On the Hessian Long-Distance Cycle Route R4
Starting from Bad Vilbel, the Hessian Long-Distance Cycle Route R4 offers various interesting, moderate day trips on a consistently well-signposted route towards the Main Valley and the Odenwald.
The route leads to the charming half-timbered towns of Babenhausen (49 km) and Groß-Umstadt (65 km), or as more challenging tours up to the Otzberg Fortress (72 km) or even through the Odenwald to Hirschhorn in the lovely Neckar Valley (133 km).
You can join the trail anywhere within the city area along the Nidda.
Consistently marked with the green “R4” sign, most of the route runs along low-traffic, quiet, and secluded paved cycle paths and farm tracks.
Train connections are available in Babenhausen, Groß-Umstadt, and Hirschhorn, each via the Odenwald Railway to Frankfurt and then continuing with the S6 line back to Bad Vilbel.
After crossing the Main with the Rumpenheim ferry, you can alternatively switch to the Main Cycle Route and continue cycling to the picturesque town of Seligenstadt (41 km) or to Aschaffenburg in Franconia with its impressive castle (59 km).
All routes and train connections are also available in the opposite direction.
Tour details
The Volcano Cycle Path largely follows the route of the former Oberwaldbahn, an old railway line that led from Lauterbach over the Vogelsberg mountain range and through the Wetterau region to Frankfurt.
The Regionalpark Nidda Route is a unique river experience full of contrasts. It leads through the fields of the Wetterau, one of Germany’s oldest cultural landscapes, to the source in the idyllic Vulkanland Hoher Vogelsberg Nature Park.
The Hohe Straße Regional Park Route follows the historical course of an old trade route and leads through vast landscapes as a ridge-top trail. You quickly feel “far away” and closer to the sky. Spectacular panoramic views open up in all directions, from the settlements in the valley to the Frankfurt skyline and the Ronneburg hills.
The cycling route “Around Bad Vilbel” is a 23-kilometer, easy-to-ride, highly varied circular cycling route with gentle inclines. It touches not only the core city of Bad Vilbel but also all its districts: Dortelweil, Gronau, Heilsberg, and Massenheim. Everywhere there are special features to discover, including nature, water, art, culture, and regional cuisine.
Consistently marked with the green “R4” sign, most of the route runs along low-traffic, quiet, and secluded paved cycle paths and farm tracks.
Marked throughout with the green “R4” sign, most of the route runs along low-traffic, quiet, and secluded paved cycle paths and farm tracks.
Consistently marked with the green “R4”, most of the route runs along low-traffic, quiet and secluded, paved cycling and farm roads.
Marked throughout with the green “R4” sign, most of the route runs along low-traffic, quiet, and secluded paved cycling and farm tracks.
Welcome to Bad Vilbel, the City of Springs and Festivals – and the perfect starting point for all cycling enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a sporty challenge, prefer a leisurely ride along the Nidda, or fancy a longer bike tour into nature: diverse cycling routes, services, and delightful moments await you here.
