The Messel Pit is a fossil deposit containing a unique variety of exceptionally well-preserved fossils. They document the development of the Earth 47 million years ago. The visitor centre presents the history and significance of Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Messel Pit thus offers a tangible way to explore Earth’s history—a distinctive facet of a district also shaped by its landscapes, routes and historic places.
Landscapes between the Rhine Plain and the Odenwald
The district of Darmstadt-Dieburg includes the Hessian Rhine Plain, the Lower Main Plain, the Messel Hills, the Reinheim Hills, the Vorderer Odenwald and the Sandstone Odenwald. In the district, the Bergstraße forms a striking transition between the Rhine Plain and the Odenwald. The landscape therefore ranges from plains and rolling hills to the regions of the Odenwald.
Meadows and fields surround the Reinheimer Teich nature reserve. A circular path and numerous benches offer different ways to experience the area. The Pfungstädter Moor nature reserve offers a different setting: it consists of three sections, covers around 103 hectares and can be explored along designated paths. Both nature reserves complement the wider landscape with specific places where nature can be experienced along different routes.
Hiking and cycling
Darmstadt-Dieburg has an extensive network of well-signposted routes for hiking, walking and Nordic walking. For cycling trips, the family cycling route runs for about 40 kilometres from Erzhausen to Seeheim-Jugenheim. There are also themed cycling routes along the small rivers Modau and Gersprenz, as well as the Leisure Cycling Route and the Family Cycling Route. These named routes offer different ways to explore the region: the family cycling route is described by its endpoints and approximate length, while the themed routes are distinguished by their rivers and names. Check current route conditions before setting out on a cycling trip.
Castles, a palace and panoramic views
Darmstadt Palace in Groß-Umstadt developed from a former moated castle. In the late Middle Ages, it was expanded into a residential palace and became one of the seven former aristocratic residences in Groß-Umstadt. Its building history thus spans two phases: its origins as a moated castle and its later use as a residential palace.
Castle ruins and castles also feature among the area’s historic sights. Frankenstein Castle in the Odenwald is a popular destination and a starting point for hikes; from there, visitors can enjoy views across the Rhine Plain and the city of Darmstadt. The Tannenberg castle ruins lie east of Seeheim on a spur of the Odenwald about 200 metres high. From there, the view extends across the Bergstraße and the Rhine Valley. Both places combine history with a view, but the directions described are different.
Museums and group tours
Events are held at the Gruberhof Museum throughout the year. The museum also features a varied exhibition on agriculture and crafts; individual events may change. The Reinheim Railway Signal Box Museum offers an insight into the history of rail traffic on the Odenwald Railway: the signal box was built in 1896 and served railway operations for many years. When it is open to visitors, the historic signal box equipment is demonstrated. Check visiting dates before planning your visit.
From January to December, Groß-Umstadt offers group tours of the Kleine Bergstraße. From September to October, group tours with Rainer Bausch on the subject of autumn fruit and wine are also available there, including a wine tasting. Dates and booking arrangements may change; check in advance if one of these tours is to be the focus of your trip.
Find hotels in Darmstadt-Dieburg
Discover more destinations: Weiterstadt, Mühltal, Roßdorf, Reinheim, Messel, Groß-Umstadt, Griesheim, Darmstadt, Babenhausen, Erzhausen, Modautal, Groß-Zimmern, Münster, Dieburg, Pfungstadt, Alsbach-Hähnlein, Seeheim-Jugenheim, Fischbachtal, Groß-Bieberau, Otzberg, Ober-Ramstadt, Bickenbach.
For the higher-level travel overview: Hesse.
