Hilders – Nature Trails and History

Hilders lies in the heart of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve and the Hessian Rhön Nature Park. There are several highlights to help you find your bearings: panoramic views from Buchschirm, a bird trail with information boards and bird calls you can listen to, circular routes along the Ulster and the fish trail, and historical sites in the town center. There is also a connection to the HOCHRHÖNER® long-distance hiking trail and a cycling route along a former railway line. If you are looking for a hotel in Hilders, you can plan your stay around the things that interest you most: nature, outdoor activities or local history.

Nature at Buchschirm and in Ritterschlucht

Buchschirm is the local mountain of Hilders. At 746 meters, the “Krone” viewing platform offers 360° panoramic views across the Hochrhön and Ulster Valley and far into Thuringia. The views make Buchschirm a clear choice for anyone who wants to take in the landscape from a viewpoint. Buchschirm is also home to the Ulstertal Star Cinema, with a special reclining seat for observing the night sky. This mountain thus combines expansive views across the region with a dedicated place for stargazing.

Another nature highlight is in Ritterschlucht: the bird trail is around 3 kilometers long and shares information about local birdlife on 14 information boards. QR codes also let you listen to the calls of the birds featured on the trail. The route combines information about local birdlife with the audible calls of the birds. The trail’s length is approximate; the number of information boards and the audio feature give it its distinctive character.

Hiking: Circular Route and Long-Distance Trail

The Rhön Circular Route 1, “Ulster & Fish Trail,” is an easy, 3-kilometer loop with an approximate walking time of one hour and 27 meters of elevation gain. The route starts at the Hilders community center, follows the Ulster and the fish trail past Sandenhof, and returns to Hilders. The distance, approximate walking time and elevation gain give you different ways to plan your day. Unlike the bird trail, the loop connects the Ulster with the fish trail and specifically returns to its starting point; the bird trail focuses on local birdlife and the calls you can listen to.

If you are planning a long-distance hike, several marked access trails connect Hilders directly to the HOCHRHÖNER®. You can start or continue your long-distance hike from Hilders. The hiking bus takes visitors from Hilders to selected starting points for hikes; from there, you can return on a route of your choice. The bus’s operating days, fares and destinations may change. Check these details before planning your trip.

Cycling Route and History in Hilders

The Milseburg Cycle Path follows the former Rhön Railway line through the countryside between Hilders and Fulda. This offers a cycling route alongside the hiking options, with its own distinctive feature: it follows the former Rhön Railway line. When planning your activities, you can choose between a circular hike, a connection to a long-distance trail and a cycling route.

The Hilders Historical Circular Trail leads through the town center and introduces historical buildings, former inns, mills, churches and other landmarks connected with the development of Hilders. The town’s history is explored through different kinds of places, not just a single building. Another historical site is the ruin of Auersburg on the southern slope of Auersberg. It is a ring-wall structure that probably dates from around 1350 or later, and is now a popular destination for hikers and day-trippers. While the circular trail takes in several sites connected with the town’s development, the ruin is a distinct historical destination in its own right.

Discover more destinations: Hofbieber, Rasdorf, Dipperz, Großenlüder, Ehrenberg, Burghaun, Neuhof, Ebersburg

For the main travel overview: Fulda.