So close, so idyllic, so soothing! The Rabengrund in Wiesbaden.

Welcome dear guests, my name is Christine Jendrasch and I am delighted to introduce you to my favorite place.

What is the Rabengrund? It is one of the oldest nature reserves in Wiesbaden on the Neroberg. The very species-rich forest and meadow valley represents a top-class natural area in the region, with a habitat for rare animal and plant species. Here in the north of the city, Wiesbaden nestles against the wooded Taunus slopes and is part of the densely wooded Rhine-Taunus Nature Park.

For me, the Rabengrund is an oasis! A place for rest and relaxation and at the same time a place for hiking and exploring. Cool, fresh forest air, wild and romantic forest, impressive rock formations, wide open meadows alternating with groves of trees. And the peace and quiet!

The Romans, who settled in Aquae Mattiacorum - as they called Wiesbaden back then - and made use of the hot springs, were already farming in the Rabengrund. Remains from this period, such as a Roman estate, can still be found in the forest today.

The Münzbergstollen, one of Wiesbaden's four Taunus tunnels, which supply a third of the drinking water, is also located here. The tunnels, dug by miners, reach kilometers deep into the water-bearing quartzite veins of the Taunus ridge and supply top-quality drinking water.

From the valley station of the historic Nerobergbahn cable car, you walk into the Upper Nero Valley. Past the courts of the traditional Wiesbaden tennis and field hockey club. The "Leichtweiss" café and restaurant invites you to stop for a bite to eat.

On the way to Rabengrund, we pass the monument to the geologist Dr. Carl Koch. With his concept for the Taunus tunnels at the end of the 19th century, he laid the foundation stone for the necessary drinking water supply for the prospering cosmopolitan spa town.

The Leichtweiß Cave is a popular attraction. It is named after Anton Heinrich Leichtweiß, who was accused of burglary and "Wilddieberey" and who hid here at the end of the 18th century from the arbitrariness of his lordship.

Hikers can set off from here on the "Via Mattiacorum" hiking trail and follow in the footsteps of the Romans. The trail leads via the former Platte hunting lodge of the Dukes of Nassau, where you can stop for a bite to eat at the inn. The 28-kilometre hiking trail meets the Limes UNESCO World Heritage Site and ends in Idstein.

Here on the Neroberg with its viewing temple, the climbing forest and the excellent Wagner am Turm restaurant, the Opelbad restaurant and around Wiesbaden, there are very attractive and varied hiking options. Be it for a short walk or a long tour. Ask the Wiesbaden Tourist Information for advice and ask about the Jubiläums Rundweg, the Rheingau Riesling Route or the Rheinsteig!
This was just a small suggestion. Now it's up to you to experience further discoveries through your own local exploration. We look forward to seeing you here in Wiesbaden.