres on foot from Schloßplatz. Check current connections before travelling. When choosing your holiday apartment, it helps to decide what you want to focus on: would you like to spend your days hiking and exploring the landscape around Kimbach, or also visit the spa park and historic town centre in Bad König?

For the wider travel overview: Bad König.