The best traffic-free bike rides around Eppstein

Since when is the Taunus a valley?

The Auringer Mühle in the present-day Wiesbaden district of Auringen is a historic water mill, documented as early as 1360. For centuries, it held central economic importance in the region, as it functioned as a so-called "Bannmühle" (compulsory mill). This meant that the inhabitants of Auringen and Kloppenheim were legally obliged to have their grain ground exclusively at this mill. The farmstead, rebuilt around 1700, which is historically also known as Schmidtsmühle or Schmidts Mühle, was in the continuous possession of the eponymous Schmidt family for around 300 years. Due to changing economic conditions, the actual milling operations ceased shortly after the First World War. Today, the historic building complex is considered a prominent local monument, often used as a landmark or intermediate destination for hikes and bike tours in the surrounding nature.

Source & Course: The Silberbach stream rises in the High Taunus mountains near Schloßborn (municipality of Glashütten). From there, it flows southeast through the wooded Silberbach Valley. Mouth: It flows into the Schwarzbach stream, which in its upper reaches, up to its confluence with the Daisbach stream in Eppstein, is often still referred to as the Dattenbach. The mouth of the Schwarzbach lies between Glashütten-Schloßborn and Eppstein-Vockenhausen. Special Features: The Silberbach Valley is considered ecologically valuable and is managed by the BUND (Friends of the Earth Germany) Königstein-Glashütten branch. The name may historically suggest a stony streambed or former mining attempts. Recreation: A popular hiking trail is the Silberbach Loop, which leads from Dattenbach Valley, passing, among other things, the Atzelberg Tower.

The Auringen Mill is a historic building in the Wiesbaden district of Auringen, now primarily known as a café and bed and breakfast (overnight stays with culinary delights). It enjoys a scenic location in the Taunus region and is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists. Here is a summary of the most important information: Location & Surroundings: The mill is located in Wiesbaden-Auringen and is surrounded by forests, fields, and meadows. It lies directly on the Auringen circular hiking trail, which leads through the Alsbach Valley. Use: Today, the focus is on gastronomy and overnight accommodation. It is a cozy café with bed and breakfast options. Destination: Due to its idyllic location, the surrounding area is ideal for walks, hikes, and bike tours. Historical Background: Several mills were formerly in operation in the Auringen area. The Auringen Mill is one of the historically documented settlement sites within the district. Hockenberger Mühle (risk of confusion): In the immediate vicinity, also in Wiesbaden-Auringen (Hockenberger Höhe 4), is the Hockenberger Mühle, a popular restaurant with a large beer garden, regional cuisine, and a playground. It is often mentioned in the same context (hiking/cycling trails).

Rettershof is a historic estate in the Fischbach district of Kelkheim, now a popular local recreation and excursion destination offering restaurants, equestrian activities, nature, and events. Originally, the property was founded in 1146 as the Premonstratensian Retters Monastery; after its dissolution in 1559, it developed into an agricultural estate with various owners. In the 19th century, the Englishman Frederik Arnold Rodewald acquired the estate and had a grand manor house built in the English Tudor style between 1884 and 1885. This building still forms the heart of the complex and has been owned by the city of Kelkheim since the early 1980s. Today, Rettershof comprises: • the Rettershof Castle Hotel with its historic charm, • the country inn "Zum fröhlichen Landmann" (The Merry Farmer), • a modern equestrian center with an indoor riding arena and paddocks, • expansive meadows, orchards, and woodlands. Rettershof also serves as a venue for markets, festivals, concerts, and harvest and cultural events, attracting many visitors from the region. In short: Rettershof combines medieval monastery and estate history with a modern recreational and cultural landscape – ideal for walks, horseback riding, events, and excursions in the Taunus region.

Here is the Atzelberg Tower! It is now made of metal, after it burned down twice from wood.

The view from the tower is truly magnificent

Here on the ridge there is a beautiful cycle path, which is great to ride and where you have a truly magnificent view