Rhön Biosphere Reserve

The Rhön Biosphere Reserve is a large protected area in central Germany spanning three federal states and covering more than 240,000 hectares. The terrain consists of highlands with grasslands, forests, and several zones designed to balance human activities with nature conservation.

The area received UNESCO recognition as a biosphere reserve in 1991, while the Thuringian section gained protection status during East Germany's final months. This made the Rhön an early example of cross-border nature conservation cooperation in reunified Germany.

The region is shaped by farmers who use traditional methods and maintain the characteristic open grasslands that define the landscape. You can see traces of this farming heritage everywhere as you move through the reserve.

The area can be explored through marked hiking trails, including the Hochrhöner path that guides visitors past major landmarks like Wasserkuppe. Sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing are essential since the highlands experience changeable weather.

The region is certified as a Dark Sky Park, meaning nighttime darkness is specially protected and stargazing happens under ideal conditions. This designation is rare in densely populated parts of Europe and makes the area valuable for anyone interested in observing the night sky.

Location: Fuchsstadt

Location: Elfershausen

Location: Schwallungen

Location: Friedelshausen

Location: Dermbach

Location: Wiesenthal

Location: Vacha

Location: Oechsen

Location: Geisa

Location: Schleid

Location: Gerstengrund

Location: Buttlar

Location: Empfertshausen

Location: Weilar

Location: Kaltennordheim

Location: Mellrichstadter Forst

Location: Friedewald

Location: Schenklengsfeld

Location: Hohenroda

Location: Eiterfeld

Location: Ehrenberg

Location: Eichenzell

Location: Stockheim

Location: Hofbieber

Location: Salz

Location: Ostheim vor der Rhön

Location: Hilders

Location: Schönau an der Brend

Location: Bischofsheim in der Rhön

Location: Nüsttal

Location: Hohenroth

Location: Kalbach

Location: Burgwallbacher Forst

Location: Künzell

Location: Unsleben

Location: Rasdorf

Location: Sondheim vor der Rhön

Location: Bastheim

Location: Oberelsbach

Location: Mellrichstadt

Location: Poppenhausen (Wasserkuppe)

Location: Bad Neustadt an der Saale

Location: Wollbach

Location: Rosa

Location: Wasungen

Location: Niederlauer

Location: Sandberg

Location: Burglauer

Location: Roßdorf

Location: Oberstreu

Location: Steinacher Forst rechts der Saale

Location: Nüdlingen

Location: Bad Kissingen

Location: Bad Bocklet

Location: Aura an der Saale

Location: Rhönblick

Location: Euerdorf

Location: Bad Brückenau

Location: Meiningen

Location: Römershager Forst-Ost

Location: Frankenheim

Location: Wartmannsroth

Location: Oberweid

Location: Zeitlofs

Location: Geroda

Location: Großer Auersberg

Location: Birx

Location: Neuwirtshauser Forst

Location: Oberleichtersbach

Location: Forst Detter-Süd

Location: Schondra

Location: Erbenhausen

Location: Römershager Forst-Nord

Location: Motten

Location: Dreistelzer Forst

Location: Riedenberg

Location: Mottener Forst-Süd

Location: Waldfensterer Forst

Location: Roßbacher Forst

Location: Kälberberg

Location: Hünfeld

Location: Oberthulba

Location: Omerz und Roter Berg

Location: Tann

Location: Wildflecken

Location: Burkardroth

Location: Gersfeld

Location: Geiersnest-Ost

Location: Dipperz

Location: Geiersnest-West

Location: Ebersburg

Location: Hammelburg

Location: Fladungen

Location: Nordheim vor der Rhön

Location: Hausen

Location: Forst Schmalwasser-Süd

Location: Willmars

Location: Forst Schmalwasser-Nord

Location: Unterbreizbach

Location: Philippsthal (Werra)

Website: http://biosphaerenreservat-rhoen.de

GPS coordinates: 50.35000,10.05000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:42