The charming cultural landscape between the River Rhine, the Odenwald hills and the River Neckar has been shaped by over 500 million years of geological history, diverse natural surroundings and good old-fashioned hospitality.

At the Geo-Bergstrasse-Odenwald Nature Park, rocks, plants and water have fascinating tales to tell, revealing, for example, where primeval horses once lived. Rangers are on hand at the Geo-Nature Park to provide visitors with all kinds of information. And there's plenty more to learn at the information centres, on the countless themed trails and at the educational installations dedicated to the environment. The area designated a UNESCO Global Geopark is also home to the Messel Pit Fossil Site and Lorsch Abbey, two World Heritage Sites. This is a landscape rich in contrasts: the Bergstrasse region to the west is characterised by historical sites, a mild climate and a tradition of wine-growing, whilst the Odenwald region to the east boasts hills, vast wooded areas and striking valleys.

Explore the surroundings