The forests of the Spessart are a true masterpiece of nature. It has a high botanical diversity and a unique stock of climate-resistant and ecologically valuable old oaks and beeches. Legend has it that the parquet flooring of the world-famous Neuschwanstein Castle was made from Spessart oaks.
Spring is especially breathtaking: as the first warm sunrays reach the forest, meadows and forest floors burst into bloom – revealing rare woodland orchids like the small-flowered orchid (Orchis morio) or the spotted orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata). In the higher elevations of the Spessart, light-filled forest habitats also foster species like wild garlic and lily of the valley.
The region’s heathlands and open meadows are equally important for local flora. In late summer, they bloom in vibrant purples and pinks, creating a truly stunning landscape.
The Spessart’s native wildlife is just as unique and worth protecting. Several rare woodpecker species such as the great spotted woodpecker, green woodpecker, and black woodpecker – icons of the Spessart – call this forest home. The Spessart even inspired the Brothers Grimm, based in nearby Hanau, to write many of their culturally defining fairy tales. The region’s tales of bandits are legendary.
The dense forest provides a safe habitat for many wild animals. On hikes or walks, you might spot deer, wild boar, or red deer, especially in the early morning or late evening. The “Spessart boar” – a particularly large and strong wild boar – is common, especially in flatter parts of the forest.
Beyond classic woodland creatures, the Spessart is also home to birds of prey and owls. The Eurasian eagle-owl, Europe’s largest owl, thrives here. The region is also a breeding ground for the black stork, which nests in undisturbed parts of the forest. In spring and summer, you may also catch sight of the red kite, soaring gracefully through the sky.
A special highlight is the abundance of smaller creatures: countless insects and amphibians, such as the striking fire salamander, live throughout the forest.
The many streams and rivers in the Spessart, such as the Main and the Kinzig, are not only picturesque attractions, but also important habitats for a variety of animals. Fish such as trout and brook trout live in the clear waters, while the banks serve as breeding grounds for many water birds and dragonflies. If you walk along the banks, you can often see the elegant herons patiently searching for fish.
The wetlands are also home to rare plants such as floating-leaf plants and bogs. These places are important refuges for many amphibians and also provide a home for animals such as the beaver, which has become increasingly native to the Spessart in recent years.
The nature of the Spessart changes with the seasons and offers a new face at any time. In spring, the forest awakens with a multitude of flowering plants and fresh green foliage. Summer brings full canopies of leaves and a rich scent of herbs and flowers. Autumn transforms the forest into a sea of color, when the leaves of the trees glow in shades of gold and red. And in winter, when the forest is covered in snow, the Spessart reveals itself in a peaceful, almost magical silence.