Raubacher-Jockel-Weg

The small loop south-east of Raubach is all about the Odenwald original Raubacher Jockel. Information boards tell amusing anecdotes about the rogue who roamed the region from 1866 to 1941.

On the longer loop, the Dürr-Ellenbach-Tal, Finkenbachtal and Hinterbachtal nature reserves are particularly worth seeing. These are near-natural meadow valleys with rare plants, butterflies, fish and original alluvial forests. Attentive hikers may spot a blue butterfly flying across the path or observe a white stork catching frogs. The idyllically situated Dürr-Ellenbach forester's lodge is the last remnant of a small village. Step back in time and enjoy the rural idyll.

How to get there: From the parking lot, cross the playground and climb the stairs to the Landgasthof Raubacher Höhe. Here, follow the signs for Ra3 to the left. This small loop of the hike tells you the stories about the Raubacher Jockel on various boards. At the cemetery chapel, you can take a look at his tomb. The route then makes a right-hand loop through the Wiesental valley and takes you back to Raubach via Brunnenstraße.

At Jockel's story with the scabbard, turn left across a short stretch of meadow into the forest. Beech trees line the path. From the Falters Ruh parking lot, follow a gravel path up the main hiking trail "Franken-Hessen-Kurpfalz" (Ra 3 + red cross) through dark spruce forest. After about 600 meters, you leave this path again to the left downhill. The spruce trees gradually give way to beech trees and ferns. Every now and then the forest opens up and you pass through the Dürr-Ellenbacher Tal nature reserve. Soon you will see the Dürr-Ellenbach forester's lodge on the other side of the stream. It is worth making a detour there to soak up the idyllic scenery. Otherwise, continue along the edge of the forest and meet the Ab5 hiking trail behind a solitary barn. Keep to the right here and walk for around 200 meters on damp forest ground before turning sharp right onto the main hiking trail (Ra 3 + red cross markings).

After just under half a kilometer, leave the trail to the left. Birches, gorse, spurge and goutweed accompany you across the slightly boggy, poor soil until you turn left again and walk down to Olfen. After stopping for refreshments at the Zum Spälterwald inn, stay left at the edge of the forest with a view of the houses of Olfen. The spring steps soon appear on the right-hand side and you can refresh yourself. Continuing downhill, you reach the Hinterbachtal nature reserve. Rare grasses, meadow plants, meadow birds and endangered amphibians have found shelter here. After a wide bend to the right, a picturesque little pond invites you to contemplate, before you continue to the left. Enjoy another 800 meters of valley path and gather your strength for the ascent through the forest up to Raubach. The trail continues up the mountain in wide right-hand loops until a meadow orchard finally announces the presence of a settlement. You pass the first houses and soon see the parking lot on the left where your car is waiting for you.

Marker sign: Ra3

Next bathing option: Freibad Finkenbach (5 km)