Bahnradweg Rotkäppchenland

The Rotkäppchenland railroad cycle path connects the fairytale landscape of the Schwalm with the Fulda Valley in Niederaula. Experience fascinating views of nature and the countryside on the approx. 60 km long cycle path from Neustadt (Hesse) to Niederaula. Historic railroad buildings, railroad bridges, railroad signs and signs are just as eye-catching as modern works of art along the way.
The trail leads through idyllic meadow valleys and woodland, under old railroad bridges and offers wonderful views! Without much effort, you cycle gently uphill along the former railroad line and reach the highest point of the cycle path at Olberode station. Small villages and towns such as Neukirchen and Schwalmstadt lie along the route.
The Rotkäppchenland railroad cycle path starts at the railroad station in Neustadt(Hessen) and initially runs partly parallel to the main road, partly along farm tracks, to Schwalmstadt.

From Schwalmstadt-Treysa to Oberaula-Wahlshausen, the cycle path leads along the route of the former "Knüllwaldbahn" through meadows and forests, villages and half-timbered towns. As the cycle path is built on a former railroad line, there are only gentle climbs and descents with a maximum gradient of 2.8 percent. This makes the Rotkäppchenland railroad cycle path easy to cycle and also ideal for family outings. You can reach the highest point of the railroad cycle path (420 meters) at Olberode station without much effort and then enjoy a beautiful, relaxed descent. Historic railroad buildings, railroad bridges, railroad signs and signs are just as eye-catching as works of art and fascinating views of nature and the landscape. Rest areas, beer gardens and restaurants invite you to take a break. The Neukirchen bike park with pump track and children's/running bike pump track is located directly on the Rotkäppchenland railroad cycle path
From Oberaula-Wahlshausen, the cycle path leads away from the railroad line through the Aula Valley to Niederaula. From there, you can reach the festival town of Bad Hersfeld on the Fulda cycle path. A 200 km long circular tour leads along the Rotkäppchenland railroad cycle path, the Schwalm cycle path, the Eder and Fulda cycle paths and can be booked as a package deal with 2 or 3 overnight stays: "BahnRadFluss -GrimmHeimat mit Genuss" (RailwayCycleRiver - GrimmHome with Pleasure)
The Rotkäppchenland railroad cycle route is part of the D4 cycle route network throughout Germany, which runs from west to east, from Aachen to Zittau.
The German Unity Cycle Route, which connects the former capital Bonn with the federal capital Berlin, also runs along the Rotkäppchenland railroad cycle route. In Schwalmstadt-Ziegenhain there is now a modern cycle station along the German Unity Cycle Route, which not only offers weather protection and a rest area, but also provides information via a modern touchscreen, WLAN and charging facilities, tools, an air pump and running water. A cycle loop to the Trutzhain memorial is possible via the German Unity Cycle Route.
The section between Schwalmstadt and Neustadt (Hesse) is currently being routed via Wierra due to the A49 roadworks and is signposted accordingly.
There are several geocaching hides along the cycle path, e.g. here
Here you can find the new brochure Märchenhaft Radeln (Fairytale Cycling), including the Rotkäppchenland railroad cycle path. Information on sights, the route, restaurants and accommodation can also be found on the information boards along the cycle path.
"Mit dem Rad durch Schwalm" and "Erlebnisreise Rotkäppchenland" are the names of great films made by Hessischer Rundfunk on the Rotkäppchenland railroad cycle path and can be seen in the ARD media library.
The virtual Little Red Riding Hood can appear on the information boards with the help of the German Fairy Tale Route app. Why not give it a try!