AUF DEM ROTHEN HORST (3 km)

AUF DEM ROTHEN HORST

Starting points: At the marketplace (Marktplatz), cemetery parking lot – Lohstraße

The Rothe Horst is the geology theme trail, as geology plays a decisive role in the history of Bad Vilbel. In geology, a “horst” refers to a raised fault block; the hill south of the old town, consisting of easily accessible sandstone known as “Rotliegend,” was named the Rothe Horst. From Roman times until the 1950s, this stone was quarried in numerous locations and used for the construction of various buildings as well as all kinds of stonemasonry. Today, the preserved former quarries are natural areas, some of them biotopes, while the spoil heaps were first converted into vineyards and later into meadow orchards. But that’s not all: the unique geological formations also made it possible to extract mineral water via what were once numerous springs and their bottling plants throughout the city.

In addition to a wealth of information on geology and the city’s interwoven history, this short trail offers wonderful views as well as idyllic sections. Relaxing breaks are possible at various points, in the middle of a shady quarry or at the viewpoint of the former vineyard terraces. Starting from the marketplace with its historic buildings, the path quickly leads uphill along the edge of two former quarries, offering views over the city to the Taunus and deep into the Wetterau. Information boards explain the context and provide a chance to catch your breath before heading back down a staircase directly through two accessible former quarries. The path continues along the Edelbach stream and back up onto the Rothen Horst. Now idyllically overgrown with fruit trees, their origins are hardly recognizable. Here, a rest area at the viewpoint invites you to enjoy a picnic and the scenery before reaching the Bad Vilbel cemetery. A detour to the Resurrection Church (Auferstehungskirche) and its churchyard is worthwhile, as the walls and embedded old gravestones bear witness to the use of Bad Vilbel sandstone. Heading downstairs, you reach the Gerberpark. Following the Nidda river, the path leads past the Old Mill (Alte Mühle) and the Moated Castle (Wasserburg) back into the old town. The Fountain Museum (Brunnenmuseum) on the marketplace provides vivid information about the origin and use of Bad Vilbel’s mineral water.