Near Frankfurt between the Rhine, Main and Neckar rivers, preserves over 500 million years of Earth history.
In 2008, I had the opportunity to visit the Bergstraße-Odenwald UNESCO Global Geopark — the second geopark I ever explored. I was impressed by the park’s well-structured management and, thanks to a local guide, I walked along a couple of geotrails that revealed striking geological formations. As a young architect working on designing visitor facilities for Qeshm Island Geopark, I was especially eager to understand how this pioneering European geopark integrates interpretation, access, and conservation in its visitor centers and trail design.
The park has more than 30 well-marked “experience trails.” Many highlighted how the ranger-guided tours under the slogan “Nature with the professional” deliver both educational insight and a soothing, immersive experience.
What fascinated me, too, was how the geopark’s geological heritage is deeply woven into the local lifestyle. The region spans over 3,800 km² between the Rhine, Main, and Neckar rivers, encompassing steep hills, open plateaus, forested valleys, and historic villages. Throughout, traditional hospitality, local cuisine, vineyards, and centuries-old crafts reflect a long-standing cultural identity shaped in part by the geology beneath people’s feet.
Geologically, the park tells a story spanning over 500 million years, truly reflecting its motto: “Between granite and sandstone – continents on the move.” You can observe deep crystalline rocks in the Odenwald mountain core — relics of ancient continental collisions — while the surrounding landscapes feature red sandstone plateaus, karst limestone with caves and sinkholes, and sedimentary layers formed in bygone seas. One of the most iconic sites is the Felsenmeer (“Sea of Rocks”) in Lautertal, where massive boulders, shaped by tectonic uplift and glacial processes, are scattered like a vast rocky sea.
That trip changed how I think about geopark design: for me, the key pillars are thoughtful accessibility, meaningful interpretation, and a respectful partnership with local communities — principles that I now carry into all my work in geopark and visitor-centre architecture.
By: Maziar Adab
