Bergmähwiesenpfad (Mountain Meadow Trail)

This circular tour with some incline takes you along flower-coloured mountain meadows and offers wide views over the gently rolling volcanic landscape as far as the Rhine-Main area. Special highlights are hidden in the form of geotopes in the lush forests, where the fiery past of the Vogelsberg is reflected in legendary basalt formations. The flower-rich hike starts at the hiking car park on the volcano cycle path in Hartmannsheim. But you can also start the tour elsewhere.

You mostly hike on soft paths along lushly flowering meadows. There are eight information boards along the way that tell you interesting facts about the mountain meadows, their biodiversity and their importance for nature conservation. In early summer, the buzzing of wild bees, the fluttering of butterflies and the scent of numerous flowers and herbs will accompany you. On the path, which initially leads steadily uphill, you reach the "plate" above Hartmannshain with a wonderful view of the surrounding area.

On a detour through the forest you come across the geotope "Bonifatiuskanzel". If you look closely, you can see a face in the basalt massif, which according to legend is the petrification of an evil woman. Continuing through the forest, past the VHC monument, you reach the Herchenhainer Höhe, a highlight of the tour. Here you have a breathtaking view over the volcanic landscape of the Vogelsberg, the distant peaks of the Rhön and, on clear days, even as far as Frankfurt.

Downhill through changing meadow and hedge landscapes, past gnarled trees and rustic rock formations, there are once again wonderful views towards Hoheroskopf, Rehberg and the Rhine-Main area. After crossing the country road and climbing up the Ernstberg, the refuge offers a rest stop with an idyllic view to the south. Downhill, after crossing a stream and past pasture meadows, you return to the starting point on the volcano cycle path.

Want to hike and do something good at the same time? Then explore the mountain meadow path, remember the letters on the stickers on the information boards and enter the answer on the website of the “Nähe ist gut” initiative. For each entry, five euros will be donated to the preservation of the meadows. More information at www.naehe-ist-gut.de/bergmaehwiesen.