On the Hessian Long-Distance Cycle Route R4
From Bad Vilbel, the Hessian long-distance cycle route R4 offers various interesting, moderately difficult day tours along a consistently well-signposted route towards the Main Valley and the Odenwald. The length of the route can be chosen individually.
From Bad Vilbel to the Odenwald
The route leads to the pretty half-timbered towns of Babenhausen (49 km), Groß-Umstadt (65 km) or, as more challenging tours, up to Veste Otzberg (72 km) or even through the Odenwald to the charming Neckar Valley to Hirschhorn (133 km).
The starting point for all cycle tours is possible anywhere along the Nidda within the Bad Vilbel city area.
Marked throughout with the green “R4” sign, most of the route runs along low-traffic, quiet, and secluded paved cycle paths and farm tracks.
There are rail connections in Babenhausen, Groß-Umstadt and Hirschhorn, each via the Odenwald Railway (RB/RE 85 and RB 82) to Frankfurt Central Station and then onwards on line S6 back to Bad Vilbel. All trains allow free bicycle transport.
Continue cycling through the Main Valley
After crossing the Main on the Rumpenheim ferry, you can alternatively switch to the Main Cycle Route and continue cycling to the well worth seeing Seligenstadt (41 km), as well as to Franconian Aschaffenburg with its impressive palace (59 km).
All routes and rail connections are also possible 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 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.
Marked throughout 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.
Marked throughout 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.
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.
