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Highlights
Walk from village to village through the countryside in Germany’s Spessart region
Walk the trails through the low mountain ranges of the Spessart Nature Park.
Observe the numerous picturesque castles and parks, such as Johannisburg Castle and Mespelbrunn, as well as all the other magnificent buildings.
Explore small towns with charming half-timbered houses and medieval monasteries.
Travel at your own pace with your group only, with all the logistics being taken care of for you.
The Spessart is still considered an insider's tip for hikers and has a lot to offer: Unspoilt nature, heavenly tranquillity, first-class hiking trails and, in addition, castles, the Main river, hearty culinary delights and charming small towns. Immerse yourself in the fairytale world with us - after all, Snow White herself is said to have come from the region.
The three-river town of Gemünden, the Snow White town of Lohr and Aschaffenburg with its wonderful old town and many sights - the first destinations on the tour are all gems of Franconian history and culture. While you follow in the footsteps of the Echter family in Mespelbrunn (Julius Echter founded the University of Würzburg, after all, but was also the originator of many witch hunts), on day 6 of the tour you dive into Räuberland.
The Spessart is still considered an insider's tip for hikers and has a lot to offer: Unspoilt nature, heavenly tranquillity, first-class hiking trails and, in addition, castles, the Main river, hearty culinary delights and charming small towns. Immerse yourself in the fairytale world with us - after all, Snow White herself is said to have come from the region.
The three-river town of Gemünden, the Snow White town of Lohr and Aschaffenburg with its wonderful old town and many sights - the first destinations on the tour are all gems of Franconian history and culture. While you follow in the footsteps of the Echter family in Mespelbrunn (Julius Echter founded the University of Würzburg, after all, but was also the originator of many witch hunts), on day 6 of the tour you dive into Räuberland.
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Magical Spessart Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Gemünden
Arrive at the beautiful lake Chiemsee and spend here the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Gemünden
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Explore castle ruins on the way to Lohr
Along the narrow alleyways of the city of three rivers Gemünden you ascend to the range of hills of the Franconian Ledge. From the Schönrain castle ruin you enjoy a fantastic view onto the deep-blue river Main down below in the valley. Through dense forests and extensive fields, you proceed to the Mariabuchen monastery before a splendid path through the middle of the nature reserve at Mount Romberg leads you into the pretty little town of Lohr. Follow the tracks of Snow White through the chic historic centre.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lohr
Distance: 5 hours, 21km, 550m of ascent, 550m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Panoramic views walking to Aschaffenburg
From the spa resort Heigenbrücken you climb high up during the ascent to the first Spessart-summit, the Pollasch. Grandiose panoramic views into the Laufach-valley and varied themed paths accompany you featuring great views whilst descending into the valley, listen to the quiet dabble of the stream and the rustling of the beech forests en route to your hut for a break. Through blooming apple orchards, you reach Waldaschaff, a little hamlet located amidst the Spessart-forests and hills.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aschaffenburg
Distance: 4 hours, 15km, 450m of ascent, 450m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Dayhike near Aschaffenburg
Today you explore the marvelous parks of Aschaffenburg. The stunning hiking path gently winds over countless little hills through picturesque wooded areas to the idyllic Schmerlenbach monastery, which invites you to a good rest enjoying regional delicacies. Back in Aschaffenburg there is plenty of time left in order to discover the lovely historic centre, Johannisburg palace and the idyllic Main-river terraces in peace and quiet.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aschaffenburg
Distance: 5 hours, 18km, 450m of ascent, 400m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Into the Spessart forest to Mespelbrunn
The ‘Hochspessart‘ awaits today!. Walk along the Franconian Marienweg-path as you ascend to the Posthalterkreuz-cross, past sandstone walls to the rural chapel Herrenbild. Dense forest surrounds you like a green cloak, little monuments and wayside crosses greet you en route. You proceed via a spectacular high-altitude path always along the hilltops, far below in the valley you can already make out the beautiful hamlet Mespelbrunn, your Day Finish situated in the heart of the Spessart-forest.
Overnight Location: Hotel near Mespelbrunn
Distance: 4.5 hours, 15km, 500m of ascent, 450m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Dayhike intoRäuberland‘
Today you will walk into the historical ‘Räuberland‘ (land of bandits), where you have endless opportunities to embark on short or extensive hiking tours in the surroundings. However, do not be afraid, you will only encounter bandits on the colorful waymarkings. Visit the legendary hut on top of the ‘Hohe Wart‘, and explore the beer garden and fresh Spessart-beer, located amidst the forest. Also visit the Mespelbrunn water castle, known through the German movie classic ‘Das Wirtshaus im Spessart‘ (the Inn in the Spessart). The quality of the hiking paths make every hiker’s heart leap for joy.
Overnight Location: Hotel near Mespelbrunn
Distance: 4 hours, 12km, 300m of ascent, 300m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Final day to Aschaffenburg
The finale of your hiking week is characterised once again by the forests of the Spessart: Via the ‚Old School Route‘, an historic connecting trail, you walk through a convoluted rock labyrinth until you reach the highest point of your hiking holiday at the Geißhöhe-peak. Unspoilt trails finally lead you on gently undulating terrain below the leaf canopy all the way to Henneburg castle, towering high above the glistening river Main, the crowning glory of the end of your hiking adventure in the Spessart.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Aschaffenburg
Distance: 5.5 hours, 25km, 700m of ascent, 800m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure or extension
Departure your hotel after the breakfast.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
2025 Departures: The departures are available daily, from May 3rd to October 5th, 2025.
- Single room: from EUR1118*
- Sharing a double room: from EUR839*
Accommodation on Magical Spessart Walking Tour
This tour is based in hotels. Hotels on this trip are 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Magical Spessart Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes luggage transfers, however, you will be walking from town to town yourself. Several transfers via public transport are not included to be paid locally (Lohr – Heigenbrücken, Waldaschaff – Aschaffenburg, Unterbessenbach – Aschaffenburg, Aschaffenburg – Straßbessenbach, Stadtprozelten – Aschaffenburg, approx. EUR 15 per person).
Also Included
- 1 ‚Räuberland‘ herb-flavouverd liqueur
- Luggage transfer
- Welcome briefing (German, English)
- Carefully elaborated route description
- Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
- Navigation-App and GPS-data available
- Service hotline
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Guide services
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- How hard is the Magical Spessart Walking Tour?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Is this tour run in English?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Germany?
- Are meals included on the Magical Spessart Walking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Gemünden to start this tour?
- Is the Magical Spessart Walking Tour in English?
- Where does the Magical Spessart Walking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Germany?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Germany?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. Throughout you walk on well-maintained hiking paths, forest trails and in parts also on forest roads. The route leads gently along the hills of the Spessart, for walking times of up to 5.5 hours a good basic fitness level is sufficient. Longer tours can comfortably be shortened by public transport.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
All tour information will be provided in English. German tour package is available as well.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
7 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover trekking. Get your travel insurance.
You can get to Gemünden by train. The closest major city is Frankfurt.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The tour ends at in Aschaffenburg. You can return to Gemünden via train (around 45 minutes).
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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