Location and landscape
Gössenheim is a municipality in the Main-Spessart district in Lower Franconia, Bavaria. The Wern flows through the municipal area. Gössenheim lies on the Wern–Lauer Plateau within the natural region unit Mainfränkische Platten and belongs to the region Franconia.
Relief and climate
The municipal area extends from about 160 to 305 metres above sea level. The prominent steep slope on the Kühbach and the deeply incised Wern valley are characteristic. In the area Homburg, steep slopes, dry grassland and a particularly warm, dry climate determine the appearance of the landscape.
Soils and viticulture
The landscape around Homburg is located predominantly on the Lower Muschelkalk. Shallow Rendzinas developed from a loamy-calcareous top layer over bedded Muschelkalk. Vine-growing is carried out on the sunny slopes near the Homburg castle ruins. For Gössenheim, the sites Ingolstall, Arnberg and Erlbach are also documented. Gössenheim–Homburg belongs in the Middle Main area to the Großlage Roßtal.
Historical context
Gössenheim is first documented in writing in the year 779. The origins of the Homburg castle ruins are traced back to around 1018. Within the designated protected area, open grassland habitats are maintained through a combination of mowing and grazing. Vine-growing accounts for only a very small share in the edge areas of the protected area.
