Riding through nature on Frankfurt’s doorstep – Nidda Cycle Path

In the midst of beautiful nature, an inconspicuous little river splashes out of the earth. The Nidda rises at Landgrafenborn and flows into the Main 100 kilometers later in Frankfurt. Unfortunately there is no railroad far and wide that can bring you to the source. It was dismantled as early as 1960. But don't worry, a Vulkan-Express bus will take you to Hoherodskopf, about four kilometers from Landgrafenborn. You can find information here: rmv.de/c/de/start/vgo/freizeit/vulkan-express/allgemeines.The first stage is particularly easy to drive. It's only 25 kilometers long and it's almost always slightly downhill. Right from the start, extraordinary natural sights await you: the raised bog in the Breungeshainer Heide, one of only two raised bogs in Hesse. Then you come to the rafting pond to the nature reserve Bannwald Niddahänge. There it is worthwhile to briefly leave the cycle path and walk to the babbling Nidda.The first major place on this stage is Schotten. Shortly before you drive into the city, the bird park with a café, petting zoo and a sensory park is on the left. The old town of Schotten is enchanting with its many half-timbered houses. Here you can spend your lunch break. South of the old town, directly on the Niddaufer, is a beautifully landscaped park.You drive comfortably past the Nidda reservoir and across meadows. Again and again the path leads you directly along the Nidda. The destination of the stage is in Nidda, which has a train station. There are two options for the next stage: Either continue directly along the Nidda or take a short detour via Bad Salzhausen.

For the second stage you have two options, which only differ in the first ten kilometers. In this variant you drive from Nidda via Ranstadt.If you haven't already done it, you should drive into the old town in Nidda. There are many beautiful half-timbered houses, a castle and in the Johanniter Park even a church tower without a church.The tour continues through floodplain landscapes, where animals and nature feel comfortable. There are also bird watching stations and information boards along the way. Not only interesting for ornithologists, but also for everyone who wants to get out of Frankfurt a bit to get close to nature.A longer stop is worthwhile in Staden. There is a nice restaurant in the architecturally interesting Ysenburg Castle there. Next to it you will find a park and not far from it, right on the bike path, a nature reserve and a fountain where you can refill your water bottle.The further stage always takes you directly along the Nidda and you follow the river as it meanders through beautiful meadow and floodplain landscapes and flows through pretty villages. For even more variety, there are also some works of art that were set up next to the bike path.The end of the second stage is in Bad Vilbel. After the stage you can cool off in the outdoor pool, get on the train or, if you still have strength and inclination, join the 20-kilometer third stage. It leads you through the Frankfurt green belt to the mouth of the Nidda in the Main.

For the second stage you have two options, which only differ in the first ten kilometers. In this variant you drive from Nidda via the health resort Bad Salzhausen.A little detour into the old town of Nidda is worthwhile. There are many beautiful half-timbered houses, a castle and a few cafes. In Nidda you drive over the river of the same name. Not far from your bike path is the Johanniterpark with a church tower without a church. Then it goes over a small slope to Bad Salzhausen, where you can relax in the spa gardens.The tour continues through floodplain landscapes where animals and nature feel comfortable. There are also bird watching stations and information boards along the way. Not only interesting for ornithologists, but also for those who want to get out of Frankfurt a bit to get close to nature.A longer stop is worthwhile in Staden. There is a nice restaurant in the architecturally interesting Ysenburg Castle there. Next to it you will find a park and not far from it, right on the bike path, a nature reserve and a fountain where you can refill your water bottle.The further stage always takes you directly along the Nidda and you follow the river as it meanders through beautiful meadow and floodplain landscapes and flows through pretty villages. For even more variety, there are also some works of art that were set up next to the bike path.The end of the second stage is in Bad Vilbel. After the stage, you can cool off in the outdoor pool, get on the train or, if you still have strength and inclination, join the 20-kilometer third stage. It leads you through the Frankfurt green belt to the mouth of the Nidda in the Main.

The last stage on the Nidda cycle path is short and very easy to ride. At the same time, it is an idyllic excursion through the wonderful nature in Frankfurt's green belt. If you live in or near Frankfurt, this short stage is also a nice idea for a half-day excursion. The tour begins in Bad Vilbel, the starting point is easily accessible by train.From Bad Vilbel you first drive directly along the Nidda and follow its meanders through the fields. To the left and right of the river there are always larger and smaller sections left in their natural state, so that plants and animals have enough space to develop.In Bonames you can make a detour to the old airport, which has now been renatured and converted into a park. There is a nice café in the former tower. Then it goes on through the green belt of Frankfurt. There are great parks on your way, such as Volkspark Nidda or Brentanopark.After you passed under the second oldest railway bridge in Germany, you will soon have reached the mouth of the Nidda. It flows almost unspectacularly into the stately Main, 100 kilometers after it drips from a rock.If you follow the course of the river for a few meters, you will reach the small but special Höchst old town with its castle. Not far from there you can get on the train at Frankfurt-Höchst station.