The best walks and hikes in Schwanheimer Wald

Sand mining: The mine carts used for this were pushed on rails over huge concrete blocks by workers or pulled by horses until operations ceased in the 1940s. A number of concrete blocks can still be found in the middle of the area today.

This section is surprising: The path opens up in places, revealing views over wide clearings and the treetops of the Frankfurt City Forest 🌲👀. Especially on clear days, a beautiful interplay of light, space, and forest tranquility arises here.

Here you will find a practical shelter in the forest.

Here is a covered stump of a 300-year-old oak tree! Year markers are carved into the trunk in the form of beautiful metal plaques.

The Schwanheim Dune was formed around 10,000 years ago as a result of the last Ice Age. The wind blew fine sand out of the Main Riverbed. But humans also contributed to this rarity by clearing the trees thousands of years later. Since plants take a long time to establish a foothold in the barren soil, the dune migrated. It wasn't until the end of the 19th century that it became "sedentary" and stranded at its current location west of Schwanheim. The typical plant community of an inland dune, the ecologically valuable silver grass meadow, developed on the quartz sand mixture. Among its representatives, in addition to the silver grass as a pioneer plant, are the common mustard and the sand thrift. Pines also thrive on the lean sand, whose bizarre growth is reminiscent of the vegetation of distant, inhospitable seashores. Rare animals, such as the golden oriole, have also found a home in the area, which has been designated a flora-fauna habitat since 2003. However, humans have also contributed to the preservation of some parts of this special habitat. Until the 1980s, sand was mined in the almost 60-hectare area. After the end of industrial exploitation, the pits filled with groundwater. This attracted many amphibians. The steep, unpaved slopes also provide a natural environment that would otherwise be untouched. has become rare in our latitudes. One of the issues in the designation of this unique nature reserve was its proximity to Frankfurt's residential areas. For many, a trip there was like a beach vacation on their doorstep. Some people were very unhappy with the extensive closure. But the idea of nature conservation prevailed. To guide visitors, the designers created a boardwalk. The plan, devised by the BUND (Friends of the Earth Germany) in western Frankfurt, has worked: the vast majority adhere to it and protect this unique habitat. Green Belt information pillars at selected locations along the path provide information about the special features of the sensitive flora and fauna.

The Rohsee lake originated from a former oxbow lake of the Main River and, depending on the groundwater level, only contains water intermittently. The small marshland is a refuge for moisture-loving animal and plant species. Characteristic of the Rohsee lake are the so-called stilt trees. These are black alder trees whose exposed rootstocks at low water levels give the impression that the trees are standing on stilts. The Rohsee lake serves as a place for quiet recreation in the city forest. Rare animals and plants can be observed there, such as reed warblers, kingfishers, and irises. Due to the protected status and nature of the water body, any use is prohibited.

The oaks here are particularly old and picturesque. They are designated as natural monuments.

Impressive Schwanheim Old Oaks Schwanheim farmers of old times fattened pigs until they were fat and broad. To do this, they drove the pigs into the forest. There they ate acorns and soon they were ready for slaughter and immediately turned into sausage. This happened a long, long time ago. And - what is it like today? The pigs had to go, only the oaks remained. Günter Tatara