They say you should keep work and private life separate – but I’m making an exception and convincing my mum Ursula to explore the Fulda Cycle Path with me this spring. After a short round of planning, our excitement for our first cycling trip together quickly begins to grow.
In bright sunshine and with the best weather forecast ahead, we set off by car on the roughly 1.5-hour journey to Gersfeld in the Rhön. After a relaxed, stress-free arrival, we arrive at Hotel Gersfelder Hof full of curiosity. Following a well working check-in, we explored the old town before soon settling in at the Hotel and Restaurant Krone Post. A vegan burger and a traditional tarte flambée make for a delicious start to an active week.
Re-energized by a lovingly prepared breakfast, we don’t wait long before joining other cyclists for the transfer to the Wasserkuppe. Our bikes are securely loaded, and our day luggage is stowed in the back of the van. After a short drive, we reach our destination and set off straight away. A small climb rewards us with a panoramic view over the Rhön. Then it’s downhill along the spring of the Fulda, rolling back through Gersfeld and continuing along the Fulda Cycle Path. It quickly becomes clear: bright yellow rapeseed fields and majestic storks shape the landscape. After a few kilometers, just off the cycle path, we discover an ice cream vending machine from the Eisheiligen.de ice cream parlor in Hettenhausen and treat ourselves to a takeaway ice cream. Following a short lunch break in Eichenzell, we reach Schloss Fasanerie on the outskirts of the town and enjoy the afternoon sun in the beer garden, accompanied by relaxed music. We soon arrive in Fulda and at Hotel Fulda Mitte, where we round off the evening with a leisurely stroll through the city.
After a successful first day of cycling, we’re already looking forward to the second stage. Excited about reaching the charming castle town of Schlitz, we get back on our bikes and leave the lively city of Fulda behind, taking one last look at the cathedral. We cycle leisurely along the quiet Fulda, enjoying the peaceful path and the views of swans, ducks, storks, and once again the brightly glowing rapeseed fields. For a short stop, we visit the Schlitz Distillery, then park our bikes safely above the church and explore the town on foot. The small town is quickly discovered – the castle museum and the impressive Hinterturm can only be admired from the outside, and the heated outdoor pool is still closed that day. So we spontaneously opt for a lunch break at an ice cream café before continuing our journey towards Bad Hersfeld. From Schloss Eichhof, shortly before reaching our destination, we manage an unmarked detour and arrive in Bad Hersfeld quite quickly. In the evening, we head out on foot once again to explore the historic old town and end the day relaxing on the balcony of our room at Hotel Haus am Park.
Well strengthened by a hearty breakfast, we feel ready to explore the many highlights of the day. In the morning, we reach Bebra, stroll a bit through the town, and finish with a visit to the well-known water tower. Back on the cycle path, we pass the Breitenbach bathing lake and continue towards Rotenburg an der Fulda, a charming yet historic town. We enjoy a short break before cycling on via Morschen, stopping at the former Haydau Monastery, and then heading towards Melsungen. We receive a warm welcome at the Pension Alte Scheune Melsungen and relax with an ice-cold shandy on the cozy terrace in front of the house. After around 70 kilometers in the saddle, we can definitely feel the effort – especially my mum, who finds it a bit challenging to reach the upper floor of the guesthouse. But the lovingly furnished room makes up for it, and a refreshing shower brings new energy. At the Ratskeller in the old town, we reflect on the day before ending the evening with a game of Nine Men’s Morris at the pension – and finally turning off the lights.
The smell of freshly brewed coffee greets us in the stairwell, and the beautifully arranged buffet in the cozy breakfast room is the perfect start to our final stage. Today is Labour Day, and as expected, the lively and scenic route is much busier than before – more cyclists, hikers, and general hustle and bustle. Still, we enjoy the countless bridges, sheep along the path, and the increasingly lively Fulda. Since we are travelling close to home, with Kassel practically on our doorstep, and still seeking relaxation, we avoid the city center and stop for lunch at the Fulda terraces at the House of Pancakes, where we enjoy savory pancakes and refreshing drinks. Back on our bikes, we follow the crowded cycle path and feel relieved when the town sign marks our departure from Kassel. We then cycle the final 30 kilometers at a relaxed pace, reaching the Hotel Fulda near the old town of Hann. Münden in the late afternoon. We explore the historic town on foot, enjoy the view from the Fährenpfortenturm, and then treat ourselves to a small ice cream at the Weserstein. We round off our final evening together on the terrace of the Ratsbrauhaus.
After our final breakfast, it’s time to pack our bags. Together with other guests, we wait briefly in front of the hotel for the return transfer. Once the trailer is loaded and the luggage is safely stored, we set off back to Gersfeld. After a summery and varied week, we begin our journey home from there.
The Fulda Cycle Path: From the source to Hann. Münden
Well-signposted, flat, and mostly asphalted paths make the daily distances of around 60 km easy and relaxed to cycle. Charming highlights, small towns, and the peaceful landscape turn this rural region into a truly special experience.
My first cycling trip with my mum was something truly special – filled with beautiful moments, shared time, and little adventures. The Fulda Cycle Path and the wonderful spring weather definitely helped us slow down and gave us a break that we will never forget.
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