The 27-metre-high Atzelberg Tower is the landmark of the Eppenhain district of Kelkheim (Taunus). From its viewing platform, the panorama stretches to prominent Taunus peaks and Königstein Castle. The area’s history is also reflected in specific buildings: St. Joseph’s Church was built with stone from the Eppenhain quarries and basalt from the Westerwald; the former “Zum Taunus” inn is considered Eppenhain’s oldest house.
Views and Local History in Eppenhain
The Catholic parish church of St. Joseph was built in 1908. Its distinctive entrance can be reached via a steep, covered staircase. Three altars dating from the time of construction have been preserved. The colourful windows are still there, too, while other elements of the church interior have been removed or painted over. This building offers a chance to see its materials and entrance design, as well as surviving details inside.
The former “Zum Taunus” inn stands at Wirtsstraße 3. It is considered the oldest house in the village because the vaulted cellars beneath it probably date back to the Middle Ages.
Atzelberg Tower offers a different kind of attraction. From the viewpoint, you can enjoy views of prominent Taunus peaks and Königstein Castle.
Trails and Protected Landscapes
The R9 circular hiking trail at Rettershof descends to Eppenhain along its route. It passes the cemetery and war memorial, then follows Rossertstraße to Nickelskreuz.
The landscape is also covered by a designated nature conservation area: the Rossert-Hainkopf-Dachsbau FFH area extends across the Eppenhain district. Its conservation objectives include near-natural, structurally diverse wood-rush beech forests with standing and fallen deadwood, trees with cavities, and tree species typical of the habitat at different stages of development and age. For nature enthusiasts, this offers a different perspective on a visit: the focus here is on the forest structures that are to be preserved.
Further information in the wider destination of Kelkheim (Taunus)
You can find further nature and culture topics in the wider destination of Kelkheim (Taunus); they are not features of the Eppenhain district. In Kelkheim-Mitte, the Sindlinger Wiesen nature trail, also known as the town park, runs for around 700 metres along the Liederbach stream. The Kelkheim Museum displays historic furniture from Kelkheim’s furniture-making industry, a documentary on the 100-year history of Kelkheim’s carpentry workshops, and a historic workshop. The wider region thus brings nature experiences and craft history together as distinct areas of interest.
The monastery and parish church of St. Francis offers another architectural point of interest: it was built in 1908/1909, together with the Franciscan monastery, in the Romanesque Revival style. For hiking, Kelkheim is the starting point of the “Taunus Schinderhannes Steig” quality hiking trail; its markings begin at the historic Hof Gimbach. The certified trail is well marked in both directions.
For a culinary addition, Kelkheim (Taunus) offers two different options. At Zauberberg, the ensemble is complemented by a restaurant, a café and a wine bar. Individual businesses may change, so check the latest information before planning your visit. At Hof Gimbach, produce grown on site is served fresh on your plate or in your glass. The menu also features Hessian specialities, apple wine made from the farm’s own apples and served with sparkling water, or cloudy apple juice.
To the wider travel overview: Kelkheim.
