On the wooded ridges near Idstein, the Taunus Limes crossed some of its highest and most remote ground, and Watchtower WP 3/23 is one of the many sites along this stretch. The asterisk in the official label suggests a site whose exact location is uncertain or reconstructed from survey work, which is common along the frontier, where many towers survive only as faint mounds in the forest. Still, walking the Limes trail here, with the bank and ditch running through the beech woods, gives a real sense of the Roman border.
Idstein, three kilometres away, is one of the prettiest towns in the Taunus, with a perfectly preserved old town of half-timbered houses, including the elaborately carved Killingerhaus, which now houses the tourist office. The Hexenturm, the witches' tower, is a reminder of the darker times of witch trials in the seventeenth century, and the castle and the Unionskirche, with its baroque paintings, are also worth a look. The town has a lively square with cafés and restaurants, and it is a pleasant place to break a ride.
The Taunus is the playground of the Frankfurt area, and its roads are popular with motorcyclists, especially on weekends. From Idstein, routes lead through forests and valleys toward the Großer Feldberg, the highest peak in the Taunus at 879 metres, with its observation tower and views over the Rhine-Main area, and down to the Rhine at Eltville or Rüdesheim. Roads around the Feldberg have a long history of accidents and noise complaints, with speed limits and controls to match, so check for current restrictions and ride responsibly. The roads are well surfaced but can be crowded, and the forest shade keeps them damp after rain.
Idstein has fuel, shops and restaurants, and the nearby towns of Niedernhausen and Bad Camberg also offer services. The local food is typical of Hesse: Grüne Soße, a herb sauce served with potatoes and eggs, Handkäse and apple wine. If you are following the Limes, the Saalburg, a reconstructed Roman fort near Bad Homburg, is worth the detour, offering a vivid picture of life on the frontier.