Gelnhausen Schelmenmarkt
The largest home festival of the Kinzig Valley on the second October weekend with over 130 exhibitors and fairground rides across several grounds. Tradition, history and entertainment combined.
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Gelnhausen
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ℹ️Practical info — Gelnhausen
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Kaiserpfalz ruins in the late afternoon; the red sandstone glows beautifully in the setting sun.
- The leaning tower of St. Mary's Church (Marienkirche) is best observed from the Stadtgarten (City Garden).
- Park your car at the 'Bleiche' near the Kinzig river for free or cheap parking just a short walk from the historic center.
- Look out for the monument dedicated to Philipp Reis, a pioneer of the telephone, located near the town center.
🍽 Food
🍽
Apfelwein (Ebbelwoi)
Try this traditional Hessian apple wine in a cozy tavern around the Obermarkt.
🍽
Handkäse mit Musik
A pungent marinated cheese specialty served in rustic inns of the old town.
🍽
Local Pastries
Grab a quick bite at one of the traditional bakeries on the Untermarkt before exploring.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Untermarkt Weekly Market
The market is well-suited for buying local produce from the Kinzig valley.
🛍
Old Town Alleys
Explore the narrow streets between Untermarkt and Obermarkt for small boutiques and crafts.
🧘
Stadtgarten
A terraced park offering a peaceful retreat and great views of the historic skyline.
🧘
Kinzig Riverbanks
Take a relaxing walk along the river, away from the cobblestone streets.
Water temperature…
Gelnhausen, located in the Main-Kinzig district of Hesse, is a city defined by its imperial heritage. Founded in 1170 by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, it served as a vital station on the Via Regia trade route. The city's geography is marked by its position in the Kinzig Valley, tucked away between the Spessart and Vogelsberg mountains. The most significant historical site is the Kaiserpfalz (Imperial Palace), built on oak piles in the Kinzig river, which remains the most intact structure of its kind from the Hohenstaufen period. St. Mary's Church is another architectural highlight, featuring a crooked spire that has become a symbol of the town. Gelnhausen is also celebrated as the birthplace of Philipp Reis, who invented a precursor to the modern telephone in the mid-19th century. The town preserves its medieval character through its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses while serving as a dynamic regional hub for commerce and tourism.
- Location: Hesse, Germany
- Top sights: Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz) · St. Mary's Church · Witches' Tower
- Nearby: Wächtersbach (11 km)
- Population: ~23.841
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 5 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 21 | 20 | 16 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 57 | 46 | 47 | 41 | 71 | 59 | 66 | 65 | 46 | 54 | 56 | 64 |
Geography
Facts
- Founded: 1170 by Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa.
- Total Area: The city limits cover 45.18 square kilometers.
- Elevation: The town center is situated at 160 meters above sea level.
- Imperial Palace: Built on approximately 12,000 oak piles in the Kinzig marshlands.
- St. Mary's Church: The tower's lean is roughly 1.50 meters off-center.
- Postal Code: The city uses the central code 63571.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Sights in the town Gelnhausen (11)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Gelnhausen called Barbarossa City?
Emperor Frederick I (Barbarossa) founded the city in 1170 and had an imperial palace built here.
Can you visit the Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz)?
Yes, the ruins of the Staufen Imperial Palace are open to visitors and guided tours are available.
What is the Hexenturm?
A former fortification tower of the city wall that also served as a prison in the past.
Is there a historic old town?
Yes, Gelnhausen has a very well-preserved old town with half-timbered houses and two market squares.
How far is Gelnhausen from Frankfurt?
Gelnhausen is about 45 km northeast of Frankfurt and can be reached in 40 minutes by train.
Gelnhausen: where is it located?
Gelnhausen is located in Hesse, Germany.
Gelnhausen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz), St. Mary's Church, Witches' Tower.
Gelnhausen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Gelnhausen: why is it worth visiting?
Gelnhausen, located in the Main-Kinzig district of Hesse, is a city defined by its imperial heritage.
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