AUENLAND TRAIL (9.7 km)

Natural floodplains and historic walls

This hiking trail is easy to walk. The circular route combines insights into the nature of the floodplain landscape as well as cultivated agricultural land. It passes points of historical interest, such as the town center of Dortelweil and its extraordinary village wall.

 

A leisurely stroll along the Nidda

From the Bad Vilbel festival grounds, the hiking trail initially runs openly along the banks of the Nidda, where views of the Wetterau open up. It then continues, lined by old riverside trees, along the Nidda to the edge of the Bad Vilbel district of Dortelweil. Behind the second Nidda bridge, a tiny passage leads first to the edge of the fields. Suddenly, the historic Dortelweil village wall is reached. A meadow path leads to the other end of the wall, where there is also an explanation of this rare form of village wall at the playground and rest area. From here, the path leads out into the fields at the edge of the golf course. The Nidda floodplains, combined with the fertile cultivation areas of the Wetterau, create diverse landscapes with lush meadows and typical floodplain vegetation.

 

Playground and views

Directly at the flood dam, you reach the ‘Storchennest’ (Stork’s Nest) viewing and recreation point. This leisure facility, featuring a walk-in bird’s nest three meters in diameter, can be discovered by hikers young and old.

The golf course is circumnavigated with beautiful views of the cultural landscape before heading into the center of Bad Vilbel – Dortelweil.

 

A peaceful town center and farm café invite you in

Passing historic buildings and a boundary stone garden, you reach the Nidda again. After crossing it, at a rest area with a view of the town, the route continues towards the Dottenfelder Hof. It offers an insight into the concept of biodynamic farming, including explanations. You can try many delicious organic products in the farm café and buy them in the farm shop.