Keep on track! Hessen Railway Cycle Route

Well connected: the Hessen Railway Cycle Route consists of various trails following disused railways and is an absolute pleasure to cycle, with a wealth of unspoilt scenery dotted with cultural highlights.

The route starts in Hanau, the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm. You can then choose to follow the long-distance cycle route through the Wetterau region or along the edge of the Spessart hills, past palaces and Celtic barrows. The route continues along the disused tracks of the Oberwald railway through the Upper Vogelsberg nature reserve and into the medieval town of Lauterbach, past the palaces in Ortenberg, Gedern and Eisenbach. The royal palace and cathedral in Fulda are also well worth a visit. The tour ends in Bad Hersfeld, home to the biggest Romanesque monastery ruins in the world. Terrain: the route runs along disused railway lines with some hilly sections. The Hessen Railway Cycle Route is well-maintained and uses asphalt paths. Traffic-free apart from some sections through towns. Scenery: the route runs from the Rhine-Main region through the Hessian hills and through the Spessart, Upper Vogelsberg and Hessian Rhön nature parks. River meadows, beech forests and panoramic views are typical features.

• Length: 245 kilometres
• Starts: Hanau
• Ends: Bad Hersfeld
• Route info: hilly in parts, easily managed with children, majority of route suitable for trailers