Discover Fuldatal: Fulda Cycle Route, Forest Swimming Pool and Culture

There are different ways to shape your stay in Fuldatal: cycle along the Fulda, spend time at the forest swimming pool, enjoy the views on a hike or explore local and regional history. The places described are in several districts, including Ihringshausen, Simmershausen and Wilhelmshausen. This lets you plan your trip around your own interests without treating all the attractions as one connected itinerary.

Cycling along the Fulda

From Ihringshausen, car-free paths lead past the Märchenmühle or the forest swimming pool to the Fulda valley floor and the Fulda Cycle Route R1. You can choose your route along the cycle path according to the direction of the river: comfortable rides are possible upstream, for example to the Orangery in Kassel’s Karlsaue park. Downstream, the route continues all the way to Hann. Münden.

These destinations give your planning a concrete framework: the connection to the Orangery is one example of an upstream ride; downstream, the cycle route leads to Hann. Münden. Hiking, by contrast, is all about views of the landscape. If you want to take current trail conditions into account, check them before setting out.

Forest swimming pool and landscape

The Fuldatal Forest Swimming Pool in Ihringshausen has four heated pools: for non-swimmers, swimmers, diving and small children. The pool complex is therefore designed for a range of uses. As seasonal opening times may vary, it is a good idea to check them before your visit.

Hiking also offers a different perspective on the surroundings. In Simmershausen, Wahnhausen, Knickhagen and Wilhelmshausen, the surrounding hills and mountain slopes repeatedly open up views of village properties, quiet valley landscapes and the loop in the Fulda near Simmershausen.

In Wilhelmshausen, the riverside promenade along the path invites you to linger. It adds a place to pause alongside the views of the landscape. Together with the hiking viewpoints, it offers a choice between getting active on the hills and spending time by the river.

Culture and history in the districts

The Fuldatal Local History Museum in Simmershausen has folklore and natural history departments, as well as a small geology department. If you plan to visit the museum, check the opening arrangements in advance.

Wilhelmshausen is home to the Marienbasilika, a Romanesque church that belongs to the former Wahlshausen Monastery. Also in Wilhelmshausen, the riverside promenade along the path invites you to linger, offering a quieter point of interest alongside the historic sights.

Another topic is the currency reform. The “Museum of the 1948 Currency Reform” exhibition features newsreel reports from 1948 and eyewitness accounts at media stations. An exhibition on the currency reform was established at an authentic location in 1993 and has been presented in a newly designed format since April 2024. Exhibition details may change as updates are made; check the current information before visiting.

The historical background also includes the secret meeting to prepare for the currency reform: it took place in the barracks building of the former Rothwesten military barracks, Haus Posen.

Plan your stay around your interests

The differences between the activities can help you choose: the Fulda Cycle Route offers named destinations and a way to orient yourself according to the river’s direction, while hikes open up views of hills, valleys and the Fulda loop. The forest swimming pool focuses on its four pools, while the museum, church and history of the currency reform explore cultural and historical themes. Check the swimming pool’s seasonal opening times and the museum’s opening arrangements to suit your plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Helsa, Naumburg/ Hessen, Lohfelden, Grebenstein, Zierenberg, Habichtswald, Bad Emstal, Kassel.

Back to the main travel overview: Kassel.