© Autor Patrick Pfaff, Rotkäppchenland

Railroad cycle path Rotkäppchenland

Short facts

  • start: Neustadt (Hessen)
  • destination: Niederaula
  • medium
  • 60,00 km
  • 4 hours
  • 655 m
  • 431 m
  • 206 m
  • 80 / 100
  • 20 / 100
  • Download GPX

best season

Fairytale cycling from Neustadt(Hesse) to Schwalmstadt and then on the former railroad line to Oberaula and further through the Aula valley to Niederaula.

The railroad cycle path Rotkäppchenland connects the fairytale landscape of the Schwalm with the Fulda valley in Niederaula. Experience fascinating views of nature and landscape on the approx. 60 km long bike path from Neustadt (Hesse) to Niederaula. Historic railroad buildings, railroad bridges, railroad signs and markers are as much eye-catchers as modern works of art along the way.

The trail leads through idyllic meadow valleys and wooded areas, under old railroad bridges and offers magnificent views! Without much effort you cycle slightly uphill on the former railroad line and reach the highest point of the cycle path at Olberode station. Along the way are small villages and towns like Neukirchen or Schwalmstadt.

The Rotkäppchenland rail bike trail begins at the train station in Neustadt(Hesse) and initially leads partly parallel to the federal highway, partly along farm roads, to Schwalmstadt.

From Schwalmstadt-Treysa to Oberaula-Wahlshausen the cycle path leads along the route of the former "Knüllwaldbahn" through meadows and forests, villages and half-timbered towns. Due to the construction of the cycle path on a former railroad line, there are only gentle ascents and descents with a maximum of 2.8 percent. This makes the Rotkäppchenland rail bike path comfortable to ride and also excellent for family outings. Without much effort, you will reach the highest point of the rail bike path (420 meters) at Olberode station and can then enjoy a nice, relaxing descent. Historic railroad buildings, railroad bridges, railroad signs and markers are as much eye-catchers as works of art and fascinating views of nature and the landscape. Rest areas, beer gardens and restaurants invite you to take a break.The bike park Neukirchen with pumptrack and kids/running bike pumptrack is located directly on the railroad cycle path Rotkäppchenland.

From Oberaula-Wahlshausen the bike path is led off the railroad line through the Aula valley to Niederaula. From there you can reach the festival town of Bad Hersfeld on the Fulda cycle path. A 200 km long round trip leads along the railroad cycle path Rotkäppchenland, the Schwalm cycle path, the Eder and the Fulda cycle path and can be booked as a package with 2 or 3 overnight stays: "BahnRadFluss -GrimmHeimat mit Genuss".

The Bahnradweg Rotkäppchenland is integrated into the Germany-wide D cycle route network as part of the D 4 route, which runs from west to east, from Aachen to Zittau.

The German Unity Cycle Route, which connects the former capital Bonn with the federal capital Berlin, also passes through the Rotkäppchenland rail cycle route. Schwalmstadt-Ziegenhain is now home to a modern bike station that not only offers weather protection and a rest area along the German Unity Cycle Route, but also provides information via a modern touchscreen, offers WLAN and charging options, and has tools, an air pump and running water at the ready.

The section between Schwalmstadt and Neustadt (Hesse) is currently routed via Wierra due to the construction site of the A49 and is signposted accordingly.

Along the cycle path are several geocaching hiding places, e.g. here.

Here you can find the new brochure Märchenhaft Radeln (Fairytale Cycling) with the railroad cycle path Rotkäppchenland. Information about sights, route, gastronomy and accommodation can also be found on the information boards along the cycle path.

"With the wheel by Schwalm" and "experience journey Rotkäppchenland" are called great film, which the Hessian broadcasting station shot at the railroad cycle track Rotkäppchenland and which is to be seen in the ARD Mediathek.

The virtual Little Red Riding Hood can appear at the information boards with the help of the app of the German Fairy Tale Route. Give it a try!

Auto-Route der Deutschen Märchenstraße
Diese Tour

General information

informations
  • Cultural Interesting
  • Barrier-Free
More info

Der Bahnradweg Rotkäppchenland ist voraussichtlich bis zum 14.06.24 im Bereich Heddersdorf/Kirchheim wegen einer Baumaßnahme gesperrt. Eine Umleitung ist ausgeschildert. (Stand 22.04.24)

Getting there

Along the railroad cycle path there are several parking lots, which are signposted as "parking lot railroad cycle path Rotkäppchenland".

Track signage

 

 

Weather

Next steps
Download GPX

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