The Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue European Nature Reserve lies in the west of Groß-Gerau district along the Rhine. As Hesse’s largest contiguous nature reserve, it serves as a breeding and resting ground for numerous resident and migratory birds. For nature enthusiasts, the name thus connects a specific landscape with the area’s importance for birds.

Nature Reserves and Trails

Another geographical landmark is Mönchbruch: This nature reserve lies between Rüsselsheim and Mörfelden-Walldorf in Groß-Gerau district and is Hesse’s second-largest nature reserve. The two areas can be distinguished by their locations: Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue lies along the Rhine, while Mönchbruch lies between the two towns mentioned above.

The trails also offer different ways to plan your trip. The Luther Trail 1521 runs for around 31.5 kilometres through Groß-Gerau district. The Kühkopf Tour crosses the district on the Rhine side and continues into Rheinhessen. A Regional Park urban hiking tour runs through the district along the route from Klein-Gerau to Nauheim. Check current route conditions before planning to hike any of these trails.

In the municipality of Groß-Gerau, the Regionalpark Rhein-Main section between Esch and Wallerstädten, the “Ebbelwoi-Päädsche,” offers a good example of the landscape features that recur in the area. The district is also home to the Mörfelden-Walldorf Natura Trail. These route names offer different starting points for exploring nature and the landscape in the district; the Ebbelwoi-Päädsche specifically focuses on recognising landscape features.

Activities in the District

Swimming is possible at indoor pools, outdoor pools and bathing lakes; the district has numerous places for swimming. Facilities and access may vary by season, so check the conditions at your chosen destination in advance. Boating is also an option in the district. For planning, check specific locations and providers separately.

The district has three well-maintained golf courses for beginners and experienced players. As this number may change when facilities open or close, check the latest information before making plans. This keeps the different activities clearly distinct: swimming encompasses various types of bathing places, while boating requires separate research into specific locations and providers.

Crafts, Art and History

The Handicrafts Museum in the town of Groß-Gerau displays tools and archival material relating to trades that were once practised there. Its historical context spans the transition from purely manual work to the machine age. Since 1 July 2014, the town museum in Groß-Gerau has had a section featuring drawings, prints and paintings by Groß-Gerau artist Wilhelm Altheim (1871–1914).

The history of the pheasantry in the town of Groß-Gerau is also clearly defined in time: it was once a hunting reserve of the Grand Dukes of Darmstadt, and the park was created between 1722 and 1726. The information about the Handicrafts Museum and the pheasantry covers different subjects—the changing nature of work and the history of a ducal hunting reserve. Guided tours in the district also focus on industrial history, Jewish history, environmental topics and urban development. Check current tour offerings and booking terms.

Asparagus and Regional Orientation

Asparagus is considered a culinary hallmark of Groß-Gerau district. In the wider region, the Gerauer Land Asparagus Days offer insights into the history and tradition of asparagus cultivation and invite visitors to discover culinary specialities and the beauty of the Gerauer Land. If you are interested in the programme, check the latest event dates.

For rail travel, the RE 70 regional express line connects Frankfurt (Main) Hauptbahnhof and Mannheim Hauptbahnhof via Groß-Gerau Dornberg and Biblis. As routes and timetables may change, check your connection before travelling. Frankfurt Rhine-Main Airport lies partly within Groß-Gerau district. Ferries make it possible to extend trips beyond the district’s natural boundaries, the Rhine and Main; here too, check current operating information and seasonal timetables.

Discover More Destinations

Trebur, Rüsselsheim, Raunheim, Kelsterbach, Groß-Gerau, Ginsheim-Gustavsburg, Gernsheim, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Riedstadt, Biebesheim Am Rhein, Büttelborn, Bischofsheim, Nauheim, Stockstadt am Rhein

Back to the main travel overview: Hesse.