Rhön-Rundweg 5 - Oberelsbach - Rhön
The hike leads through a core zone of the UNESCO biosphere reserve, the Gangolfsberg natural forest reserve. A educational trail explains the natural history features.
moderate
Distance 6.5 km
Rich in geological sights, the trail on the Gangolfsberg offers a special insight into the history of the Rhön region. The highlights of the tour are the basalt prism wall and the legendary Teufelskeller - witnesses of volcanism in the Rhön. The remains of the Gangolf chapel on the top of the mountain invite you to discover the history of settlement further. There is no longer any forest usage along the nature trail, which is why the mixed deciduous forest can develop untouched. Educational boards along the way explain the local trees. As a bird sanctuary, the jungle is home to various bird species and is home to wild boar and woodruff. Further information boards at the entrance to the nature trail also provide information about the wildcat found in the core zone.
At the Rhönklubhütte Schweinfurter Haus and at the Thüringer Hütte there are options for dining.

Author
Biosphärenzentrum Rhön "Haus der Langen Rhön", NBR e.V.
Update: November 11, 2022
Difficulty
moderate
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
752 m
Lowest point
530 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Track types
Asphalt
0.6 km
Dirt road
0.5 km
Forested/wild trail
3 km
Path
2.3 km
Road
0.2 km
Safety information
Sometimes there are steep inclines and in bad weather there is a risk of slipping, which is why it is only recommended to walk with sturdy shoes. The trail is unsuitable for strollers and wheelchair users.
The tourist routes of the Rhön are mostly used by other active people (hikers, mountain bikers, cyclists, walkers, riders, cross-country skiers, etc.).
We ask all active outdoor sports enthusiasts to show consideration for one another. The same applies of course to nature - it is worth protecting. In the Rhön, therefore, nature sports should only be practiced in daylight on designated paths and areas.
Tips and hints
Further information can be found on the following website: Gangolfsberg nature trail (in German)Start
Schweinfurter Haus car park (561 m)
Coordinates:
DD
50.468960, 10.095224
DMS
50°28'08.3"N 10°05'42.8"E
UTM
32U 577724 5591347
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Destination
Schweinfurter Haus car park
Note
all notes on protected areas
Public transport
The Gangolfsberg/Schweinfurter Haus bus stop can be reached with the Kreuzbergbus (line 8012). Since this is traffic on demand, a registration under +49 (0) 9771 9178094 is necessary.Getting there
To get to the Schweinfurter Haus hiking car park, take the A71 to Bad Neustadt an der Saale. Then take exit 25 Bad Neustadt an der Saale onto the B297 in the direction of Bad Neustadt / Bischofsheim / Bad Königshofen and follow the B279 in the direction of Oberelsbach / Wollbach. Now continue on the main road to Urspringen. In Urspringen turn left in the direction of Hochrhön and follow the road to the Schweinfurter Haus. Pass the restaurant and stop in the forest parking lot.Parking
Parking is available at the hiking car park at the Schweinfurter house. The parking lot is free of charge and has about 8 spaces.Coordinates
DD
50.468960, 10.095224
DMS
50°28'08.3"N 10°05'42.8"E
UTM
32U 577724 5591347
w3w
///critique.enliven.pickles
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike
Book recommendation by the author
Rhön-Runwege Lange Rhön. Dehler Design - Medienverlag. ISBN-10: 3981557039
Author’s map recommendations
Wanderkarte Hohe Rhön, 1:35000. Verlag Dr. Andreas Barthel. ISBN-10: 3895912313
Equipment
- Sturdy shoes
- Rain clothes
- First aid kit
- Sufficient drinks and provisions
- Sun protection at high temperatures
- navigation device, map or smartphone with onboard maps
Reviews
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
6.5 km
Duration
2:00 h
Ascent
259 m
Descent
259 m
Highest point
752 m
Lowest point
530 m
Statistics
2D
3D
Maps and trails
- 4 Waypoints
- 4 Waypoints
Distance
km
Duration
: h
Ascent
m
Descent
m
Highest point
m
Lowest point
m
Questions and answers
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Rating
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