Taunus

The Taunus is a ridge of hills some 70km/45mi long between the rivers Rhine, Main and Lahn and the Wetterau. It culminates in the Grosser Feldberg (881m/2,891ft), the highest peak in the Rhenish Uplands. It is made up of slates, with beds of quartzite and a few rounded hills of volcanic origin. The higher levels are covered by fine beech and oak forests, with some conifers. On the side nearest Frankfurt the Taunus presents its steep southern slopes which, sheltered from the harsh north winds, have one of the mildest climates in Germany, producing excellent fruit, almonds and, at Kronberg, sweet chestnuts. The Taunus is also the region in Germany which is richest in mineral springs; the springs along the south side of the hills have led to the establishment of a series of famous spas.