An observation tower stands on the summit of the Mottener Haube, offering views across the Rhön Mountains. Motten is located in the Rhön Nature Park on the border between Hesse and Bavaria. Two themes go hand in hand when planning a trip: nature and scenery along the Der Mottner premium hiking trail, and Kothen’s local history, brought to life at the Werberger Stube and on the Historical Village Walk.
Forest, Water and Boundary Stones
On the Der Mottner premium hiking trail, forests, meadows and water alternate. The trail also follows historic boundary stones between Bavaria and Hesse. This brings different landscape features and the history of the state border together on the same route. If you appreciate historical traces as well as nature when hiking, you’ll find both along the Mottner.
Fish Nature Trail, Pilsterfelsen and Trailheads
The Mottner leads to a fish nature trail that provides information about the living creatures and plants around the Kleine Sinn. This adds a nature-study dimension to the views of forests, meadows and water: the route also takes in the plant and animal life around this waterway.
Another notable spot is the Pilsterfelsen geotope. Its special features include a mineral spring, old weather crosses and a small biotope where beavers have made their home. At Pilsterfelsen, geological, historical and natural history themes come together. The reference to beavers describes the biotope, while the mineral spring and weather crosses are other specific features of this section of the trail.
You can start the Mottner at the parking area at the watershed between Motten and Kothen, at the village square in Motten, at the hiking car park by Pilsterfelsen in Kothen, or in the centre of Speicherz. The four starting points are spread across these three parts of the municipality and provide a practical starting point for planning: first, choose the trailhead that suits where you intend to begin. As local signage may change, check the signs before setting out.
Werberg and the History of Kothen
For a focus on cultural history, it’s worth looking to Kothen. The Werberger Stube has been located there since 1987. This museum and memorial commemorates the resettled village of Werberg. It displays salvaged objects from Werberg Church: the foundation stone, the tower cross, a bell and the baptismal font. Old vestments are also on display.
Old photographs of Werberg, as well as old farming equipment and tools, are also part of the exhibition. The Stube offers several tangible ways to connect with the memory of Werberg: church objects, photographs and tools are displayed side by side.
The Historical Village Walk in Kothen offers another way to explore local history. Informative panels bring the village’s past to life. This volunteer-run project was created to make Kothen’s diverse history visible and accessible to young and old alike; it was carried out with the support of the Municipality of Motten and the Brückenauer Rhönallianz.
Which Highlights Will You Choose?
The two historical attractions offer different perspectives: the Werberger Stube focuses on the resettled village of Werberg and displays objects, photographs and tools connected with it. The village walk presents Kothen’s past through information panels. Together with the premium hiking trail, they offer a clear choice for your stay: focus on nature and border history along the Mottner, explore Werberg’s history, or discover Kothen on the village walk.
Discover more destinations: Speicherz, Fuchsstadt, Thundorf in Unterfranken, Bad Bocklet, Elfershausen, Oberthulba, Wildflecken, NĂĽdlingen.
See the broader travel overview: Bad Kissingen.
