Höchst im Odenwald is a Hessian town that could be considered a suburb of Darmstadt since it’s only 25km away. That’s not fair, though, as Höchst has enough culture and history to stand on its own.
And, any place that holds a 4-day party is WAY OK in my eyes! ;-)
History in Höchst can be seen from quite a few different periods. In the village of Mümling-Grumbach, you’ll see an area that was once sacred to the Celtic, including a relief of a Celtic alter stone. A church now sits on the spot, so the area is now sacred to two cultures.
Jump ahead to the time of the Romans, who built the Villa Rustica Haselburg. This free outdoor museum in the Hummetroth neighborhood is great for understanding the history and culture of the 2nd Century A.D. It’s also the largest of its kind in Hesse.
Now, you’re heading towards the dark, superstitious days of the Middle Ages. Monasteries where big business back then and Höchst is home to such nunnery built around the year 1200. Only the tower remains of that time with the farm, hospital, and kitchen from around the days of the Reformation in the mid-16th century.
Although not officially in Höchst, the Castle Breuberg is close enough to the Monastery that you COULD come see it. Not a single trip to Germany is ever complete without a castle (or several dozen). So, why not add Breuberg to your list of things to do?
Why not add shopping to your list of things to do, too? On Friday afternoons from 2pm-6pm is the town’s Weekly Market. This is on top of Höchst’s annual Kartoffelmarkt (Potato Market).
Shopping and sightseeing are surely nice, but a festival is even better. Every May Höchst holds its 4-day Apfelblütenfest or Apple Blossom Festival; and every October count on a few Octoberfest celebrations.
In between festivals and attractions, you can spend the day swimming at the (heated) outdoor swimming pool or, walking & cycling around the village of Annelsbach’s woodlands.
I told you that Höchst im Odenwald has enough to stand on its own. Looking forward to see you here!
