Of Romans, Princes and Poachers

Schloßau (km0; time 0; elevation 510m): The syllable "Schloß" in the place name Schloßau refers to considerable ruins of the former Numerus fort. Only sparse remains are left today. Opposite the church, we follow the local marking SL5 along Mörschenhardter Straße. At the exit of the village, we turn left and go down the Teufelsklinge to Ernsttal, the former Neubrunn, where there is a place to rest. Ernsttal (km3.7; time 1:10; elevation 295m): In 1830 Prince Karl of Leiningen decided to buy Galmbach (Eduartsthal) and Neubrunn (Ernsttal). Both places lay in the middle of his game park and were a thorn in his side due to numerous wood thefts and poaching. In Ernsttal, we turn left into a side valley and walk it upwards to Waldleiningen. Waldleiningen (km2.7; time 0:50; elevation 360m): In 1808 Prince Emich Karl had a large game park laid out here and built a hunting lodge. After his death, his son Karl had the current castle complex built. Only the exterior is still in its original state; the interior was completely converted into a clinic. The circular route SL5 leads us past the castle upwards to the Seitzenbuche. Seitzenbuche (km3.2; time 1:10; elevation 460m): The name recalls forester Seitz, who was ambushed by poachers, tied to a beech tree, and killed. At the intersection, there was a small Roman fort. From here we follow our circular route uphill over the crossing to watch post 10/37. Watch post 10/37 (km0.8; time 0:20; elevation 500m): The watch post "In der Schneidershecke" is the only one on the Odenwald Limes with two stone tower foundations. However, the larger foundation is actually a sanctuary with statues of Mars, Victoria, and Salus. From here we return to Schloßau. Schloßau (km 2.9; time 1:00; elevation 510 m): Start and finish of the circular hike.

Total distance: 13.3 km; time: 4:30; difficulty: medium