The Hesselberg in Middle Franconia

At 689 meters, Hesselberg is the highest mountain in Middle Franconia. Its long ridge offers a diverse natural paradise: dry grasslands and juniper heaths alternate with rocky cliffs and old tree-lined avenues, and at the top of the wide “Osterwiese” plateau, you can enjoy an almost 360° panoramic view. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Alps from here, a view that is nothing short of magical and rewards every climb.

Hesselberg hiking paradise: views and nature trails

Several signposted hiking trails lead up to the Hesselberg and across its plateau. A special tip is the geological nature trail, which provides information boards along the way about the formation and special features of the mountain. A real highlight awaits you near the summit: from the Wilhelmsstein viewpoint – just a few steps from the highest point – you can enjoy what is probably the most beautiful panoramic view, often even as far as the Alps on the horizon. The open landscape at the summit is deliberately preserved: volunteers and flocks of sheep keep the rare nutrient-poor grasslands short and species-rich. This means you can discover numerous protected plants and butterflies along the way.

Those who prefer a leisurely stroll will find short circular trails with sweeping views on the plateau. And did you know that the Hesselberg is also a hotspot for paragliders? When the wind is right, colorful paragliders float silently from the slopes, a fascinating sight for hikers. In winter, when there is enough snow, skis and sleds are even unpacked on the north slope. Even without a lift, a winter walk is worthwhile: the clear air and silence on the snow-covered summit are an experience in themselves.

Family adventures on the Hesselberg: nature trails and experiences

The Hesselberg is ideal for families, as there is so much to discover here. The sensory trail, a circular hiking trail that appeals to all the senses in a playful way, was created especially for children.

Down in the village of Ehingen at the foot of the Hesselberg, another little treasure for young explorers begins: the bee nature trail.

Sights around the Hesselberg

History buffs should visit the nearby Römerpark Ruffenhofen, where the modern LIMESEUM vividly depicts life at the Roman border wall, the Limes. Also not far away is the small town of Wassertrüdingen, which playfully explains the world of rivers and ponds at the FLUVIUS museum.

Nature lovers will get their money's worth at the surrounding lakes: for example, the idyllic Gerolfinger Weiher and the Röckinger Naturbad at the foot of the Hesselberg invite you to take a refreshing dip in summer. If you want to see even more, you can take a walk in the romantic Dennenlohe Castle Park.

Cosy stops on the Hesselberg: restaurants and huts

In Ehingen itself, for example, the Gasthaus zum Löwen welcomes you with creative Franconian cuisine. In the surrounding villages, there are other rustic places to stop for refreshments, such as the Gasthaus zum Lamm in Lentersheim or the Burgschänke in Friedrichsthal.

Arrival by train and bus: Relaxed travel to Hesselberg

Since December 2024, the reactivated “Hesselbergbahn” (RB 62) has connected Wassertrüdingen via Gunzenhausen with Pleinfeld. Trains run hourly on this route, daily from morning to evening and also on weekends.

From Wassertrüdingen station, the new Hesselberg-Limes bus takes you comfortably to the region. The leisure bus line 825 runs to the Hesselberg and is coordinated with the arrival times of the trains. From the station, it continues directly to the Osterwiese or to other stops on the mountain. There is also a connection to the Hesselberg-Limes bus from Dinkelsbühl.

VGN leisure tip: Orchard meadows and summit panorama on the Hesselberg

If you're in the mood for a particularly beautiful hiking tour, take a look at VGN leisure tip number 209. You'll hike around 12 kilometers from Wittelshofen via the Hesselberg summit to Wassertrüdingen. The route takes you through orchards, forests, and along the geological nature trail, including panoramic views of the Kaiserberge mountains and, on a clear day, even the Alps. Highlights such as historic Wassertrüdingen and the Röckingen natural swimming pond are also located along the route.

Tip: The tour can be easily started by train. From Wassertrüdingen, take the RB 62, the reactivated Hesselbergbahn railway, and the Hesselberg-Limes bus to Wittelshofen. The signposted circular tour starts there.