Have you ever heard whispers of a Roman outpost hidden within a Frankfurt forest? Welcome to the Niedwald a 60-hectare woodland on the Nidda River’s southern bank. This isn’t just any forest. The Niedwald holds secrets from centuries past.
For hundreds of years this area was farmland. Eventually it became a forest through natural growth and deliberate planting. The Niedwald’s history stretches back to at least the 13th century. Documents from that time show the Mariengredenstift in Mainz using the forest’s resources. Later in 1474 the right to use the Niedwald transferred to the Archbishopric of Mainz.
A significant part of the Niedwald’s story involves the Antsanvia a historic trade route. This ancient pathway runs through the forest. Along this path archaeologists have found Roman ruins. They believe these are remnants of a fortified Roman rest stop or inn. Locals call it the “Heidenschloss” or Heathen Castle. It was a significant stop along the Via Regia one of the oldest and longest land routes between East and West Europe. This route connected eight European countries for over 2000 years.
This Roman site measured roughly 32 by 24 meters. It had a defensive wall enclosing several wooden structures. Georg Wolff investigated and mapped the site in 1892 publishing his findings in 1900. An excursion restaurant the Schützenhaus was later built on the site. It was replaced by a large hotel.
The Niedwald also served as pastureland for livestock and a source of firewood. The community of Nied managed the forest. They even had a forest ranger from the late 17th century onward. The forest’s area has varied through history. Measurements in 1783 recorded 376 Morgen approximately 94 hectares. A precise land survey in 1810 determined the area to be 418 Morgen and 81 Ruten about 100 hectares. Another official survey and boundary marking with boundary stones occurred in 1846.
In the 20th century forestry gave way to water management. In 1902 Griesheim built a pump and filter plant with a water tower in the southern part of the Niedwald. They added a spring gallery and a forest lake. The plant produced up to 150000 liters of drinking water daily. This operation ceased in 2007.
When Nied became part of Frankfurt in 1928 the forest shrank. Land was given to railway companies. Some land was converted into farmland and buildings were built. Today the Niedwald covers approximately 60 hectares.
The Selzerbrunnen a 38-meter-deep mineral water well is a unique feature. First mentioned in 1855 its water is high in minerals and has a metallic taste. The well was improved around 1939. The water remains drinkable.
The Niedwald is today a beloved local recreation area. It’s a place to walk bike and appreciate nature. You can even find remnants of the past in its very heart. Its location near the A5 motorway and the Nidda river means you will always hear the distant sounds of civilization. However the Niedwald still offers a sense of peace and quiet a chance to briefly disconnect from the urban world. So take a moment to discover the many stories whispered among the trees of the Niedwald.