Rotenburg an der Fulda

Rotenburg an der Fulda is a town in the Hersfeld-Rotenburg district of Hesse, sitting on both sides of the river where the valley narrows. The layout follows the banks, with cobbled lanes winding between half-timbered houses, churches, and the Renaissance palace that overlooks the water.

The settlement grew around Rodenberg Castle, which Thuringian landgraves built in the Middle Ages, and appears in records as a town in 1248. Ownership changed hands several times before it became part of the Landgraviate of Hesse-Kassel.

The old center displays half-timbered houses painted in warm tones, forming a characteristic townscape where locals still shop and meet in small squares. Bronze figures stand in corners and parks, including the Frog King near the castle, linking the streets to fairy tale imagery.

The old center is easy to explore on foot, with all main points within a short walk and narrow lanes connecting the squares. The route from the palace to the churches takes only a few minutes, and most paths are manageable for wheelchairs and strollers.

The ARS NATURA art trail runs through nearby forests, placing sculptures and installations among trees and clearings. Walkers encounter artworks between the trunks and in open glades, blending outdoor art with woodland scenery.

Location: Hersfeld-Rotenburg

Elevation above the sea: 183 m

Shares border with: Bebra, Ludwigsau, Alheim

Website: https://rotenburg.de

GPS coordinates: 50.99500,9.72722

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:27