Germany’s Volcano Cycle Path — the Vogelsberg to the Wetterau region

The Volcano Cycle Path winds its way over picturesque hills that were once active volcanoes, and leads over long stretches along the old route of the Oberwald railway. Far away from roads and traffic, you cycle through a unique forest and meadow landscape that’s enchanting with its magnificent views over the rolling hills.

The 95-kilometre (58 mi) Volcano Cycle Path takes you across the largest volcanic massif in Central Europe from the Vogelsberg to the Wetterau. You won't see any classic cone volcanoes, but you will enjoy Hessen's beautiful landscape with natural highlights such as the Oberwald forest and the Hoher Vogelsberg nature park. The entire route is well-maintained and pleasant to ride. Thanks to the smooth asphalt and the long downhill sections, the Volcano Cycle Path is not only extremely popular with cyclists, but also with longboarders.

Not only does the beautiful landscape of Central Hesse awaits you, but also idyllic villages and pretty towns with charming half-timbered houses and historic castles. Both here and along the cycle route itself, you find numerous restaurants and cafés for relaxing breaks. At the stage destinations, you can choose between hotels, guesthouses and holiday flats.

I’ve divided this route from Schlitz to Altenstadt/Höchst into three stages, each about 30 kilometres (18.6 mi) long. If you only have one weekend, you can also cycle the route in two stages. The best way to get to the starting point in Schlitz is with the Vulkan (Volcano) Express bicycle bus. It runs from the beginning of May to the end of October on weekends and public holidays. You can find the timetable at rmv.de/c/en/homepage. From Altenstadt/Höchst, this route’s final destination, you can simply take the train home.

If you’re not ready to leave though, you can continue cycling on Hessen's dense network of cycle paths, for example on the BahnRadweg Hessen: komoot.com/collection/491