Orchard Weeks 2025: Experience apples, pears & enjoyment in the Spessart!

Orchard Weeks 2025: Experience apples, pears & enjoyment in the Spessart!

The orchard weeks in the Main-Kinzig district cast their sweet shadows ahead! From September 6th to October 12th, 2025, everything revolves around the diversity of local fruit varieties. This series of events, which is supported by restaurants, producers and associations, presents the delicious products from the orchards in the region. The focus here is primarily on apples, pears, quinces and plums. The regional producers show off their creative skills and pamper visitors with offerings such as quince jelly, plum cake, organic apple juice and hearty dishes. kinzig.news reports on this special event that puts local delicacies in the spotlight.

Orchards are not only important for the landscape, but also make a significant contribution to biodiversity. As the landscape conservation association Main-Kinzig e.V. explains, these meadows were a central part of the Hessian cultural landscape until around 70 years ago. But there has been a dramatic decline of 90% in area since the 1960s. Plantation fruit has displaced many of the old varieties of fruit, and bounties for clearing have resulted in a painful loss. Against this background, UNESCO has become aware of the importance of orchard cultivation and has declared it an intangible world cultural heritage.

The role of orchards

Orchards are not only a beautiful sight, but also species-rich biotopes that are home to many animal and plant species. These cultural landscapes are closely interwoven with human knowledge and traditions. Old craft techniques and cultural customs, such as planting trees on special occasions, are an integral part of this tradition. Nevertheless, the meadows are under pressure: drought, lack of water and pest infestation endanger the populations. unesco.de describes these challenges and the importance of voluntary work that keeps orchards alive.

In order to preserve the cultural landscape of the orchards, adapted management is necessary. The landscape conservation association provides important information and advice, both for municipalities and for individuals. Targeted renovation and maintenance measures are also currently being carried out in the Main-Kinzig district. The communities of Bad Orb and Maintal have already recorded and renovated valuable stocks. lpv-mkk.de also mentions the existing working groups, which consist of committed citizens and experts and are available on site to answer questions about the topic of orchards.

Events and enjoyment

A highlight of the orchard weeks are the workshops and events that enable participants to experience and taste the orchard up close. At the weekly market in Linsengericht-Altenhaßlau, a table fruit stand will also be providing fresh fruit from September 13th. There are also a variety of recommendations for hiking and cycling tours, including the apple wine and orchard route and the Spessart trail “Hailer-Meerholzer Rauen-Berg-Spur”.

The list of participating companies is long and diverse, including well-known names such as Schlaraffenburger Aschaffenburg, Café Kränzchen Bad Orb and Kelterei Walther GmbH from Bruchköbel. If you would like to get to know the local fruit varieties and how they are processed in detail, please visit www.spessart-tourismus.de/streuobstwochen all information.