Scheftheimer Wiesen Nature Reserve

Second largest nature reserve around Darmstadt. Very beautiful wetlands, fed by the Ruthsenbach (on to the Steinbrücker pond). The name may go back to the horsetail growing there.

The Scheftheimer Wiesen are a habitat and species protection area between Roßdorf and Darmstadt. In the 17th century the meadows served the Landgraves of Hessen-Darmstadt as a hunting ground; the aristocratic hunting party killed the game from wooden stands set up on the edge of the forest. Since the end of agricultural use in the 20th century, strictly protected wetlands have developed here. Entering or cycling off the marked paths would violate the protected area and is therefore prohibited.

if you have the time, you will find peace and quiet off the beaten track