Darmstadt: The Seven Hills Hike
Let's talk about something not related to COVID, shall we?
With COVID contained (for the most part), the family and I decided to celebrate the end of our Spring hibernation on a hike. From what I can tell, this is not only an easy and beautiful hike, but also falls under the category of 'day activities' for those who are in the Frankfurt region for a weekend, but prefer country air to skyscrapers and Frankfurt's famed apple cider.
For this one, we started out at the Ostbahnhof Darmstadt, which is an easy train ride from the Hauptbahnhof in Frankfurt, about 30 minutes and nine Euros for the ticket, by my estimate. From the Ostbahnhof, simply walk through the nearby Rosenhöhe, which is a series of gorgeous public gardens established in the 19th century to start your hike off just right.
https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/hikes/odenwald/darmstadt-7-huegel-steig-wanderung-an-darmstadts-gruener-seite/2809383/?i=2809383
If you would like to download the route, you can do so from the link I provided above. Most of the itineraries in Germany have a symbol to guide them, either a cross, a tree or a line, for instance. This one is not as complicated, just a simple red capital 'S' on a white background.
Like the name says, you will be passing sieben Hügel, or seven hills, with the highest one being no more than 600 or 700 feet. You'll be surprised how quickly the backdrop changes from urban to scenic, beginning with the Rosenhöhe. Even so, I would estimate that 75% of the hike is in wooded areas. On your way past the seven hills, you'll pass a Botanic Garden, a zoo, ruins, and an irresistible view at the Ludwigsturm, the tower which includes great panoramic views of Darmstadt and the region, plus a tailor-made Biergarten for the thirsty hiker.
Sadly, none of the places I mentioned above are open yet. COVID is contained in Germany, but not thoroughly whipped yet. Most of all, it's Schade, or too bad for the Biergarten, which just begs people to stay a while and have a drink or two. It still doesn't take away from the overall scenic beauty of the hike. In all, I estimate the hike is about eight miles. From the route you see on the link I provided, it's not a circuitous route and you merely end up at another train station (Eberstadt) that will take you back to your destination of choice. I'm guessing there is a circuitous route for the more ambitious hiker, maybe in the neighborhood of 15-25 miles, but I am unaware of it.
A wonderful hike for families, too! It seems our kids had energy to burn after being indoors for so long. Not one complaint, a real rarity. No playgrounds, no towers to climb, no schnitzels to eat, and still the kids loved every minute of it.
I have another treat for the next post, which will take you on the 3 Burgen Wanderung, or 3 Castle hike. Stay tuned.
With COVID contained (for the most part), the family and I decided to celebrate the end of our Spring hibernation on a hike. From what I can tell, this is not only an easy and beautiful hike, but also falls under the category of 'day activities' for those who are in the Frankfurt region for a weekend, but prefer country air to skyscrapers and Frankfurt's famed apple cider.
For this one, we started out at the Ostbahnhof Darmstadt, which is an easy train ride from the Hauptbahnhof in Frankfurt, about 30 minutes and nine Euros for the ticket, by my estimate. From the Ostbahnhof, simply walk through the nearby Rosenhöhe, which is a series of gorgeous public gardens established in the 19th century to start your hike off just right.
https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/hikes/odenwald/darmstadt-7-huegel-steig-wanderung-an-darmstadts-gruener-seite/2809383/?i=2809383
If you would like to download the route, you can do so from the link I provided above. Most of the itineraries in Germany have a symbol to guide them, either a cross, a tree or a line, for instance. This one is not as complicated, just a simple red capital 'S' on a white background.
Like the name says, you will be passing sieben Hügel, or seven hills, with the highest one being no more than 600 or 700 feet. You'll be surprised how quickly the backdrop changes from urban to scenic, beginning with the Rosenhöhe. Even so, I would estimate that 75% of the hike is in wooded areas. On your way past the seven hills, you'll pass a Botanic Garden, a zoo, ruins, and an irresistible view at the Ludwigsturm, the tower which includes great panoramic views of Darmstadt and the region, plus a tailor-made Biergarten for the thirsty hiker.
Sadly, none of the places I mentioned above are open yet. COVID is contained in Germany, but not thoroughly whipped yet. Most of all, it's Schade, or too bad for the Biergarten, which just begs people to stay a while and have a drink or two. It still doesn't take away from the overall scenic beauty of the hike. In all, I estimate the hike is about eight miles. From the route you see on the link I provided, it's not a circuitous route and you merely end up at another train station (Eberstadt) that will take you back to your destination of choice. I'm guessing there is a circuitous route for the more ambitious hiker, maybe in the neighborhood of 15-25 miles, but I am unaware of it.
A wonderful hike for families, too! It seems our kids had energy to burn after being indoors for so long. Not one complaint, a real rarity. No playgrounds, no towers to climb, no schnitzels to eat, and still the kids loved every minute of it.
I have another treat for the next post, which will take you on the 3 Burgen Wanderung, or 3 Castle hike. Stay tuned.
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