The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Bad Soden am Taunus

The rest area above the Königstein district of Mammolshain is officially called "Sitzkastanien mit Cityblick" (Sweet Chestnuts with a City View). It is located on an idyllic, open meadow on the southern slope of the Taunus mountains. The main attraction of this popular excursion destination in the RheinMain regional park are six artfully designed, oversized wooden sculptures in the shape of chestnut fruits. These serve as extraordinary seating and lounging furniture for hikers and walkers amidst nature. In addition to the artistic aspect, the rest area impresses above all with its panoramic location. From the wooden structures, a wide, contrasting view opens up, stretching from the historic castle town of Königstein to the modern skyline of Frankfurt am Main. Geographically, the site is nestled in the largest contiguous sweet chestnut grove in Germany. The region benefits from a particularly mild microclimate in the shelter of the Altkönig and Hardtberg, which is why the sweet chestnuts, known locally as "Kestebäum", have been thriving magnificently for over 200 years. The rest area can be reached via the three well-signposted Mammolshain Sweet Chestnut Experience Trails. In particular, the seven-kilometer-long circular route 1 leads hikers directly past this striking viewpoint. A visit is worthwhile all year round, but it is a special highlight in the Vordertaunus in autumn during the chestnut ripening season from the end of September.

The Paulinenschlösschen is a historic, listed building in Bad Soden am Taunus, located directly on the edge of the old spa park. Its history began in 1847 when Duchess Pauline of Nassau had the three-story estate built as her personal summer residence. The Duchess had previously spent a very successful spa stay in the town in 1841 and subsequently decided to build. In addition to the main house, the original property included spacious utility rooms, gardens, agricultural land, and a coach house opposite. As early as 1855, the Duchess sold the estate to the physician Dr. Georg Thilenius. He converted the small palace into a spa guesthouse, which enjoyed an excellent reputation in the following decades and attracted high-ranking guests. In the 1870s and 1880s, Princess Bismarck and her daughter, among others, stayed here. In 1909, the town of Bad Soden finally acquired the building. After the Second World War, the house took a new direction and was used as an upscale restaurant from 1950 onwards, establishing itself as a well-known meeting place for gourmets, especially in the 1970s. After extensive renovations, the Paulinenschlösschen today serves a practical purpose and houses the central citizens' office of the town of Bad Soden.

Beautiful, quiet little place worth stopping by.

Stopping here is always a good idea!

Shopping directly from the farmer.

Beautiful building in the old spa park of Bad Soden.

Wonderfully designed and maintained park

Today, July 12th, we stopped there while hiking. It's a wonderful old manor house, beautifully maintained. It has a huge beer garden. The menu isn't particularly extensive, but it's highly recommended as a destination. Large portions, the staff are very attentive, and the food is delicious. We all had a great time!