The Fulda cycle path R1 — in 5 stages from the Rhön to the Weser

On the Wasserkuppe in the Rhön springs the Fulda. The source is located at 850 meters altitude and this is where the Fuldaradweg begins. To the starting point on the Wasserkuppe you come in the summer best with the Rhönradbus. From there the bike path takes you to Fulda on the 38 kilometer long first leg. It goes downhill practically all the time.At the beginning you roll down the Wasserkuppe on a long descent, past the Feldberg to Gersfeld. Here you meet the source for the first time again on the Fulda, which already has a considerable size here. Through a picturesque green valley you follow the river. Here you have left and right again and again a beautiful view of the hills that line the valley.On the way to Fulda, you will pass through many small towns such as Schmalnau, Ried or Löschenrod, where you can take a break if you feel like it. In Fulda itself, the stage destination, you then have after the day tour a wide selection of restaurants, beer gardens and cafes to strengthen you. The beautiful old town, the Baroque quarter, the cathedral and the city castle invite you to stroll and discover.

Today, it's 51 kilometers from Fulda to Bad Hersfeld. You cycle on a relatively flat, slightly sloping route always near the river through the Fulda Valley.After driving out of town, you dive into a beautiful meadow landscape, through which the Fulda meanders. The bike path passes pretty villages and takes you past gentle hills, romantic forests and wide fields. You always cycle near the river and sometimes even along the banks of the Fulda.On the way you will have the opportunity to stop at a lake for a refreshing break or just to enjoy the view of the water. The one or the other restaurant on the route offers you a cozy rest stop.In the spa and festival town of Bad Hersfeld, today's stage destination, you can really enjoy yourself and take advantage of one of the numerous spa services in the city. So you are recovered and fit for the next day's drive.

On the 53-kilometer stage today from Bad Hersfeld to Melsungen, a lot of idyllic nature awaits you again, which is replaced by some pretty half-timbered towns.Immediately after you have ridden out of Bad Hersfeld, you will find yourself in beautiful nature again. A small section through a grove makes the prelude, then it goes through magical field and meadow landscape, which extends along the Fulda. Left and right, the river valley is lined by wooded hills.About halfway you reach Rotenburg an der Fulda. In the picturesque half-timbered town, you can take a break and stroll through the beautiful old town. If you are hungry, you will also find cozy restaurants and cafes here.Strengthened you then continue your way on the Fuldaradweg, which leads you through beautiful meadows further northwest. The Fulda is very playful here and winds in countless loops across the country. She is accompanied by many lakes, which are right next to her run. In some you can swim, others are nature reserves where you can see waterfowl.In the stage destination Melsungen then waiting for you over 300 half-timbered houses, which want to be discovered during a stroll through the city at the end of the day.

Today is the last stage on the Fulda cycle path. It takes you 64 kilometers from Melsungen via Kassel to Hann. Muzzle at the confluence of the Fulda and Werra rivers. On this last stage, the Fulda valley shows itself again from its most beautiful side.You cycle out of Melsungen directly along the shore and follow the playful arches of the Fulda, which meander through the picturesque landscape at the foot of wooded hills. You drive over wide fields and lush meadows where hundreds of sheep graze and greet you with friendly mowing.Halfway you will reach Kassel, where you can take a break. In the city you will of course find many restaurants and cafés that invite you to stop off. But there are also beautiful parks where you can relax, and Lake Buga, which invites you to swim.After you have enjoyed Kassel extensively, the bike tour continues on the Fulda. For the last few kilometers you can cycle right along the bank and enjoy the beautiful view of the river. At the Weserstein in Hann. Münden ends this stage. Here the Fulda and Werra flow together and continue on their way together as the Weser.

The last stage of the Fulda cycle path takes you along the Weser from Hann. Münden to Bad Karlshafen. You leave the unique scenery with the countless half-timbered houses in the center of Hann.Münden and follow the meanders of the river to the north. In Vaake there is a beautiful fortified church made of field stones directly on the bike path, which invites you to take a short rest.Relaxed, you continue through the gently rolling landscape with a view of the water. With the Gierseilfähre in Reinhardshagen there is the possibility of changing to the other bank to make a stopover in the cult restaurant "Zur Fähre". Again and again you come across inviting rest areas and cycle right along the Weser, sometimes with green meadows between the water and the cycle path.At Bodenfelde the Weser makes a swerve and shortly afterwards you step up a short slope. Along the edge of the forest, you continue to the baroque Huguenot town of Bad Karlshafen, which marks the official destination of the Fulda cycle path. At the revitalized harbor with its baroque buildings you can end the day or you can relax in the Weser-Therme. In Bad Karlshafen you will find a connection to the rail network, so you can start your journey home comfortably.