Hiking in the Rhön Mountains

The Rhön Club has developed well-marked trails throughout this beautiful countryside. Many towns including Gersfeld, Hilders, Tann, Poppenhausen and Ebersberg are connected by a series of trails traversing hills, forests, meadows, farmlands, etc. The center of each town has a 'sign tree' designating the symbols for each trail. You may choose 'Rundwanderwege' (loops) in and around a specific town or venture off for a vigorous trek to the next town. Bus service is excellent in this area, but be sure to check schedules prior to your hike. We once hiked from Hilders to Tann (approx. 15km) and came very close to missing the last bus out of town, so be careful and plan ahead. Always be prepared for weather changes in 'The Rhoen.' We've been caught in horrendous rain squalls several times.

Quick Tips:

Be sure to visit the Wasserkuppe, Milseberg, Kreuzberg, Wachtkuepple and Rotes Moor. All are day hikes and well worth the effort and time.

Best Way To Get Around:

Two very clean apartments. Price is for two persons. We've stayed here several times and felt very welcome. Everything you need included linens, full kitchen, feather beds, large bathrooms. The larger apartment has a balcony. The host speaks some English, but not a lot, so e-mail contact is preferred over phone. About a 20 minute walk to city center and trains or to the Rhön.

A wonderful 'home away from home' situated in the shadow of the Wachtküppel chapel on the hill. Very clean, wonderful kitchen and private bath. A car is a must here as it's about a mile downhill to the nearest grocery store (then back up again with your purchases.)

We've stayed here two times and found it to be a great place. Very clean, close to center of town, hiking trails just up the hill. Kitchen and private bath.

Another fine 'German' pizza place. They serve very good local specialties as well and we've tried them all. Very good food at reasonable prices. Don't miss this one......

Hop on the train in Fulda and head for Gersfeld Rhön. From here you can hike 'forever.' We especially enjoyed the hike to the Wasserkuppe and then on to the smaller village of Poppenhausen. Then hike uphill all the way to the Wasserkuppe. Visit the flight museum there, watch sail planes glide overhead, take a ride on the luge (ski slope bobsled-like tracks for carts) - lots of fun. Then its all downhill to Poppenhausen. From there you can catch a bus back to Fulda. In this area of Germany, train and bus tickets are interchangable.

This hike begins in Hilders. Pack a hearty lunch and head out for a full day of walking over hill and dale. The trail meanders thru the forest and then thru a small village on to the Milseberg. The small St. Gangolfe Kapella (Chapel) graces the top of the mountain. After the steep climb, stop and enjoy a bowl of hot pea soup and a sausage at the tine hut. If you're really lucky, someone will have carried an accordian up the hill and that improves the atmosphere. You might even want to join in the singing. After the hike back down the hill, you can retrace your steps back to Hilders or even better, stop at Gasthaus Grabenhöfchen for a tall glass of 'weissenbier' before hopping on a bus back to Hilders.