Biohotel in Hessen Nord

Organic vacation in Hesse North

Hesse North is the historical core area of ​​today's federal state of Hesse . The region is not clearly defined, but the name has become well established in the tourist area. Kassel is the largest city in northern Hesse and was formerly the capital of Hesse. Geologically, it is a wooded low mountain landscape with the Rothaar Mountains including the Upland, the Fulda-Werra Mountains, the Kellerwald, the Knüll Mountains and other small mountains. The highest mountain is the high Wasserkuppe (950 m) in the Rhön. Important rivers are the Werra and the Fulda as well as the Weser , which they unite to form. There is the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park and four other nature parks in North Hesse.

Hiking and cycling in the Rhön

The Rhön low mountain range is a paradise for hikers and cyclists alike on organic holidays. In the extraordinary low mountain landscape - a UNESCO biosphere reserve since 1991 - hikers and cyclists discover unique natural treasures, valuable biotopes, semi-natural primeval forests, mysterious moors, basalt mountains, idyllic river valleys, species-rich mountain meadows and an unparalleled expanse and freedom. The landscape has been managed very carefully for centuries. This preserved their distinctive character, which leads to unforgettable nature experiences. The breathtaking beauty reliably captivates nature lovers.

The Hochröhner® was named the most beautiful long-distance hiking trail in Germany in 2010. It leads over unforested heights, to which hikers are guided with first-class signage. There are also many other interesting hiking trails over shorter distances that are very family-friendly and can also be accessed with strollers. The basaltic plateaus of the Röhn at an altitude of up to 950 m also magically attract cyclists. Here you can enjoy leisurely touring cycling with the whole family, and there are also exciting mountain bike trails. The routes lead through flat river valleys and up steep climbs. At the top, mountain bikers enjoy the view of the mountain ridge.

Some bike tours lead along the main rivers of the Rhön (Fulda, Werra, Franconian Saale, Kissinger Rhön), others take the route through Rhön-Franconian valleys. Individual tours include:

• Rhön circular tour: Wasserkuppe – Fulda – Fladen
• Discovery tour from Eisenach through the Werra Valley
• Rhön-Rennsteig cycle path from Fladen to Oberhof
• Rosatal cycle path from Wernshausen to Weilar
• Nördlingen – Kassel
• Augsburg – Kassel
• Vacha – Geisa

Top hiking trails in Willingen (Upland)

In and around Willingen, nature lovers are out and about in a “Quality Region of Hiking Germany”, which is designated by the German Hiking Association. In addition to Willingen, the hiking villages include ten other communities that do everything they can to ensure that hikers can discover the region without any worries. The designated routes present the most exciting landscapes and places, and organic holidaymakers can get advice from the tourist information centers and organic hotels. Here you will receive tailor-made tour suggestions and lots of personal tips - for example about which routes are particularly suitable for families and which excursion destinations are very worthwhile.

The entire hiking trail network around Willingen (Upland) is around 300 km long . The charming paths offer breathtaking views and romantic nature, historical, modern and geologically interesting sights as well as places for contemplation and relaxation. Selected hiking trails around Willingen (Upland) include:

• Willingen circular hiking trail (W6)
• Willingen – Hochheide Neuer Hagen
• Willingen – Niedersfelder Hochheide (valley tour)
• Uplandsteig
• Sourdough
• Langenberg circular route
• Schmalahtal circular hiking trail

Willingen is also an ideal winter sports location

The community of Willingen im Upland belongs to the Waldeck-Frankenberg district and was first mentioned in a document in 1380. It is not only a hiking place, but also a winter sports place . The World Cup ski jumping takes place here every year. The city's landmark is a viaduct from the early 20th century, over which a rail connection currently runs. The entire Upland is excellently developed for tourism. There are very well-kept organic hotels and organic guesthouses, high-quality restaurants and a wide range of leisure and sports options. Other activities in Willingen are also worthwhile on an organic hiking holiday :

• Adventure golf course
• Go-kart track
• Visitor mine
• climbing hall
• Ice rink
• Lagoon adventure pool
• Hochheide Tower
• Mühlenkopf ski jump
• Cabin cable car
• Summer toboggan run
• Glassblowing
• Wildlife and leisure park

Winter vacationers will find limitless snow fun here with 20 ski lifts, 80 km of groomed cross-country ski trails, a toboggan slope, ski schools and a ski children's area. Hiking is also possible on snowshoes in winter. The local ski schools offer shorter guided snowshoe hikes.