The Kreuzberg in the Rhön is ideal for hiking even in winter. Well-prepared hiking trails, the unmistakable winter landscape of the Bavarian Rhön and several places to stop for refreshments make the Kreuzberg a popular destination for a winter day hike.
The Kreuzberg is about 928 meters high and after the Wasserkuppe and the Bavarian-Hessian Dammersfeldkuppe the third highest mountain in the Rhön. This makes it interesting not only for hikers. In summer mountain bikers come and in winter ski and snowboard enthusiasts cavort on the Kreuzberg. There are three ski lifts with associated downhill runs here. Independent of the snow conditions, however, is the circular hike around the mountain. We present you a few tours with different entry points.
Kreuzberg: circular route around the Rhön mountain
Around the Kreuzberg there are a few exciting winter circular trails, which are not only well signposted, but also perfectly groomed in snowy conditions. So you won’t stray from the path despite the snow. It is nevertheless more strenuous than in summer, as it is slippery in some places or you sink into the snow. So you should plan a little more time, wear sturdy hiking boots that go over your ankle and make sure you have enough layers of clothing.
In summer, the so-called “Extratour” is probably the most popular circular route on the Kreuzberg. Even in winter you can follow this tour by following the signs with a red “K” on a white background. However, it is recommended to prefer the specially designated winter hiking trails, which do not correspond exactly to the Extratour.
Great Kreuzbergrunde
Our first tour recommendation is the great Kreuzbergrunde. It is about 9.3 kilometers long and overcomes an altitude of 418 meters. The starting point is the large parking lot directly at the Kreuzberg monastery. From there, the trail leads via the Neustädter Haus, where you can take your first rest at your leisure, down to Haselbach. Back you go via the Osterburg again up to the Kreuzberg. Especially when there is snow and the sun is shining, the snow-covered forests here have a special charm.
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Short winter round trip from Osterburg
The Kreuzberg circular trail, starting at the Osterburg parking lot (between Bischofsheim and Kreuzberg, just before the Arnsberg ski lift parking lot), is for those looking for a rather short loop. The trail is 4.1 kilometers long and leads from the romantic castle ruins down to the Haselbach ski jump via the weekend settlement and back to the starting point. There are 205 meters in altitude to overcome.
From Oberweißenbrunn to Kreuzberg and back
A third possibility is the hike from Oberweißenbrunn. From here you can hike directly up to the Kreuzberg. In total, the route is about 10 kilometers long and overcomes 300 meters in altitude. The starting point is the village community center of Oberweißenbrunn, where you can also park without any problems. The trail leads past the Arnsberg ski lifts and the weekend settlement and finally leads to the circular trail that takes you to the Kreuzberg monastery.
Stop at the Franciscan Kreuzberg Monastery
After a hike – especially in the cold winter – there is hardly anything better than to stop for a bite to eat. You will find an opportunity to do this at the Franziskaner Kloster Kreuzberg. The monastery restaurant offers regional specialties and even home-brewed beer – the so-called Kreuzberg beer.
Kreuzberg has a long tradition as a place of pilgrimage. This has earned it the nickname “Holy Mountain of the Franks.” The Franciscan monastery was built from 1677 to 1692. According to legend, it should have originally stood somewhere else entirely. In an inexplicable way, the stones planned for its construction suddenly found themselves overnight on the Kreuzberg. Pilgrims and hungry hikers are pleased.
All winter hiking trails at Kreuzberg at a glance
All winter hiking trails with detailed tour descriptions can be found in the hiking guide “Wintersport Rhön”. You can buy it at the tourist information of the Rhön. You can also buy it and get more information at the Bruder-Franz-Haus, right next to the monastery on the Kreuzberg.
