Situated in the east of Hessen, around 110km north of Frankfurt, the vogelsberg's landscapes are both gentle and wild.
The scenery alternates between mountain pastures, arable fields, wetlands, lakes and forests. Small boulders scattered throughout the forests have been used to build dry stone walls between meadows; large, mystical-looking rock formations provide shady spots for picnics. Ongoing conservation projects protect the region's unique flora and fauna, and wildlife fans might be lucky enough to spot lynxes, wildcats or wolves.
Outdoor activities here are plentiful and varied. In winter, you'll find downhill and cross-country skiing here; during the warmer months, take your pick from summer toboggan runs, climbing forests and miniature golf. The region offers ten certified hiking trails including three separate nature trails, as well as well-maintained mountain-biking trails and cycling routes, the latter of which are also popular with rollerskiers and inline skaters. Glorious panoramic views are abundant here, whether you've hiked or biked to the top of a peak or decided to hang-glide off one.
It's not all about the great outdoors, however: the region is also abundant with cultural and historical highlights. Take time to explore some of the region's magical castles, romantic towns and medieval villages. Hessen's highest town, Ulrichstein, is home to Germany's first natural swimming pool (Ulrichsteiner Badbiotop), and its medieval castle ruins (Burgruine Schloßberg) offer magnificent views that reach as far as the cities of Giessen and Fulda. The region's museums range from the large and significant to the small and quirky. The World of the Celts at Glauberg (Keltenwelt am Glauberg), a fortified Iron Age settlement exhibiting Celtic relics, is a superb archaeological park, research centre and museum.
