Hikes in Grebenau

The Lutherweg 1521 commemorates the route Martin Luther took in 1521 on his way to Worms (and back), following the "invitation" of Emperor Charles V. Not all sections are authentic, but many are, as the path follows centuries-old trade and military roads.

The Lutherweg 1521 commemorates the route Martin Luther took in 1521 on his way to Worms (and back), following the "invitation" of Emperor Charles V. Not all sections are authentic, but many are, as the path follows centuries-old trade and military roads.

Completed hike within the framework of the ULTRAMARSCH VIRTUAL MEETS REAL - formats (see https://www.ultramarsch.de/i/vr). The tour here is created from my GPS record.

Our route runs gently hilly through fields, forests, and meadows on well-walkable paths.Note: GPS-guided hiking!

From the community center Niederjossa (parking lot), the route goes mostly over paved forest paths to Schlitz. Return route mostly via the Fulda cycle path.

Extensive forests, fields with hedges and field margins, and cozy meadows form a fabulous cross-section through the beautiful, tranquil landscape in the southern Knüll.

The well-preserved Herzberg Castle, the largest hilltop castle in Hesse, stands majestically atop the Hirschberg. Quite steep, root-covered paths wind through dense forest up to the fortress, where the castle tavern invites visitors to stop for a break.  From bus stop 1 below the church, we follow Grebenauer Straße toward “Grebenau.” After about 100 meters, we turn right onto Herzberger Weg and let the symbol of the Burgen-Weg (white cross) guide us. Be sure to watch for this symbol at the numerous forks along the way as you ascend to the edge of the forest. Just before the forest, a bench (No. 2) under the pine trees invites you to take a break and enjoy the panoramic view.We walk straight into the shady forest, where we should keep an eye out for the black-and-white markings. At a prominent crossroads 3 after a long climb, the route (vaguely marked) veers to the left, though we leave the easy path again after just 250 m. We now continue uphill to the right on an overgrown, root-covered trail. After a short climb, we cross a forest road straight ahead and continue the hike on an easy path (White Cross). However, here too we turn left and head uphill after just a few steps. The castle towers are already visible through the treetops. Soon we’ll be standing at the foot of the impressive medieval structure 4. Most of the complex dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Since that time, the estate has belonged to the Barons of Dörnberg. Hermann von Dörnberg was a prominent supporter of Luther, who also played an important role in Luther’s “abduction” to Wartburg Castle . More recently, Herzberg Castle has become known for the music festival named after it. You should allow some time for the tour and a stop at the castle tavern.From the parking lot, we follow the paved access road along Borgmannweg toward “Grebenau” (white triangle). After just 200 m, the trail markers direct us to the left onto a forest path. Caution: We immediately cross a forest road and continue on the somewhat overgrown path across from it. Pay attention to the trail markers and do not follow the Lutherweg! The root-covered path leads straight ahead (!) the entire time and is mostly downhill. Along the way, we cross several forest roads (pay attention to the trail markers!). Only at the bottom of the valley, near a pasture 5, do the black-and-white trail markers direct us to the left. At a paved cross path not far from a farm, the hike turns left onto the Borgmannweg. However, just 150 m further on, at the signpost, we ignore its branching trail marker—we continue straight ahead here and reach Wallersdorf 6 after a short time. In the village, the route crosses the main thoroughfare (Hersfelder Straße) and continues along Berngeröder Straße on the opposite side. This leads us to the bridge over the small Jossa River. Immediately after the bridge, the trail turns left and, a few steps further on, veers onto the path leading to the tire service building. We walk past it and later keep to the right at the wastewater treatment plant. In wide arcs, the path winds through the beautiful floodplain landscape back to Hatterode 1.

Three-day tour

Schwarzenbachteich - Schwarzenbachsgrund near Grebenau

Rainrod long Alternative - Virtual Schwalmtal Cup Link to the virtual Schwalmtal Cup under Details