Following is information about 3 great day trips from Wiesbaden in summer: the Tree Face Forest, the Rock Ocean Forest, and Burg Rheinstein, a castle dating from the 1300’s. (In winter, it’s all about the Christmas Markets!)
Wiesbaden is fast becoming one of my favorite places in the world; it’s a cosmopolitan town, easy to get around, with world-class hotels, a wonderful variety of excellent restaurants, and high-end shopping. This article has to do with day trips from town. Fun fact: there are wild green parrots that reside permanently in Wiesbaden!
The Tree Face Forest
The Tree Face Forest, in German known as Steckeschlääfer-Klamm, is in the Hasselbach Gorge of the Binger Forest, about 50 km from Wiesbaden. There’s a little stream in the gorge; the walk is possible because in 1971, bridges were built over the steep ravines. Since then, 3 artists have carved 65 faces of gnomes or spirits into the trees and stumps along the path. I visited with my grandchildren, who are 5 and 2 years old; it was so much fun for all of us to discover the faces along the way!
As you can see, some of the faces are not easy to spot! The Tree Face Forest is a kid’s dream. After exploring the gorge, we found an area to splash in the stream to cool off. Playing in the water, making little dams, and balancing on the rocks was the perfect way to wrap up this lovely experience.
More information about the Tree Face Forest
The Rock Ocean Forest
The Rock Ocean Forest, known in German as Felsenmeer, the Sea of Stones, is a ravine with large rounded boulders that are fun for all ages and experience to explore. Felsenmeer is in Lautertal, in the Odenwald, 70 km from Wiesbaden. Continental-plate shift exposed this sea of rocks that was formed around 340 million years ago (although legend has it that it was formed when 2 giants started throwing rocks at each other). 😉
When we were there, there was a class for beginning rock climbers who were learning to work the crevices, but the little kids loved it too! There are refreshments available, and other paths in the forest to explore. My grandson was very taken with the bright orange slug shown above. I was fascinated by the forest itself – so lush and green compared to where I live, in New Mexico.
Find more about the Rock Ocean Forest.
Burg Rheinstein
“Burg” means “castle” in Deutsch. This castle was constructed in 1316. Rheinstein Castle was important for its strategic location overlooking the Rhine River. During the 19th century, Prince Frederick of Prussia bought the castle and it was rebuilt.
Today, the castle is open to be toured inside and out, there is a lovely restaurant, and it is a beautiful space for an event – many weddings are held there.
Fire Basket 
In the Middle Ages, the Fire Baskets were lit and used as signals from castle to castle along the Rhine, or “as a punitive crown” for contrarians 😫; in the 19th century, a beacon was lit in the basket for castle festivals.
Getting There
Burg Rheinstein is very close to the Tree Face Forest; we had lunch at the castle after finding the tree faces.
The forest walks have no admission; the castle charges 7 euros per person to visit.
Summary
Since my eldest daughter and her family live in Wiesbaden, I visit frequently from the US. I admire how there are so many fun activities there are for families to get out and explore nature. We visited many awesome playgrounds and splash parks with the kids; the Mainz Volkspark is an example of a park with something for everyone. Our cherry picking jaunt was a blast, too – and the cherries? Amazing.
If you’re thinking of visiting Wiesbaden, you may be interested in where to stay and nice places to eat – I have some recommendations for that.
This makes me want to visit Wiesbaden! Wow Burg Rheinstein looks amazing.
Wow, that is a beautiful castle, if I ever get the pleasure of going to Germany, I’ll have to add it to my list.
I love all of these day trips, however that castle would be my first excursion!
What fantastic places to explore. I love how old everything is.
Oh my! I will definitely be saving this post for our next travels to Germany (which will hopefully be soon!). My littles would love hiking in the forest to find the gnome faces… so would I actually! And I had to laugh about the giant slug! My kids were shocked the first time they found one in the forest near the Fernsehturm!
What a beautiful trip! You are so lucky to be able to travel over there andspwnd time with your daughter and her family.. it’s gorgeous!
Ok I will be honest, I am not sure if the face forest is scary or cool? haha
That Tree Face Forest looks like so much fun! I would love to see them!
I love the tree faces! All the trips look like fun!