Germany Guide
Hesse
The Rhön Biosphere Reserve
East of Fulda and accessible by hourly buses (#26; €3.70), the 950m Wasserkuppe is the highest mountain of the Rhön and the highest point in Hesse. The landscape was formed by volcanic activity in the Tertiary period. The Rhön region – which stretches into Thuringia and Bavaria – has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to safeguard its pristine upland landscapes, so it comes as a surprise to find the summit of the Wasserkuppe so cluttered. There's a useful information centre (Tues– Sun 10am–4pm; 06654/91 83 40, www.rhoen.de) and an aerodrome as well as the Deutsches Segelflugmuseum (daily: April– Oct 9am–5pm; Nov– March 10am–4.30pm; €3;wwww.segelflugmuseum.de), packed with full-size and model gliders: the summit has been the main centre for gliding in Germany since the 1930s. Beyond the cluster of buildings, you'll see paragliders launching themselves off the grassy summit – there's a school (06654/75 48, www.wasserkuppe.com) should you want to join them. A circular walk around the summit offers breathtaking views south over neighbouring peaks and west towards Fulda. On the northwest side at Märchenwiesenhütte there's a summer toboggan run (€2) and, in winter, blue, red and black skiruns. You can rent ski gear on site. The Rhön is splendid hiking country: the 215km Fulda Weg and the 89km Rhön Rennsteig Weg – which links the Rhön and Thüringer Wald – start here. Unsurprisingly, it's also a popular destination for bikers.