Main Cycle Tour 05 - Stage Frankenberg - Bad Wildungen

Initially gradually ascending, then down into the Wohratal. From Halgehause a long ascent via Haina up to 510 meters in altitude. Shortly before Hüttenrode, descent to Bergfreiheit; another ascent. From Lennkopf mainly downhill or flat. Surface quite paved on roads, side roads and paths; partly without cycle path signposting

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

Leave Frankenberg to the east on the signposted Ohm-Eder cycle path. The route is hilly in the direction of Kellerwald. In Haubern, you can make a detour to the Kellerwald clock. This information facility has exhibitions showing the cultural and historical development of man and beech trees from the Ice Age to the present day.

The park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its gnarled and ancient copper beech forest. More than fifty wooded hills and mountains characterize the unique low mountain range landscape. Around 1000 springs and natural streams have their source in the national park. Where the purest, coolest water emerges from the darkness, groundwater amphipods, alpine whirlpool worms and spring snails can be found. Special plant species such as peony, daphne and large-flowered foxglove form a natural community with animal species that have often become rare, such as the red kite, eagle owl, wildcat and black stork. If you want, you can go on an informative tour of the park with a ranger.

Return to the main route from Halgehausen via district roads to Haina without cycle path signposting. The location of the monastery village is idyllic on the edge of the Kellerwald forest. There are also refreshment stops and catering facilities here. The former monastery complex with its ensemble of buildings is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in Germany.
The complex has been used as a hospital since the Reformation. The monastery church area can be visited for an entrance fee. There is a 5 km circular hiking trail around the former monastery grounds, which introduces the Stamford landscape garden.
Quiet country roads characterize the tour through the southern Kellerwald-Edersee Nature Park to Bergfreiheit. This section of the route is completely off the beaten track without any cycle path signposting. First, the route climbs steadily into the forests of the Kellerwald up to an altitude of around 510 meters. Here, the forest offers a view to the north-east. This is followed by a longer descent via Hüttenrode to Armsfeld

The Snow White village of Bergfreiheit is reached via Fischbach. The fairy tale "Snow White" is anchored in Bergfreiheit. Down by the road, the figures of the 7 dwarfs draw the attention of passers-by to the fairy tale. Further up in the village, the lovingly decorated Snow White House invites visitors to linger. Another attraction is the visitor mine below the village.
From Bergfreiheit, the route follows the Hessianlong-distance cycle path R 5 over the heights towards Bad Wildungen. The R 5 route is partly gravel (mountainous route with gravel on the downhill section). On the descent to the center of the spa town of Bad Wildungen, it is worth making a short stop at the Dr. Marc Tower.

Bad Wildungen also has a lovely half-timbered old town. Europe's largest spa park tempts you to take a stroll. Friedrichsstein Castle towers high above the valley. If you love fairytale souvenirs, we recommend the "Märchenladen" in Brunnenallee 18.