Ancient oaks and the protection of near-natural forests define Rohrbrunner Forest. The Eichhall nature reserve is home to trees that are around 400 years old. Nearby trails lead through varied forests and past other woodland areas. You can shape your stay around specific nature themes, from deadwood and forest wildlife to particularly old oaks.

Eichhall and Rohrberg: experience ancient forests

The Eichhall nature reserve is a protected area in the Heisterblock, in the unincorporated area of Rohrbrunner Forest, in the district of Aschaffenburg in Lower Franconia. It is home to oaks that are around 400 years old. The Eichhall section of forest has not been used for forestry since 2002. The focus is on preserving and studying near-natural ancient forests.

The Rohrberg nature reserve is also nearby, between Geiersberg and Rohrbrunn. It is a mature oak wood pasture with remnants of oaks over 500 years old. Eichhall and Rohrberg thus offer different insights into ancient woodland: Eichhall is known for its oaks of around 400 years old, while Rohrberg features remnants of even older trees and the character of a wood pasture.

Faun Trail: stops about forest wildlife and deadwood

Near the destination, the Faun Trail leads from the hiking car park along a small dirt path through varied forests and alongside the Rohrberg nature reserve. Its stops provide information about stag beetles, bats, woodpeckers and other important species. Along the way, you can discover the different habitats of forest wildlife.

The hike passes bat boxes and woodpecker cavities and crosses the highest mountain in the Spessart; the climb is considered not difficult. Below the car park, a path leads towards the Rohrberg nature reserve. Along the way, you pass ancient oaks, larches and other tree species; one of the first stops is devoted to deadwood. This hike therefore focuses on individual tree species as well as habitats and forest wildlife.

Another circular hike nearby

The Eichblatt Steinthor Rohrbrunn nature park trail is a 5-kilometre circular hike. It starts at the Steinthor hiking car park in Rohrbrunner Forest near Weibersbrunn. After about 600 metres, you reach a junction at the “Zum Puck” signpost. The distance and this signpost provide clear reference points for planning. Before setting out, check the local signs and any restrictions in force.

Additional attractions in the wider Aschaffenburg destination

In the wider Aschaffenburg destination, there is more to explore than forest hikes. The Main Cycle Route runs through the Main valley in the district of Aschaffenburg, is considered family-friendly and is well signposted. The Kahltal-Spessart Cycle Route is a signposted cycling route through the district’s landscapes. In the eastern High Spessart, there are four challenging, signposted Bikewald-Spessart routes. When using these regional cycling routes, it is worth checking the local signs; you should also check route conditions locally.

For longer hikes, Spessart Trails 1, 2 and 3 cross the district of Aschaffenburg. They have received the “Quality Trails for Hiking in Germany” award four times. The Eselsweg is a multi-day hike in the district. Regional cuisine also adds to the wider destination’s appeal: numerous inns and hotels in the district serve Franconian specialities and Äppelwoi from local cider makers.

Discover more destinations: Kahl, Aschaffenburg, Sommerkahl, Schöllkrippen, Karlstein am Main, Wiesen, Kleinkahl, Großostheim

Back to the wider travel overview: Aschaffenburg.