Two striking figures come together on Kreuzberg: At 928 metres, it is the highest mountain in the district of Rhön-Grabfeld, and since 1644 it has been home to a Franciscan monastery with its own brewery. Elsewhere, fortified churches, a strictly protected moor and museums shape the character of the region. Rhön-Grabfeld lies in the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve – nature and culture go hand in hand here, without limiting you to just one way of travelling.
Protected landscapes and geological history
The Lange Rhön is Bavaria’s largest nature reserve outside the Alps. The Black Moor is another special natural area: it is strictly protected as a core zone in the UNESCO Rhön Biosphere Reserve. A wooden boardwalk takes visitors through parts of the moor, with information panels explaining the route. The observation tower offers views of the Black Moor. The boardwalk and tower thus provide different perspectives on the same protected landscape.
At Gangolfsberg, nature meets a glimpse far back into geological history. The nature reserve there is part of the biosphere reserve’s core zone. The basalt column wall formed between 30 and 10 million years ago during volcanic activity in the Rhön. It can be explored along the Gangolfsberg nature trail. The route is about 2.5 kilometres long; sturdy footwear is required. Group tours are available on request.
Fortified churches and rural life
The fortified church in Ostheim vor der Rhön was declared a monument of national importance in 2003. It is Germany’s largest and one of its best-preserved fortified churches. The fortified church museum in Ostheim presents a dozen more fortified churches from the region, including those in Nordheim, Oberstreu and Kaltensundheim. Pairing the structure in Ostheim with the examples on display offers a broader perspective on fortified churches beyond a single location.
At the Franconian Open-Air Museum in Fladungen, rural everyday life in Lower Franconia and the Rhön is brought to life through faithfully reconstructed houses and farmsteads: around 350 years of history across a 12-hectare museum site. Around 30 historic buildings include farmhouses, workshops and a village school. Hands-on activities exploring crafts and traditions include demonstrations, practical courses and events. The Rhön-Zügle museum railway runs through the Streu Valley with steam and diesel locomotives. If you are planning to attend an event, it is worth checking the current programme before your visit.
Art and history across different locations
Wechterswinkel Monastery is home to a district cultural centre for visual arts, music, literature and lifestyle. The ground-floor gallery focuses on contemporary art and sculpture. The Wechterswinkel bus stop is just a few steps from the monastery. Another art collection is on display at the district gallery in the Old Hospital in Mellrichstadt: paintings and sculptures from the district range from the Baroque period to the present day; all the works have a regional connection.
At Doku-Z Mellrichstadt, the Hainberg Barracks Documentation Centre documents a Cold War border garrison. The Old Hospital also has a museum café serving homemade cakes, including in the museum garden during the warmer months. As café operations may change, check the current availability before your visit.
Hiking and spiritual sites
There are various hiking options in the district. The approximately 2.5-kilometre Gangolfsberg nature trail combines geological history with a nature reserve; sturdy footwear is required. The premium hiking trail “DER HOCHRHÖNER” offers further hiking opportunities in Rhön-Grabfeld.
Kreuzberg combines the district’s highest elevation with a spiritual destination: Kreuzberg Monastery and its pilgrimage church are a spiritual centre in Lower Franconia. The monastery’s own brewery belongs to the Franciscan monastery, which has stood on the 928-metre-high mountain since 1644. Rhön-Grabfeld’s attractions therefore range from protected landscapes and hiking trails to fortified churches, art collections and religious sites.
Discover more destinations
Ostheim vor der Rhön, Sandberg, Sulzfeld im Grabfeld, Bischofsheim an der Rhön, Mellrichstadt, Bad Neustadt an der Saale, Oberelsbach, Fladungen, Niederlauer, Saal an der Saale, Bad Königshofen im Grabfeld, Hausen, Stockheim, Wollbach, Heustreu, Bastheim, Willmars, Unsleben, Höchheim, Nordheim vor der Rhön, Sulzdorf, Rödelmaier.
Back to the main travel overview: Bavaria.
