Discover Kalbach outdoors through two different scales: the 20-kilometre Extratour Haubentour circular hiking trail around Heubach, and a network of more than 200 kilometres of trails that runs through the municipality of Kalbach and into neighbouring districts. The first figure describes a specific loop, while the second refers to the wider choice of hiking trails. This lets you decide whether a single circular trail or a more extensive network is better suited to your stay.
Hiking and cycling: different types of routes
Numerous signposted hiking trails start at the Antoniuseiche hiking car park in Nieder- and Mittelkalbach, and can also be used for cycling. The Rhön-Rundweg 2 Antoniuseiche runs through woodland and meadows west of Niederkalbach. Changes to numbering and signage are noted as of April 2026; follow the trail markers on site.
The Extratour Haubentour is a 20-kilometre circular hike around Heubach. Nearby, the route follows the Hessian-Bavarian state border along field and meadow paths to the observation tower on the Mottener Haube. Check the current trail markers before setting off. The Hessian long-distance cycle route R2 offers a different type of route: it runs from Uttrichshausen to Heubach, the highest district of the municipality of Kalbach. While the Haubentour forms a loop, the R2 route described here connects two places.
Viewpoints and the Rhön setting
The Große Haube lies on the border between Heubach in Hesse and Motten in Bavaria. At 658 metres, it is the highest point in the municipality of Kalbach; its observation tower offers panoramic views across the Rhön and the Fulda region. Nearby, south of Heubach, the observation tower on the Mottener Haube offers, on clear days, panoramic views of the Dammersfeld massif and the Hessian Rhön. Visibility depends on clear conditions.
The landscape setting is also clearly defined: Heubach and Uttrichshausen form the western boundary of the Hessische Rhön Nature Park. Since 2019, the Eichenrieder Weitblick has been part of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve’s Star Park. These local and landscape connections give the trails different points of reference, from the nature park boundary to the named viewpoints.
Culture in Heubach
The former Heubach rural synagogue is also part of Kalbach’s cultural landscape. Since its renovation was completed in spring 2006, it has been used as a cultural meeting place. Alongside circular hikes, cycle routes and viewpoints, cultural activities and history offer further themes to consider when planning your trip.
Fulda as a broader destination
The wider destination of Fulda offers a broader natural and cultural setting. The Rhön in Fulda district offers opportunities for hiking and cycling. The Main-Kinzig-Fulda Summer of Culture has been held for more than 27 years; as part of the festival, more than 100 events in music, theatre, art exhibitions, literature and other fields receive support. The venues are spread across Main-Kinzig district and Fulda district. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the current event dates.
In Fulda district, the work of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve also enriches the educational landscape. This includes junior and senior ranger programmes, the certification of biosphere schools and nurseries, and hundreds of events each year. Nature and experiential tours and markets are among the examples listed; check individual events and dates before planning your trip.
Find hotels to suit your travel plans
When looking for a hotel in Kalbach, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on: the circular hike around Heubach, signposted routes for hiking or cycling, or a trip with a cultural focus. You can then compare options based on which location and accommodation options suit your planned stay.
Discover more destinations: Oberkalbach, Bad Salzschlirf, Neuhof, Hilders, Tann, Fulda, Hosenfeld, Schenklengsfeld.
Back to the main travel overview: Fulda.
