Discover Niederaula: hill, cycle path and market

There are several specific ways to discover Niederaula: historical traces on the Mengshäuser Kuppe, a cycling route and a hiking trail, as well as events in local life, give a trip different focuses. So when choosing a holiday apartment, the first consideration is which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

The Mengshäuser Kuppe: tower and castle ruins

The 25-metre-high Heussner Tower stands on the Mengshäuser Kuppe. The current observation tower, built from precast concrete elements, was constructed in 1964 and renovated by the municipality of Niederaula in 1990. On the northern slope of the hill lies the castle site of Wallenfels, also known as Waldenfels; this archaeological monument can be reached via a forest track. For those interested in cultural history, these offer two distinct points of interest: a tower from the second half of the 20th century and an archaeological monument.

On foot, by bike and by the river

The Mengshäuser Kuppe can be reached from Niederaula-Mengshausen via the well-signposted “Schwälmer Weg” X 10 hiking trail. From Oberaula-Wahlshausen, the Rotkäppchenland railway cycle path follows the former railway line through the Aulatal to Niederaula. While the hiking trail leads to the hill, Niederaula is the end point of the railway cycle path. These are two different ways to plan a trip: a hike to the hill or a cycling stage along a route through the Aulatal.

Mengshausen offers a connection to the river: this district of Niederaula has a canoe landing stage on the banks of the Fulda. Those wishing to include canoeing in their travel plans can consider this district as another point of interest.

Market, church and events

The Niederaula Owl Market is a regular event. Since 2002, it has taken place from February to December on the first Saturday of every month, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the fairground on Hattenbacher Straße. Check local information about the relevant date before travelling. The church in Niederaula is a cycling and pilgrimage church, adding a religious dimension alongside the market, cycling routes and hiking trails.

More to explore in the wider Hersfeld-Rotenburg destination

Other towns in the wider Hersfeld-Rotenburg destination offer their own historical and natural attractions. In Bad Hersfeld, the abbey ruins are considered the largest Romanesque church ruins in the world; the Bad Hersfeld Festival has been held there annually since 1951. The Lullusfest has been celebrated there every year since 852, without interruption, during the week of 16 October in honour of the town’s founder, Lullus.

Tannenberg Castle in Nentershausen was built around 1300 by Ludwig I of Baumbach; it was a fief of Hersfeld Abbey. The castle festival, featuring more than 600 performers, is also held there annually on the first weekend in October. Check the specific dates for the relevant year. The Werra-Burgen-Steig trail also begins in Nentershausen. In Rotenburg an der Fulda, more than 350 half-timbered houses in the historic town centre, together with Rotenburg Castle on the banks of the Fulda, form a striking row of half-timbered buildings.

Nature is also part of the wider Hersfeld-Rotenburg destination: the Rhäden nature reserve is part of Germany’s Green Belt habitat network. The Große Doline near Rockensüß covers 60,000 square metres and is home to rare orchids and ferns.

Plan your stay around your interests

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to set a clear priority: will your stay focus mainly on hiking to the hill, the cycling route or a visit to the Owl Market? Or would you also like to include nature and cultural attractions in other towns in the wider Hersfeld-Rotenburg destination? Decide which places you want to visit, then check which location best suits your planned activities.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Niederjossa, Hohenroda, Nentershausen, Cornberg, Rotenburg, Ronshausen, Kirchheim, Bebra.

Back to the wider travel guide: Hersfeld-Rotenburg.