Hobbach: Cultural Trail, St. John’s Church and the Elsava Valley

Local history and trails shape a stay in Hobbach. The European Cultural Trail leads to historic sites, while the Hobbach Loop follows the Elsava River. Churches and a monument add to the local cultural attractions. The wider destination of Eschau has more sights to explore, extending your view beyond Hobbach.

The European Cultural Trail in Hobbach

The Hobbach European Cultural Trail runs from St. John’s Church to Dillhof and past Oberaulenbach Castle. Highlights include an 18th-century wolf pit and a viewpoint overlooking the Elsava Valley. In the wider destination of Eschau, the European Cultural Trail in Hobbach is about 7 km long, with an elevation gain of around 100 m. The route continues to the Hobbach school camp and back to St. John’s Church. Along the way, architectural history, a historic site and views of the valley come together.

Churches and local history

The Catholic branch church of St. John the Baptist in Hobbach was built by Johann Martin Schmitt from 1757 to 1759. Its construction was initiated by Franz Lothar von Mairhofen. Features of this hall church include a three-sided chancel and a gabled roof. Its projecting tower has a square ground plan, an octagonal bell chamber and a slate-covered onion dome. The Catholic parish church of the Visitation of Mary is another church in Hobbach. Beside the Elsava stands the statue of St. Nepomuk, a sandstone monument dating from 1743.

Hobbach was first mentioned in a document in 823 and remained closely connected to Aulenbach Castle for centuries. The working history of the Elsava Valley is also part of the village’s past: water-powered ironworks, including the forge in Hobbach, Höllhammer and Neuhammer, provided additional ways to earn a living alongside farming and forestry from the late 18th century onward. The village’s history thus encompasses both its longstanding connection to Aulenbach Castle and the later importance of its ironworks.

Trails along the Elsava

The Hobbach Loop follows a footpath and cycle path along the Elsava in the direction of Neuhammer. Sights along the loop include the “Maria am Weg” chapel. The route offers an alternative to the European Cultural Trail: here, the riverside path takes centre stage, while the cultural trail links a series of historic sites. There is an e-bike charging station at the “Spessarter Hof” inn. Check whether it is operational before setting out.

More cultural attractions in the wider destination of Eschau

In the wider destination of Eschau, the medieval Wildenstein Castle stands on a mountain ridge of Sommerberg above the village of Wildenstein. The castle is freely accessible and has several information boards; check the current conditions before visiting. The moated castle of Sommerau is a different site: a wing built in 1650 has been preserved there, along with the remains of an older defensive tower and the surrounding moat. The moated castle is privately owned and is not open to the public. In some cases, a visit may be possible by prior arrangement with the owner.

The Sommerau Sculpture Garden is also part of the wider destination of Eschau. Set among flower beds, shrubs and old trees, it features numerous surrealist sculptures by artist Karin Günther. In the background are the former Fechenbach noble palace and the small castle “Malepartus”. Four guided tours take place each year between May and September, usually on a Sunday afternoon. They first cover Karin Günther’s artistic work, followed by the history of the former noble palace and its residents. Check the tour dates before your trip.

To the overview of the wider destination: Eschau.