Gelnhausen
Spessart Trip · Episode 5
Production: 
© 2025
Gelnhausen is the city of Emperor Frederick I, also known as Barbarossa. Founded in 1170 as an Imperial City, it quickly became a center of Hohenstaufen power and a showcase for magnificent architecture on the edge of the Spessart.
The Imperial Palace on the Kinzig
Barbarossa founded Gelnhausen in 1170. Ten years later, it hosted a historic Imperial Diet, which saw the trial of his cousin, Henry the Lion. The heart of the Hohenstaufen presence is the Imperial Palace (Kaiserpfalz), built on an island in the Kinzig river at the end of the 12th century. Strategically located on the trade route between Frankfurt and Leipzig, Gelnhausen enjoyed centuries of prosperity and numerous royal privileges.
A Stroll through the Upper Town
The "Obermarkt" (Upper Market) is the perfect spot to sit under the shade of the trees and watch the city go by. Gelnhausen provides an ideal introduction to the unique character of the Spessart: lovingly maintained half-timbered houses, hidden alleys, and cozy cafés invite you to relax and explore. If you look closely, you’ll find artworks throughout the streets that serve as reminders of ancient times and the lives of former citizens.
Experience History Hands-on
Museum visits with the family can often be a challenge—but not in Gelnhausen. The local museum is a true "hands-on" experience. Information is presented creatively and tangibly, often making it harder for younger visitors to leave than to arrive. It is a place where history isn't just displayed behind glass, but truly brought to life.
Our Recommendation
Be sure to combine your visit to the Imperial Palace with a stroll through the Upper Town to the Obermarkt. Gelnhausen is the perfect starting point to immerse yourself in the history of the region before heading deeper into the dense woodlands of the High Spessart.
