Von Eberbach nach Zwingenberg

Experience the many sights on the tour: Eberbach Castle, magnificent views of the Neckar valley, Katzenbuckelsee lake, Wolfsschlucht gorge, Zwingenberg Castle.

From Eberbach railroad station, the trail first leads over the footbridge into Schafwiesenweg, then through Hohenstaufenstraße to Burgweg (sign "zur Burg Eberbach") and, after crossing the L524, up the winding road to the ruins of Eberbach Castle. After a rest and a wonderful view

of the Neckar valley, the St. Andrew's cross leads further up to the Katzenbuckel tower. You pass through Waldkatzenbach, Strümpfelbrunn, Oberdielbach and Dielbach-Post before reaching nature park trails 50 and 53, which lead directly into the legendary Wolfsschlucht gorge. Crossing the gorge is not recommended in wet weather, as there is a constant risk of slipping. Zwingenberg Castle, the residence of Prince Ludwig von Baden and his family, appears at the end of the gorge. From the castle, it is another 800 m on a paved road to Zwingenberg train station, from where the S-Bahn runs back to Eberbach every half hour.

Further information:

Eberbach Castle, presumably founded by the bishops of Worms in the 11th to 12th centuries, was later a royal castle and was razed in 1403. Remains of the former front castle remain, while the remains of the palace of the middle castle still have three arched windows resting on two pairs of columns and cube capitals. In 1959, the foundations of the rear castle were uncovered after systematic investigation. Judging by the location of the castle, the lords of the castle were able to control the exit of the Ittertal and Holderbachtal valleys as far as the Neckar from this elongated mountain promontory.

At 626 m, the Katzenbuckel is the highest elevation in the Odenwald. This mountain is the erosion remnant of a former volcano that erupted around 60-70 million years ago. Anyone interested in minerals and fossils will get their money's worth on the geological and mineralogical nature trail "Path of Crystals" and, with a bit of luck, may even find an ammonite or two. Zwingenberg Castle is one of the best-preserved castles in the Neckar Valley. The Zwingenberg Castle Festival takes place in the castle courtyard every year.</p