Discover Malsfeld: cycle routes, the Fulda and mills

Cycle routes, riverside scenery, and traces of milling and brewing give Malsfeld a distinctive character. The landscape includes forests, meadows, floodplains, hilltops, landscape and nature reserves, as well as the Fulda and various streams. When planning your trip, you can focus on cycling, hiking, culture, or spending time by the water. In Beiseförth, a campsite right on the Fulda provides an additional accommodation option.

Cycle Routes and Mill History

The 236-kilometre Fulda Cycle Route R1 passes through Malsfeld and Beiseförth. The 234-kilometre Hessian Long-Distance Cycle Route R5, also known as the North Hesse Eder-Fulda-Werra Route, also passes through Beiseförth. At 22 kilometres, the Beisetal Mill Cycle Route is a shorter ride: it runs from its source near Hainrode through the Beise Valley to its confluence with the Fulda at Beiseförth. There were once 26 mills along the Beise; the names of at least twelve are still known. Some mill wheels have been preserved and are still in operation.

You can also explore local history on foot: the Brewery Heritage Trail is a short circular walk to historic sites associated with brewing in Malsfeld. The Brewery Museum presents the town’s centuries-old brewing tradition. The 193-kilometre Elisabeth Trail 2 passes through Malsfeld and forms part of the Hessian Way of St James. The municipality provides hiking routes for download; however, not all hiking trails are signposted yet. Use the route downloads to help you find your way, and take the gaps in signposting into account when planning.

Crafts, Fairy Tales and Culture

The Basketmaker Museum explores different types of wickerwork, individual stages of basket making, and finished woven goods such as cradles, chests, and baskets. Historical documents, tools, photographs, and display panels provide insight into aspects of rural everyday life, past and present. The Art and Culture Mill in Beiseförth hosts art exhibitions and cultural events. The cultural focus thus ranges from crafts and everyday history to brewing traditions and art.

The Beiseförth Fairy-Tale Mill is a family destination centred on fairy tales. It presents fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm with accompanying explanations. Miniature houses stand along a small stream fed by a spring on Mount Beisenberg. Directly opposite is a Kneipp facility with benches, continuously supplied with fresh, cold spring water from Mount Beisenberg.

The Fulda and Beiseförth as a Base

The Beiseförth natural swimming lake was created at a former gravel extraction site. The lake and campsite are on the outskirts of Beiseförth, right by the Fulda. The campsite offers pitches for motorhomes, caravans, and individual tents, as well as the necessary sanitary facilities. If you are considering it as a base for your stay, check availability before your trip. You can explore the Fulda in the Malsfeld area by boat or canoe; water conditions and operator requirements may vary.

The Beiseförth recreation area is accessible by car via the A7 and B 83, and by canoe or kayak via the Fulda. The long-distance cycle route R1 runs 200 metres away; the site also has its own landing stage. Malsfeld and Beiseförth each have a stop on the Kassel–Bebra railway line, with free parking available at both. Check current services if travelling by train. Important for cycling plans: the bicycle cable ferry across the Fulda between Morschen and Malsfeld is closed until further notice.

Discover more destinations: Bad Zwesten, Schrecksbach, Willingshausen, Homberg/Efze, Morschen, Edermünde, Fritzlar, Frielendorf

Back to the main travel overview: Schwalm-Eder District.