1000 kilometres of cider and orchard cycle routes in Hesse
The Hessian cider and orchard routes add up to no less than 1000 kilometres in total. Reason enough to first concentrate on a sub-region, such as the Wetterau north of Frankfurt am Main.
Eight tours between 20 and 43 kilometres in length, uniformly marked with a red apple and a surrounding green arrow as a logo, lead cyclists through attractive areas of the Wetterau district. The routes mostly run on cycle paths, forest tracks and farm tracks, occasionally on small country roads.
The topography is predominantly flat to slightly hilly, with only steeper inclines towards Nidda. Where the local wine is usually served in wine taverns, on the cider route it is of course "Äppelwoi", which is often accompanied by "Handkäs' mit Musik", a low-fat sour milk cheese dressed with onions, vinegar and oil.
From the more than 1000 kilometres of cider and orchard routes in Hesse, we have selected three routes in the Wetterau region, all of which can also be combined into one large tour:
Cider route "A castle, a pearl and many roses":
Wetterauer Mitte" cider route:
Wetterau Golden Gate" cider route:
Journey:
Nidda, Bad Nauheim, Büdingen, Bad Vilbel and Friedberg can be easily reached by DB, RB and Hessischer Landesbahn, www.bahn.de
Tour combinations:
The cider route can be easily combined with the Volcano Cycle Route, the Hessian long-distance cycle routes R4 and R6, the Boniface Route, the Celtic Route and the Limes Cycle Route.
Accommodation tips:
Gasthofbrauerei Zur Traube in Nidda, www.hotel-zur-traube.de
Pension Apfelstübchen in Büdingen, http://apfelstuebchen.de
Hotel am Limes in Altenstadt, www.hotel-altenstadt.de
Further tips: www.awor.de
Culinary tip:
More than 100 caterers, farm shops, museums, nature conservation and horticultural associations along the eight circular routes provide insights into Wetterau cuisine and traditions and invite visitors to seasonal festivals such as harvest festivals, apple festivals and wine press demonstrations. Addresses at www.awor.de
Maps and literature:
Kompass cycle map FK3069 "Wetterau, Vogelsberg, Bad Nauheim" at a scale of 1:70,000 for 7.99 euros. Bikeline cycle map "Wetterau Vogelsberg" 1:75,000 for 6.90 euros.
Information:
Hessian Cider and Orchard Route in the Wetterau District e. V., www.awor.de
The complete article was published in Trekkingbike issue 6/2016. You can download the issue in the Trekkingbike app (iTunes and Google Play ) or in the DK-Shop order.
