Hikes in Hesse

The Geo-Nature Park not only offers beautiful views, but also great biodiversity. Hiking trails lead through forests, valleys and up mountains. With a little luck, hikers can observe wild animals such as lynxes, peregrine falcons and wildcats on their tours.

On the Grimmsteig, which runs 84km on five stages through the north of Hesse, you can also discover the High Meißner. In addition, the hiking trails lead through the Söhre and the Kaufunger Wald.

In addition to the fairytale tours inspired by the Brothers Grimm, you should not miss the Kellerwald-Edersee Nature Park in northern Hesse. Around Lake Edersee there is plenty to discover, and not just for those who like to hike by the water. The Urwaldsteig Edersee trail runs through dense forests and offers wonderful views of the Hessian countryside. You don't have to hike all 6 stages around Lake Edersee, but can also choose one tour.

Children will also have fun on the hiking trails around Lake Edersee. Take the short adventure tour, for example, which starts in the wildlife park and leads to the treetop trail. There is even an adventure hiking map for the little hikers.

When you follow the course of the river Lahn, from its source near Bad Laasphe to its confluence with the Rhine, you will encounter different types of landscape. The Lahnwanderweg, a good 300 kilometres long, is considered a quality trail and can be divided into 19 stages. The river valley is partly framed by rocks; wild and romantic, it leads through forests, meadows and towns. The Lahn-Dill-Bergland-Pfad (Lahn-Dill Mountain Trail) leads all the way to Marburg, and extra tours are available.

Nearby, the Rothaarsteig trail runs for over 150 kilometres, in places also through the Westerwald in Hesse. The region is dominated by forests, meadows and juniper heath. One of the Top Trails of Germany is the Westerwaldsteig, which is over 200 kilometres long. For day hikes, you can also choose between several Westerwald tours, including the Greifenstein loop. Those who prefer to walk can stroll along one of the „Kleine Wäller“ which provide information on topics such as basalt and water. You can relax at one of the Westerwald lakes.

In Frankfurt am Main, the largest city in Hesse, there are not only high-rise buildings, but also a lot of nature. Parks and gardens invite you to discover and relax, as does the „Grüngürtel“. The circular hiking trail through it is considered innovative, with meadows, forests, streambeds, fruit meadows and playgrounds. It is also easy to hike along the Main with children.

The region around the Vogelsberg Geopark, which stretches north of Frankfurt am Main, is also worth a trip. The area in Hesse is named after the Vogelsberg, Europe's largest extinct volcano. The top hiking trail „Vulkanring“ offers more than 100 kilometres of beautiful routes. The one or other extra tour, such as the one to the Taufstein, the highest elevation in the district, or around Herbstein, offer a wonderful wide view of the Vogelsberg Geopark.

On a clear day, you have a wide view from the top of the mountain road. In the warmest region of Hesse, spring starts early, with fruit and almond blossoms. Enjoy hiking trails such as the Blütenweg and Burgensteig.

Enjoyment and history, the Rheingau in western Hesse is also known for this combination. A particularly beautiful tour leads from Wiesbaden through the region: the premium hiking trail Rheinsteig. On this hiking trail you will not only be treated to magnificent views, but also to fine wines.

On the Rheingau Klostersteig (Monastery Trail) you can reach six places of worship over a distance of 30 kilometres, such as Eberbach Monastery, Marienthal and St. Hildegard's Abbey. Nearby tourist attractions include the Niederwald Monument and the old town of Rüdesheim. The rose town of Eltville is romantic. The landscape above the Rhine is charming because of its vineyards.

In addition to the Feldberg, beautiful towns such as Idstein and Bad Schwalbach are popular destinations for excursions at any time of year. After a hike, Hessen offers many hearty specialities, accompanied by wine or „Äbbelwoi“.