Zahlbach was the first suburb of Mainz to be incorporated into the city. The sheep pastures near the Römersteine still give the area a rural feel right in the heart of the city.

In Roman times, an aqueduct ran through the Zahl or Zaybach Valley, carrying water from Finthen and Drais to the legionary camp on the Kästrich. A walk around the remains of the aqueduct can be an exciting journey through history.

The Wildgrabental valley on the edge of Mainz's Bretzenheim district is not far from the Zahlbachtal valley. Following renovation work in recent years, it has become a scenic gem—the renaturation of the valley has been more than successful: where a concrete drainage channel once cut through the valley, a small, natural-looking stream now winds its way through the fields. Between the meadows and fields in the valley are areas of water and small and large boulders.

Although the Wildgrabental area is not particularly large and, depending on the wind direction, the noise from the highway feeder road can be heard, this does not detract from the recreational value of the curved valley. With its natural colors and sparkling water surfaces, it offers a wide range of recreational opportunities: jogging, cycling, walking, and relaxing.

On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for a bit of cultural history, it’s just a short walk to the nearby Old Brickworks and the Brick Museum. Ludwig Anselm Rosbach founded the brickworks as early as 1900. In the past, around 30,000 bricks were produced on the site every day; today, this industrial monument serves as an educational, recreational, and cultural center. Visitors can also enjoy some wonderful “local recreation” on the green grounds of the brickworks.