Discover Olberode: Lake, Stirnloipe and railway cycle path

Olberöder See brings a seasonal touch to Olberode: in summer, it is used for swimming and fishing; in winter, for ice skating. Other attractions include the Stirnloipe through the Knüll hills, the Rotkäppchenland railway cycle path and traces of regional history.

Lake and facilities in Olberode

Holiday guests can fish at Olberöder See. A fee-paying visitor permit is issued only on presentation of a valid visitor card and a valid fishing licence. Olberode’s visitor facilities include a water-treading pool and a forest fitness trail, as well as an idyllically situated barbecue area with a shelter.

Winter on the Stirnloipe

The Olberode Stirnloipe starts on Schwarzenbörner Straße in Oberaula, in the district of Olberode. Its two easy circular routes wind through the Knüll hills and are 5 and 7 kilometres long, respectively. As both are considered easy, the choice depends mainly on the preferred route length.

Cycling route on a former railway line

The Rotkäppchenland railway cycle path follows the route of the former Knüllwaldbahn railway. Olberode lies along the route between Weißenborn and Hausen. At Olberode station, the cycle path reaches its highest point at 420 metres. The former railway line defines the character of the route, and the station is a named high point along it.

A find from Olberode’s past

A flint dagger found in the district of Olberode is estimated to be around 3,500 years old and is held at the Schwalmstadt/Ziegenhain local history museum. The find connects the town’s name with a distant past and adds an archaeological note to its nature and outdoor activities.

In the wider destination of Oberaula

The Aula valley and its side valleys shape the wider destination of Oberaula. It is surrounded by the forested hills of the Knüllgebirge, which rise to heights of 500 to 600 metres; Oberaula itself lies in a valley basin with hilly and rocky landscapes. The area includes three small streams: Garteröder Wasser, Ostern and Hauser.

Oberaula has a well-marked and signposted network of hiking trails, as well as extensive maps for planning individual tours. The network is suitable for short stages and longer day hikes alike. Gentle climbs, wide valleys, beautiful forests and views across the natural landscape characterise the hiking experience.

Oberaula lies directly on the Rotkäppchenland railway cycle path. The route passes through Oberaula and was built on a former railway line; its gentle gradients make it suitable for family-friendly cycling. Culture is also part of the wider destination: a restored organ is one of Oberaula’s cultural and historical attractions. The Jewish cemetery at the exit from the town towards Kirchheim features valuable gravestones that bear witness to the once large Jewish community.

When looking for accommodation, you can decide whether to focus mainly on the seasonal activities at the lake, the Stirnloipe and the railway cycle path in Olberode, or also include Oberaula’s hiking landscape and culture.

For the wider travel overview: Oberaula.