Ungedanken: Discover Hiking and History

Ungedanken lies in the Eder Valley at the foot of the Büraberg, 280 m above sea level. Its location gives the village a distinctive landscape: hiking trails lead to views over the Ostenbach Valley, while the Büraberg is associated with a Frankish fortress. If you enjoy spending time outdoors and learning about regional history, the marked trails and historical themes offer different ways to shape your trip.

Hiking trails of varying lengths

Five hiking trails are marked for Ungedanken:

• Büraberg Tour: 5.0 km
• Ameisenweg (Ant Trail): 5.0 km
• Rothhelmshausen Tour: 6.5 km
• Doornkaathüttenweg: 4.5 km
• Grenzweg (Border Trail): 14.5 km

The distances make it easy to compare the length of each route: at 4.5 km, the Doornkaathüttenweg is the shortest of the five, while the Grenzweg is the longest at 14.5 km. The Büraberg Tour and Ameisenweg are each 5.0 km long; at 6.5 km, the Rothhelmshausen Tour falls in between. This lets you start your planning by choosing a suitable distance.

The U2 Ameisenweg offers views over the Ostenbach Valley. Numerous anthills in the surrounding area are protected.

The U1 Büraberg Tour also has its own distinctive character. It starts at the multifunctional building and includes a section of the Ars Natura art trail. If you are interested in art as part of a hike, this offers a special addition to the other marked trails. The Büraberg Tour is 5.0 km long.

The Büraberg and local history

From the late Merovingian period, the Büraberg was home to Büraburg, a Frankish fortress covering around 8 hectares. Its long history gives the hill a significance that goes beyond its role as a landmark in the landscape.

Ungedanken’s history also includes other religious heritage. In 1864, the village had its own synagogue. Today’s Brigidenkirche served as the cathedral church of the Diocese of Hesse. These distinct historical connections add further dimensions of regional history to the story of the Büraberg.

Getting here and planning

Ungedanken railway station is on An der B 253. If you plan to arrive by train, check the current timetable before setting off; departures and services may change. This will help you plan your journey using the connections currently in service.

Fritzlar as a cultural destination in its own right

Fritzlar offers a distinct cultural focus of its own. In 2004, Fritzlar Cathedral of St. Peter received the honorary title of Papal Basilica. The cathedral includes crypts with the high tomb of Saint Wigbert, the cathedral library and cloister, as well as the collegiate building with its cathedral museum and treasury. These historical and cultural sites differ markedly from the hiking and Büraberg themes in Ungedanken.

The Evangelical Town Church, also known as the Franciscan Church, is a two-aisled Gothic hall church. It was built in the first third of the 14th century, after a Franciscan monastery was founded in 1237. It has been an Evangelical town church since 1817. Its artworks include a crucifixion group dating to around 1320, a Marian fresco from around 1330, and a Baroque altar dedicated to St. John of Nepomuk from 1735. A guided tour is available on request and must be arranged in advance.

The Grey Tower offers another historical perspective: it is one of the tallest surviving town fortification towers in Germany. Its four floors display numerous details about Fritzlar’s history. A walking tour of Fritzlar covers around 2.5 km along the almost completely preserved town walls. In Fritzlar, the town church, tower and town walls take centre stage, while Ungedanken offers its own highlights in the form of marked hiking trails and the history of the Büraberg.

For an overview of the wider area: Fritzlar.