AUF DEM ROTHEN HORST (3 km)

Geology Theme Trail

The geology around the Rothe Horst plays a decisive role in the history of Bad Vilbel. A horst refers to a geological uplift. In Bad Vilbel, the hill south of the old town was named the Rothe Horst. It consists of easily accessible (red) sandstone—technically also called Rotliegend.

 

Quarries Since Roman Times

From Roman times until the 1950s, the sandstone was quarried as building material in numerous locations and used for the construction of various buildings as well as all kinds of stonemasonry. The preserved former quarries are now natural areas, some of them biotopes. The former spoil heaps were first converted into vineyards and later into meadow orchards. You can explore all of this on your hike—it is open and free for your discoveries.

 

Mineral Water from the Depths

But that’s not all: the unique geological formations also made it possible to extract mineral water. This led to the development of around 30 bottling plants throughout the city via what were once numerous springs.

 

Geology Is the History of Bad Vilbel

In addition to plenty of information about the geology and the intertwined history of Bad Vilbel, this short trail offers views into the Taunus and the Wetterau as well as sections of narrow paths. Relaxing breaks are possible at various spots, right in the shady quarry or at the viewpoint of the former vineyard terraces.

 

From the Marketplace into the Quarries

From the marketplace with its historic buildings, the trail quickly leads uphill, along the edge of two former quarries. With views over Bad Vilbel, as far as the Taunus and deep into the Wetterau. Information panels explain the connections and allow for breathing breaks before descending again via a staircase. Directly through two accessible former quarries that are now important biotopes. Then along paths beside the Edelbach stream and back up onto the Rothe Horst. Now covered with fruit trees, they barely hint at their origin as spoil heaps.

 

Rest Area with a View

Up here, a rest area invites you to picnic and take in the scenery. Afterward, the Bad Vilbel cemetery is reached. A detour to the Resurrection Church and its churchyard is worthwhile, as walls and embedded old gravestones bear witness to the use of Bad Vilbel sandstone. Down the steps, the Gerberpark is reached.

 

Water Everywhere

Following the Nidda, the trail leads past the Old Mill and the moated castle back into the old town. Finally, the Fountain Museum on the marketplace provides information with many exhibits about the formation and use of Bad Vilbel mineral water.