Vulkanradweg

Attention: From 6 October 2025, the section in the castle area of Gedern will be closed. Due to construction work as part of LGS2027, the Vulkanradweg cannot be used through the castle park. The detour leads via Otto-Müller-Straße. It is 94 km long and winds along the route of the former Oberwaldbahn railway through the forests and meadows of the largest extinct volcanic field in Central Europe. It has since even been extended to 245 km through a connection to the Main Cycle Route in Hanau and links to the cycle paths in the Rhön. The entire route from Hanau through the Vogelsberg and Rhön is consistently signposted as 'BahnRadweg Hessen'. Today, the former railway line, known as the Vulkanradweg, has become a byword for enjoyable cycling in the uplands. The smooth surface, considerable width and a maximum gradient of just 3% provide ideal conditions for recreational cyclists, families with children and occasional riders. Cycling on the Vulkanradweg is incredibly enjoyable even in the uplands. It is suitable throughout for skaters, who will find a challenge here. Route description: The Vulkanradweg begins — or ends — in Altenstadt, but strictly speaking, as a cycle path on a former railway line, it starts in Stockheim, since the railway connection via Altenstadt and Glauberg to Stockheim still exists. At the southern end was once one of the region's most important Celtic settlements, Glauberg. An archaeological trail takes visitors through the history of the settlement. The climb is also worthwhile for the viewing platform overlooking the Wetterau. In 1994, Celtic princely graves with rich grave goods were discovered here. Visitors can see a reconstruction of a burial mound, parts of the processional road and the museum housing the Celtic prince. In Stockheim, the neighbouring village of Glauberg, a huge model railway exhibition was installed in the old station building. It depicts part of the former Oberwaldbahn and delights model railway enthusiasts, children and adults alike. The Vulkanradweg continues along the Nidder valley via Ortenberg, with its picturesque old town, to Hirzenhain, which became known for the Buderus iron foundry and, above all, for art casting. Delicate treasures can be found in the Art Casting Museum, located directly beside the Vulkanradweg. In Gedern, the route leads directly through the castle park. The magnificent building now houses a hotel with a restaurant and the municipal administration. The gatehouse contains a small cultural history museum with a model of the Vulkanradweg route. It shows the route as it was when the railway was still operating and what it is like today as a cycle path. Anyone wanting to take a dip in cool water after their ride should head for Lake Gedern. However, reaching it from the Vulkanradweg requires overcoming a few climbs over approximately 2 km. The highest point on the Vulkanradweg, at 600 m, is reached at the former Hartmannshain railway station, where the Südbahnradweg branches off towards Birstein and the Kinzig valley. A broad, park-like landscape now opens out before you. Passing Herbstein, which sits like a mountain village on a former volcanic vent, the route continues towards Lauterbach. At Herbstein, the Vulkantherme offers health-promoting bathing and sauna facilities. Inns with attractive beer gardens along the route invite you to stop for a break, and in Ilbeshausen you can admire the Teufelsmühle, one of the region's most magnificent half-timbered buildings. Just before Lauterbach, Eisenbach Castle rises unmistakably above the landscape. Fortunate are those who still have time to linger in the magnificent park with its huge fir trees, which seem almost to tower above the castle from the valley. Those not deterred by the climb to the castle can relax at the Burgpost restaurant over coffee and homemade cake. Once in Lauterbach, young and old pedal knights can relax and switch off after a long day, or take the return journey on the Vulkan-Express cycle bus. Anyone still feeling energetic can continue towards the Fulda valley. The Vulkanradweg is signposted all the way to the Fulda and leads through the spa town of Bad Salzschlirf along a former railway line, superbly developed as a cycle path, to the castle town of Schlitz. A day could not end more romantically than in the park of Hallenburg Castle, home of the State Music Academy, on the banks of the Schlitz. Alternatively, enjoy a panoramic view from the tower of Hinterburg on the castle hill. A friendly 'tower keeper' awaits visitors and operates the lift up to the tower. There were once four castles on the castle hill, most of which have survived. The castle museum provides information about the region's traditions and crafts, Schlitz linen and grain distilling. Traditional businesses for both industries still operate in the town, and their products enjoy an international reputation and can be taken home as souvenirs.