A medieval castle with features from different centuries, a history of church construction, and a varied range of trails and winter activities give Oberreifenberg a distinctive character. When choosing a place to stay, it helps to first decide whether architectural history, hiking, or winter activities should be the main focus.

Reifenberg Castle and Its History

The ruins of Oberreifenberg Castle are the highest medieval castle in the Taunus Mountains. Its tall, round keep dates from the 13th century; the four-metre-thick curtain wall, dating from the 14th century, has round towers. The surviving remains also include sections of the fortifications, a church cellar, and a slender residential tower with a viewing platform. Bassenheim Palace stands below the ruins.

Church and Chapel

St. George’s Parish Church was built in Oberreifenberg between 1845 and 1855 to replace the church that previously stood on the castle grounds. St. Gertrudis Chapel is a cultural monument in the Taunus and is located above the Oberreifenberg district in Schmitten im Taunus. The mortal remains of the Reifenberg knights are housed in Gertrudis Chapel. The area’s history is therefore associated with several different places of worship: St. George, with its construction date and predecessor, and the chapel, with its connection to the Reifenberg knights.

Hiking and Winter Activities

Oberreifenberg has numerous hiking trails. The Waldgeister circular trail follows the Krötenbach stream uphill to Oberreifenberg and the Pfarrheckenfeld car park; the route offers a panorama of Oberreifenberg and its castle. An e-bike is recommended for the challenging TaunusRunde Höhenluft. The two route descriptions have different focuses: the Waldgeister Trail is defined by its circular route and castle panorama, while the TaunusRunde Höhenluft is noted for its difficulty and e-bike recommendation. In winter, options include skiing and snowboarding at a suitable ski lift, cross-country ski trails, tobogganing slopes, and an ice-stock sport facility.

More Destinations in Schmitten im Taunus

In the wider destination of Schmitten im Taunus, the Taunus Wichtel Trail starts and ends in Schmitten. It leads through forests, along the Weil, and over green meadow paths in the Taunus Nature Park. Carved gnomes line the trail, and a story can be read about each figure. Four information boards provide details about the hiking route. Compared with the Waldgeister Trail, the focus here shifts from the castle panorama and circular route to the figures, stories, and the landscape along the route as described.

Schmitten is also home to the neo-Gothic St. Charles Borromeo Church. It was built from Taunus slate between 1892 and 1895, using stone quarried directly from the rock at the construction site. The Wiegerfelsen viewpoint is next to the church and can be reached by climbing a few steps. Schmitten outdoor swimming pool has a 50-metre stainless-steel pool and two children’s pools with slides; check current operating conditions before visiting.

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