Rotenburg a.d.Fulda: Old Town, Fulda and Palace Park

Rotenburg a.d.Fulda combines a historic old town with the Fulda river landscape and green paths. Families can choose between historic discoveries, outdoor activities and walks: the town hall tells the story of the Renaissance, while the palace park and circular routes offer different experiences. The permanent exhibition at the mikveh and the seasonal Cuckoo Market in Braach also provide cultural and culinary reasons to visit. You can put together an itinerary to suit your interests and daily schedule.

History in the Old Town and at the Palace

The medieval town fortifications in the old town are protected as an ensemble for historical and artistic reasons. In particular, the section along the Fulda up to the palace was protected from further demolition under the first heritage protection law in 1902. On a stroll through town or a guided tour, you will encounter numerous carefully preserved or restored buildings; this lets you explore the old town beyond its individual landmarks.

At the heart of the historic old town is the market square, which has retained its original form, and its splendid Renaissance town hall, built in 1597–1598. The Landgrave’s Palace also lies right by the Fulda: construction of its present form began in 1570 under Landgrave Wilhelm IV and was completed 37 years later under Landgrave Moritz in the Renaissance style. The Collegiate Church of St. Mary and St. Elizabeth adds another chapter to the town’s architectural history. Construction for the collegiate foundation began in 1370 and was finally completed in 1530; the church also contains a late Gothic baptismal font.

The permanent exhibition at the mikveh, titled “What Remained,” presents six centuries of Jewish life and contributions in Rotenburg and the surrounding area. Together with the town fortifications, town hall and collegiate church, it offers another way to explore the town’s history and culture.

Fulda Riverside, Palace Park and Circular Routes

The palace park is Rotenburg’s largest green space within the town. Its mature trees and landscaped paths invite you to stroll and wander. A water-bound path runs through the old palace park along the Fulda, offering direct views of the river. Walkers, joggers and cyclists can use it, making the park a place to spend time on foot, go for a run or cycle.

The R5 Storchensee circular walking route offers a different experience: it follows the Fulda past fields and meadows to Storchensee, then returns through the palace park. Rotenburg has eight varied walking and circular hiking routes in total, winding through meadows, forests and valleys. When planning an outing, you can choose between a route with named stops and other trails through varied landscapes.

Outdoor Activities and Regional Products

The palace park has a family-friendly playground with slides, a climbing frame, a sandbox and swings, as well as a mini-golf course. The playground, mini-golf and walking paths offer different ways to spend time outdoors. The forest marble run winds through the adventure area around the Heienbachtal, combining nature, exercise and fun. Along the route, the “forest bathing room,” with wooden tubs and loungers, invites you to relax mindfully in the forest.

Bronze statues in public spaces also bring the town’s history to life: they depict scenes from everyday life and historical figures, presenting history and culture in a different way from the buildings and exhibitions.

A seasonal event takes place in the district of Braach: from May to October, the Cuckoo Market is held there on the last weekend of each month. The market has been running since 1995 and offers regional foods such as fresh sausage, cheese and bread, as well as handmade products. Check the current dates before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Braach, Neuenstein, Ronshausen, Alheim, Wildeck, Cornberg, Bad Hersfeld, Breitenbach Am Herzberg.

For the main travel overview: Hersfeld-Rotenburg.