Rhön Mountains

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Landscape of central Rhön
Landscape of central Rhön

The Rhön Mountains are a group of low mountains in central Germany, located in the states of Hesse, Bavaria and Thuringia. They are the result of ancient volcanic activity and are separated from the Vogelsberg Mountains by the Fulda River and its valley.

Wasserkuppe, highest point of Rhön and Hesse
Wasserkuppe, highest point of Rhön and Hesse

These mountains are a popular tourist destination. Hikers come for the nearly 6000 km (3750 miles) of tracks through the picturesque scenery, and gliding enthusiasts have been drawn to the area since the early Twentieth century. More recently, farmstays have been flourishing in the region.

Winter in the Rhön
Winter in the Rhön

In 1991 UNESCO declared the Rhön a Biosphere Reserve on account of its unique high-altitude ecosystem.

Meadows with masses of Pulsatilla vulgaris
Meadows with masses of Pulsatilla vulgaris
Rhön sheep
Rhön sheep
Frozen waterfall
Frozen waterfall

[edit] Peaks

The peaks of the Rhön include:

  • Wasserkuppe 950 m (3110 ft), (Hessian Rhön)
  • Kreuzberg (mountain) 928 m (3040 ft) (Bavarian Rhön)
  • Schwabenhimmel 926 m (3040 ft) (Bavarian Rhön)
  • Heidelstein 913 m (3000 ft) (Bavarian Rhön)
  • Milseburg 835 m (2740 ft) (Hessian Rhön)
  • Feuerberg 832 m (2730 ft) (Bavarian Rhön)
  • Ellenbogen (mountain) 814 m (2670 ft) (Thuringian Rhön)
Cypripedium calceolus in a pine forest
Cypripedium calceolus in a pine forest

[edit] External links


Flag of Germany
Biosphere Reserves in Germany
Flag of Germany
Middle Elbe • Vessertal Thueringen Forest • Bavarian Forest • Berchtesgarden Alps • Wadden Sea

Schorfheide-Chorin • Spreewald • Rügen • Rhön • Oberlausitzer • Palatinate Forest • Schalsee