Things To Do
in Reinheim

Reinheim is a small town in Hesse, Germany, located just southwest of Darmstadt. It sits at the edge of the Odenwald and Gersprenz valley, offering green spaces, historic architecture, and easy access to urban amenities. The town serves as a calm base for outdoor adventures and cultural excursions in the Rhine-Main region.

Visitors can enjoy Hessian specialties, riverside walks, and a relaxed village atmosphere.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Old Town Stroll
morning
:

Settle into your accommodation in Reinheim and enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café overlooking the market square. Wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the half-timbered houses that line the town center. Feel the rhythm of everyday life as shopkeepers open their doors for the day.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic Stadtkirche and learn about its centuries-old stained glass windows and carvings. Follow the trail to the Schauern pond nearby for a peaceful riverside walk. Stop at a traditional Konditorei to sample freshly baked plum cake and coffee.

evening
:

Head to a cozy Brauhaus for a locally brewed beer and savory pretzels. Take an evening stroll under the soft glow of street lamps along the old ramparts. Enjoy a simple but flavorful dinner of schnitzel or spaetzle at a family-run restaurant.

day 2
Forest Hike to Katzenbuckel
morning
:

Drive or bike to the edge of the Odenwald forest and begin a guided hike along narrow, wooded paths. Notice moss-covered stones and the light shifting through ancient beech trees. Pause at a clearing for a snack and panoramic views of the rolling hills.

afternoon
:

Continue upward toward the Katzenbuckel summit, the highest point in the Odenwald. Explore the little volcano museum near the top and learn about the region’s geological past. Have a picnic lunch on a rocky outcrop overlooking lush valleys.

evening
:

Return to Reinheim for a tranquil dinner at a countryside gasthaus. Sample hearty regional specialties like wild boar ragout or venison stew. End the night with a stroll through the quiet side streets and listen to owls calling in the distance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🚆One-way public transport$2-3
🏨Budget hotel per night$70-120
💧Bottle of water (0.5L)$1-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, family-friendly town with easy access to nature
  • Close to Darmstadt and Frankfurt for cultural and transport links
  • Limited nightlife within Reinheim itself
  • Smaller town amenities may require travel to nearby cities for some services
  • "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist die Toilette?" - Where is the restroom?

Places to Visit in Reinheim

Visit one of these nice places.

Reinheim Market Square and Town Hall

Picturesque half-timbered facades and a lively market backdrop, especially in the morning light.

Gersprenz River Overlook

Winding river views with trees and small bridges—great for golden hour shots.

Odenwald foothills edge near Reinheim

Forest edges, clearings, and viewpoints offering panoramic shots of rolling hills.

Darmstadt Mathildenhöhe (nearby)

Art nouveau architecture and expansive skies for dramatic cityscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Reinheim

Reinheim and the surrounding Rhine-Main region offer hearty Hessian dishes, seasonal produce, and regional wines. Expect simple, flavorful meals based on potatoes, cabbage, pork, and fresh bread.

Reinheim Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grüne Soße (Green Sauce)

Herb sauce made from a mix of local greens, typically served with potatoes and a boiled egg or meat.

Must-Try!

Handkäs mit Musik

A tangy curd cheese served with onions, vinegar, oil, and caraway, often enjoyed with rye bread.

Rippchen (pork ribs) with Sauerkraut

Slow-cooked ribs served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.

Apfelwein (Apple Wine)

Fermented cider-like beverage, commonly enjoyed in taverns and cider houses.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Darmstadt Wochenmarkt

Weekly market on Marktplatz with fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and baked goods.

Local farmers’ markets in Dieburg and Ober-Roden

Seasonal stalls offering regional vegetables, fruits, and breads.

Cafés near Reinheim rail station

Casual spots serving pastries, coffee, and light snacks with local ingredients.

Climate Guide

Weather

Reinheim experiences a temperate oceanic climate with warm summers and cool winters. Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with misty mornings in autumn and occasional snow in winter. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while autumn offers colorful foliage and harvest events.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and politeness

Greet with a polite 'Guten Tag' or 'Hallo'; use 'Sie' for strangers and older people unless invited to 'du'.

Punctuality and personal space

Be punctual for meetings and keep a comfortable personal distance; wait to be seated in formal settings.

Quiet during late hours

In residential areas, keep noise levels down in the evening and respect neighbors.

Safety Guide

Safety

Reinheim is generally safe with standard precautions. Keep valuables secure, be aware of nighttime pedestrian routes, and respect wildlife on walking trails. In case of emergencies, contact local police or the nearest hospital in Darmstadt or Dieburg.

Tipping in Reinheim

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Often 5-10% in restaurants if not included; rounding up the bill is common.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; cards (EC/Maestro, Visa, Mastercard) are common in towns and restaurants; contactless payments are increasingly popular.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with long daylight hours; ideal for outdoor hikes and riverside strolls. Expect occasional afternoon thunderstorms.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and harvest markets; comfortable temperatures for walking and photography.

Winter

Cool temperatures with possible frost; shorter days but atmospheric light and cozy eateries.

Spring

Blooms and new growth; trails can be damp but scenery is fresh and vibrant.

Nightlife Guide

Reinheim at Night

In Reinheim itself, nightlife is low-key with local pubs and taverns. For a broader choice of bars, cafés, and clubs, head to nearby Darmstadt or Dieburg where there are student-friendly venues, live music spots, and riverfront bars.

Hiking in Reinheim

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Odenwald foothills trails

Scenic forest trails with varying difficulty just outside Reinheim.

Gersprenz River Trail

Flat riverside path ideal for leisurely walks or cycling.

Darmstadt-Odenwald panorama route

Hilltop overlooks with panoramic views across the region.

Airports

How to reach Reinheim by plane.

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Major international gateway about 30-40 km from Reinheim; rail or car connections via the A5 and A67.

Getting Around

Walkability

Reinheim is fairly walkable in the town center with compact streets, but for longer trips or to access nature trails you will rely on buses or a car. The surrounding towns and Darmstadt are well-connected by rail and bus routes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families with school-age children in Reinheim and nearby towns.

Students and commuters

Students from nearby universities and workers commuting to Darmstadt and Frankfurt.

Older adults

A sizeable portion of residents are retirees who enjoy the rural-urban mix of the region.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular sport in the region with local clubs and youth programs.

Transportation

Traffic

Public transport in the region is reliable, with buses and rail connections to Darmstadt. Traffic around the Frankfurt-Darmstadt area can be busy during peak hours; driving times to FRA are generally under an hour, depending on traffic.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Reinheim.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes can be adapted; request vegetables, potatoes, salads, and dairy. Look for Grüne Soße without meat and ask for no meat stock.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible in Reinheim via local general practitioners and clinics, with hospitals in Darmstadt and Dieburg for more extensive services. For emergencies, call local emergency numbers or go to the nearest hospital in Darmstadt.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide