THE REVIER
The Vogelsberg is a small low mountain range in the federal state of Hesse, located in the centre of the triangle formed by the cities of Frankfurt/M., Fulda and Marburg. Its mountains and hills form the largest contiguous volcanic area in Central Europe. The supposed highest peak is the 764 metre high Hoherodskopf with its telecommunications tower visible from afar. However, the basalt dome of the Taufstein in the immediate vicinity is actually the highest point at 773 metres. There is an old stone observation tower (Bismarck Tower). With the exception of the Hoherodskopf plateau, which is sometimes heavily frequented by tourists, the Vogelsberg is a fairly secluded area. So if you extend your tours, you can enjoy a lot of nature and discover secluded paths. Nevertheless, please be considerate of hikers! Many bikers come to the Hoherodskopf because of the three single trails that are part of the Vogelsberg Arena MTB network. Around 160 kilometres of routes have been signposted in the region. Information and maps are available at Hoherodskopf (information centre), but other entry points are also possible. The three single trails (Wildsau-, Fuchs- and Hirsch-Trail) all start at Hoherodskopf and lead into the valley at the beginning. However, they are signposted as circular routes, so the second half is uphill again (partly on forest tracks). The lengths of the trail loops: Wildsau 13 km, Fuchs 22 km, Hirsch 21 km. There is no shuttle service or lift to transport bikes.
You can find the GPS data for these tours in the download area below:
- TOUR 1: Hirsch-Trail extended (37.9 km | 682 m elevation gain | red on the map)
- TOUR 2: Reservoir loop (35.6 km | 488 m elevation gain | yellow on the map)
- TOUR 3: Wildsau-Achter (25.1 km | 695 m elevation gain | purple on the map)
Journey
By car from the south via the A7 motorway (Würzburg-Fulda, continue via Herbstein to Hoherodskopf) or the A5 motorway (via Frankfurt/M., Butzbach, Schotten to Hoherodskopf). From the north via the A7/A5 motorway (Kassel-Alsfeld, continue via Ulrichstein to Hoherodskopf). Travelling by train is difficult as there are no lines in the surrounding area. Distance (Hoherodskopf) from: Kassel 130 km, Frankfurt/M. 70 km, Nuremberg 250 km.
Bike shops / Guided tours
- Kokopelli Bikepower, Am Hoherodskopf 2 in Schotten, Tel. 06044/9659552, www.koko-pelli.deKlaus Marbe's bike centre is located right next to the Taufsteinhütte. In addition to bike hire (from hardtail to enduro), the guide offers guided tours and riding technique courses.
- Radsport HWG Gedern, Lauterbacher Straße 44 in Gedern, tel. 06045/950510, www.hwg-radsport.de; Head Eckhard Haas and his team are passionately committed to cycling. In addition to the shop, they have founded their own MTB team. And with the Vulkan Race, the club organises a national league race. Info: www.vulkan-race-gedern.de
Event
The Schotten Volcano Bike Marathon takes place every year. The course of the new 2018 route has not yet been finalised. But those who tackle the full distance will have around 80 kilometres and 1800 metres of altitude in their legs by the end. Info: www.tgv-schotten.de
Maps
- Mountain bike and winter sports map "Hoher Vogelsberg", available from the information centre at Hoherodskopf. Weatherproof paper ensures long durability.
- Topographical leisure map, sheet 4 "Hoher Vogelsberg", precise map with all hiking trails and accompanying booklet (sights etc.), ISBN 978-3-89446-441-7
Accommodation
In the region you will find mainly smaller hotels, inns, guesthouses and holiday flats. Overview under www.vogelsberg-touristik.de
Our tips:
- Taufsteinhütte, Am Hoherodskopf 2 in Schotten, Tel. 06044/2381, www.taufsteinhuette.devaried menu! In addition to flats, chef Jürgen Carnier offers overnight stays in wine barrels. The mini huts are located right at the start of the trails and even have a small veranda.
- Budget: You can stay overnight at the friendly youth hostel on the Hoherodskopf at a reasonable price, www.hoherodskopf.jugendherberge.de
- There are well-equipped campsites at the Nidda reservoir (Tel. 06044/1418), Gederner See, www.campingpark-gedern.de and Nieder-Mooser See, www.camp-erlebnis.de
General information
Vogelsberg Touristik, Am Vulkaneum 1, 63679 Schotten, Tel. 06044/966930, www.vogelsberg-touristik.de
SCENE SPECIALS
Bike parks
- There is no official bike park à la Geißkopf in the Vogelsberg. But there are two great alternatives: Near his bike station, Kokopelli boss Klaus Marbe has built a small practice area with obstacles in the forest. It's okay for riding technique courses and test rides.
- Also on his own initiative, Eckhard Haas from Bikeshop HWG Gedern has built an MTB practice park in Gedern (15 kilometres south of the Hoherodskopf). In addition to a 4.5 kilometre cross-country course, there are several northshores and a pump track. Please register in the shop before using! Info: www.hwg-radsport.de
Food and drink
The Vogelsberg has always been a rural, sparsely populated region. To this day, many recipes are based on potatoes. For example, Salzekuchen, a mixture of tarte flambée and quiche. Or beulches. These are potato dough sausages with eggs, leek, onions and meat.
- After the tour, enjoy the sunset at the Zur schönen Aussicht kiosk. Doro and her barbecue hut occupy the best box seat on the Hoherodskopf at the top of the ski slope. The typical Imbis offer ranges from Vogelsberg bratwurst to volcano fries.
- Delicious Greek alternative: Landgasthof Ziegelhütte, Außerhalb 2, Eichelsachsen (approx. 8 km south of Schotten), tel. 06044/9896616.
- The best ice cream in Schotten can be found at Patrizio Zanando in Vogelsberger Straße 107, while breakfast, coffee and homemade cakes are served at Kulturcafé Zeitlos, Kirchstraße 5.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 5/2018 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
