Vom Landrücken in alle Himmelsrichtungen - Europäischer Kulturweg

The village of Hutten lies on the border in every respect. Geographically, the ridge of land between the Rhön, Spessart and Vogelsberg forms the watershed between the Main and Weser rivers. Hutten lies in the middle of the so-called Bergwinkel. Geologically, basalt, a volcanic rock, as well as coal and limestone play a role here. Politically, we are located on the former border between the Hochstift Würzburg, the Fürstabtei Fulda and the County of Hanau, to which Hutten belonged. Today Hutten is a district of Schlüchtern. In the past, noble families in transitional areas such as Hutten managed to assert themselves between the greats. This is where the Lords of Hutten originated, who still have their seat in Altengronau and Steinbach near Lohr. At the other end of the cultural trail, we come across Brandenstein Castle and the noble von Brandenstein-Zeppelin family. The castle is one of the few in the region that is still inhabited today. On the route of the cultural trail, we learn about the development of the landscape over the last few centuries. A characteristic feature is the impressive railroad loop, which provided the first complete north-south rail link through Germany. A large railroad station and huge operating area provided many hundreds of jobs until the facility was dismantled after 1945. Right next to it are the former lignite mine and the remains of the cement factory, two industrial monuments that you would not expect to find in this remote area. The Heiligenborn vacation village with its own outdoor pool completes the loop around Hutten. A separate path leads to the panorama board, which explains the beautiful panoramic view as far as the Vogelsberg and Rhön mountains.

The cultural trail first leads to the Elmer Bahnschleife. At the beginning of the 20th century, lignite mining and a large cement factory were operated here, where the lignite was burned. The route then continues parallel to the railroad to Brandenstein Castle. Back along the railroad and then uphill, you will pass the vacation village of Heiligenborn and Hutten church. The panoramic view on the ridge is an outstation. Follow the markings of the yellow EU boat on a blue background for 11 km. Parts of the trail are not suitable for baby carriages. Good footwear is required!