Kassel Loop Cycle Route 1 - Stage Kassel - Hessisch Lichtenau

Initially flat and asphalted. In Niestetal forest paths but easy to cycle on. Ascent in Kaufunger Wald, then flat via the Herkules-Wartburg cycle path, well signposted, suitable for families except for the ascent

Difficulty level: ★★☆☆☆☆
Trail quality: ★★★★☆
Signposting: ★★★★☆

From the Kassel basin, the route leads over the foothills of the Kaufunger Wald forest and through the Lossetal valley to the "Frau-Holle town" of Hessisch Lichtenau. The half-timbered villages of Kaufungen and Helsa are crossed on the way. Near Nieste there are beautiful views of the Kaufungen Forest.

Through the southern part of Kassel and the Karlsaue state park with its baroque orangery, you follow the R 1 Fulda cycle path for a while until you reach the harbor bridge. From here, follow the local cycle path signs via Sandershausen and Uschlag up the Nieste valley to the village of Nieste. The cycle routes in the Nieste valley are gravel.

Near Niesteyou can visit the "Niester Riesen". The group of sequoia trees is close to the route. At the top of the hill there are restaurants with views of Nieste and the Kaufunger Forest.

The route quickly descends to Kaufungen via the country road with motor vehicle traffic. The beautiful town center of Oberkaufungen has many half-timbered buildings. There are refreshment stops in the town center near the community center. The tour leads up to the historically significant collegiate church. There is a small view of the town from up here.

The pretty town of Helsa is reached via the Herkules-Wartburg cycle path. Here you will find a pretty town center with many half-timbered houses (refreshments available). You can take a detour to the waterwheel at the top of the hill. The water cascades can be found south of Helsa. On the way to Fürstenhagen, a longer gravel path must be used on the Herkules-Wartburg cycle path for just under one kilometer.

The stage town of Hessisch Lichtenau has an old town with half-timbered buildings. The old half-timbered town hall houses the Holleum, which provides information about the fairy tale of Frau Holle. On the edge of the old town is the Frau Holle Park with beautifully designed works of art on the theme of fairy tales.

***************
Services and support on site

Kaufungen
Bicycle repair service:
Optimum Bike, bicycle service Kaufungen, Tel. 0175 2524816