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

At 700 metres (2,300 feet) above sea level, in the volcanic Vogelsberg Mountains between the cities of Frankfurt, Gießen and Fulda, springs the Nidda River. Curiously, it doesn’t spring at the source of the Nidda, but slightly above at Landgrafenborn. Here, a tiny river trickles out of the rocks before meandering almost 100 km (62 miles) through the central German state of Hesse and flowing into the Main between Höchst and Nied, two city districts of Frankfurt.

The landscape changes constantly, from wooded low mountain ranges to high moors, reservoirs, and parks – everything you could want for a great bike trip. Many nature reserves, that are home to various plant and animal species including birds, also lie en route. As well as wonderful nature, you pass cultural sites such as castles, pretty old towns with half-timbered houses, and several works of art.

A few years ago, I lived in Frankfurt for a short while, but I unfortunately didn't have my bike with me. If I had known back then that there was such a great cycle path just outside the city, I would definitely have brought my bike. That’s why I decided to create this Collection. If you live in and around Frankfurt, you can easily escape the hustle and bustle of the city on your two wheels. You can follow the river from its source to its mouth in just a weekend, or even a day. So get out and head to the Vogelsberg Mountains!

You can reach the cycle path with the train, but you can take the Vulkan-Express-Bus with your bike to Hoherodskopf peak, which is just four kilometres (2.5 miles) from Landgrafenborn. For more information (in German), see: rmv.de/c/de/start/vgo/freizeit/vulkan-express/allgemeines. It’s even easier to get home from the mouth of the river via Frankfurt-Höchst railway station, which is the second largest station in the metropolis of Main and an important regional transport hub. On your adventure, you’ll find several places to stay overnight ranging from campsites to spa hotels. You can also hop on and off the train at several places en route or choose to only ride the third stage in Frankfurt’s green belt. Of course, there’s no shortage of good, regional food to keep you energised on your rides either. So now you see, it’s easy to get out into nature – you just need your bike and your legs.