Cherry blossom in the cherry-growing region around Witzenhausen and orchid bloom mark the changing seasons in the Frau-Holle-Land Geo-Nature Park. They are followed by pink poppy fields in Germerode and Grandenborn, Mother Hulda’s flower meadows, autumn foliage and winter sports on the Hoher Meißner. The timing of blooms and colours varies from year to year. The landscape also brings a range of impressions close together: the region between the Werra Valley, Hoher Meißner and Kaufunger Forest is characterised by geological diversity, varied landscapes and a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Nature between the Meißner and the Werra Valley
For tourism purposes, the Werra-Meißner District is part of the Frau-Holle-Land Geo-Nature Park. The Hoher Meißner is the region’s highest mountain and is considered the home of Mother Hulda. More than 35 percent of the district’s area is designated as nature protection areas. A large part of the Geo-Nature Park belongs to Hotspot 17, one of only 30 areas nationwide with outstanding biodiversity.
Those who want to explore the landscape on foot will find a dense network of certified premium hiking trails in the district, as well as the Werra-Burgen-Steig Hessen trail. The routes take hikers to particularly scenic areas in the Geo-Nature Park. The Premium Trail P1 Hoher Meißner offers a specific guide to distance and difficulty: it is 13.7 kilometres long and rated difficult. Four Nordic walking routes also start at the Bergwildpark Meißner in Meißner; they range from 6 to 12 kilometres in length. If you are planning a particular route, check its availability locally.
There is also a long-distance route to note for cycling: the Werra Valley Cycle Route is about 300 kilometres long. In 2025, the German Cyclists’ Federation awarded it three stars as a quality route. The award applies specifically to 2025. The Geo-Nature Park’s events calendar offers guided hikes, nature experiences, family activities and themed tours around the Hoher Meißner throughout the year. Since individual events take place on specific dates, it is worth checking the calendar before making plans.
Cherry-growing culture and discoveries in Witzenhausen
Around Witzenhausen, cherries are the focus of several different experiences. The family-friendly Cherry Discovery Trail in and around the town has 17 stops. Visitors can learn about cherries and their many varieties, try things out and experience the cultural landscape. Cherry Hiking Trail 3 offers insights into the last 100 years of cherry growing. During blossom season, it passes through old traditional orchards and new plantations, linking a historic cultural landscape with today’s cherry production.
At the cherry car park on Cherry Hiking Trail 3 at Burgberg, the Cherry Cinema shows a free film lasting just under 20 minutes. It is about cherry growing in the Witzenhausen cherry-growing region and offers further excursion tips in the Frau-Holle-Land Geo-Nature Park. Visits are seasonal, so check the screening schedule in advance. A guided town tour presents Witzenhausen as a half-timbered town and cherry-growing town, along with its three churches and other historic buildings. Booking details may change, so it is advisable to check them before making plans.
Other activities cater to a range of interests: the Tropical Greenhouse for Tropical Crops in Witzenhausen offers themed tours for groups, rallies for school classes and options for children’s birthday parties. Check the individual activities before booking. The Eschwege High Ropes Course on the Großer Leuchtberg has six well-secured courses in the treetops.
Thermal baths and other experiences
The WerratalTherme in Bad Sooden-Allendorf features a wave pool, a varied sauna area with an integrated graduation tower and 32-degree saline water. Other facilities include a Dead Sea salt grotto, a varied programme of classes and massages on request. Individual facilities may be temporarily unavailable, and wellness services may change.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Eschwege, Großalmerode, Witzenhausen, Herleshausen, Datterode, Meinhard, Meißner, Wanfried, Berkatal, Waldkappel, Sontra, Rommerode, Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Ringgau, Wehretal, Hessisch Lichtenau, Neu-Eichenberg.
Go to the overarching travel overview: Hesse.
