Discover Nüsttal: Trails, villages and history

Nüsttal is located in the Vorder Rhön. Gentle hills of volcanic origin, attractive meadow valleys and picturesque villages give the landscape its character. Marked hiking trails, a cycling route, Baroque buildings and the Ulmenstein basalt lake offer different ways to explore nature and local history.

Hiking and cycling in Nüsttal

Marked hiking trails pass through the municipality’s eight villages. They help visitors find their way as they explore on foot. The asphalted Nüsttal Cycle Route is about 26 kilometres long and runs through the Nüsttal villages of Silges, Rimmels, Morles and Gotthards. The route passes through small villages and includes occasional gentle climbs.

These differences can help with planning your trip: the cycle route’s length, asphalt surface and climbs provide concrete points of reference, while the marked hiking trails pass through all eight villages. If you are travelling with people who have different interests, you can weigh up whether a cycle ride or exploring on foot better suits your plans for the day. This focus can also help guide your choice of where to stay.

Chapels, views and basalt

The Ulmenstein circular trail leads to two chapels on hilltops near Mittelaschenbach and Hofaschenbach. From there, you can enjoy sweeping views over the Rhön mountains and Nüsttal. The chapels and expansive views shape the character of this trail. Another landscape feature is the Ulmenstein basalt lake: it was formed by basalt quarrying and is framed by imposing basalt columns.

Baroque landmarks and castle ruins

The buildings also bring local history to life. The Catholic Church of St. Mauritius in Haselstein was built in 1732 in the Baroque style. The Baroque Nüsttal Bridge was built in 1752 at the entrance to Rimmels. Their architectural styles and dates offer two notable starting points for exploring the history of the villages.

Haselstein is also home to castle ruins on the Schlossberg. They can be reached via a narrow, steep path, so sure-footedness and sturdy footwear are required. If you plan to visit, take the path conditions into account as you prepare.

In the wider Fulda destination

In Fulda district, the Rhön offers opportunities for hiking and cycling. The Wasserkuppe is the highest mountain in Hesse and one of the district’s notable places. These regional attractions broaden the picture beyond Nüsttal’s trails and villages.

The Main-Kinzig-Fulda Cultural Summer has been held for more than 27 years. As part of the festival, more than 100 events in music, theatre, art exhibitions, literature and other fields receive funding. Venues are spread across Main-Kinzig district and Fulda district. If you would like to include an event in your travel plans, check the dates in advance.

The work of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve enriches the educational landscape in Fulda district, including through junior and senior ranger programmes and the certification of biosphere schools and day-care centres. Hundreds of events are also held each year, including nature and adventure tours and markets.

Regional food is also part of this wider context: the Rhön quality seal “Quality of the Biosphere Reserve! The Rhön” is awarded to regionally produced food from value chains that are in line with the objectives of the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Burghaun, Ebersburg, Ehrenberg, Rasdorf, Petersberg, Kalbach, Tann, Großenlüder

Go to the main travel overview: Fulda.