Eppstein

Eppstein is a town in the German state of Hesse, located in the Main-Taunus-Kreis at the eastern edge of the Taunus mountains, about 20 kilometers west of Frankfurt am Main. It lies on a rocky overlook above the Kittelbach valley, and its skyline is defined by the ruins of Burg Eppstein, a medieval fortress that stands as a prominent landmark.

The name Eppstein derives from Burg Eppstein, which served as the seat of the Counts of Eppstein in medieval times. The town grew in the Middle Ages as an administrative and trading center for the surrounding countryside. Today, Eppstein preserves a historic town center with timber-framed houses and narrow streets that reflect its long history.

Notable features include Burg Eppstein, the preserved old town, and the network of nature trails in the Taunus that attract hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding area is characterized by wooded hills, small streams, and scenic views over the Rhine valley on clear days.

The local economy consists mainly of small businesses, services, and tourism. Eppstein is connected to the Frankfurt metropolitan region by regional roads and rail links, serving both as a residential community for commuters and as a local destination for visitors.

The municipality has approximately 11,000 residents. Local government is led by a mayor and a town council within the state framework of Hesse, reflecting Eppstein’s role as a small, historically rooted community in the region.