For the 10th time: 60 km with impact

For its 10th anniversary, the Fulda University Sports charity long-distance hike has grown into something that will last: RHÖNSTEPS. What began as a 60 km hike in a single day in the Rhön region is being continued this semester as a permanent program for physical activity, social connection, and nature experiences — with purpose, heart, and impact.

Hiking together — and supporting the region every year

University Sports runs this event in partnership with the DAV (German Alpine Club), Fulda Section (registered association). This annual charity long-distance hike brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds, strengthens social participation and supports regional non-profit organisations through donations.

Participation fees donated in recent years have gone to organisations such as "Welcome In" (supporting refugees), Herzkinder Hessen, Kleine Helden – Children's and Youth Hospice East Hesse (registered association), GSC Deaf Club Fulda (registered association), B.O.J.E. (registered association) Fulda, the inclusive youth climbing group of the DAV Fulda Section, Bergwacht Hessen (Wasserkuppe), Tafel Fulda (registered association) and the Rhönclub local branch in Gersfeld. Ten days of long-distance hiking, community spirit and making a tangible difference in the region.

RHÖNSTEPS: the spirit of long-distance hiking, available all year round!

Inspired by the anniversary, RHÖNSTEPS was developed: an easy-to-use platform for outdoor exercise, shared experiences and independent exploration of the Rhön. RHÖNSTEPS embodies the spirit of long-distance hiking all year round, not just for one day.

In addition, ten selected RHÖNSTEPS experiences are planned within University Sports for 2026.

The three components of RHÖNSTEPS
1) Guided experiences: hikes, workshops and field trips –  ranging from beginner-friendly options to themed tours (e.g. Kreuzberg, the former Inner German border and outdoor climbing).
2) Digital route guidance: GPX routes created by students and instructors for self-guided tours, including notes on environmentally responsible behaviour.
3) Sports partner exchange: is a digital way to find companions, reduce barriers to participation and combat loneliness.

RHÖNSTEPS is therefore a solution-oriented development of university sports that goes beyond traditional course formats. Guided introductions, self-guided routes and digital networking work together. At the same time, RHÖNSTEPS stands for sustainable experiences in nature. Small groups, public transport, carpooling and clear guidance on environmentally responsible behaviour are all part of this approach. The name stands for steps in the Rhön, as well as the traces that shared experiences leave behind in our minds, hearts and communities.

This year’s charity long-distance hike

On this year's tour, 25 participants completed an impressive 60 kilometres across the Rhön in one day. Led by the experienced Prof. Dr. Marc Birringer, the circular route took in some of the most beautiful natural sites in the biosphere reserve, including Steinwand, Rotes Moor and the Kaskadenschlucht gorge, starting and finishing in Kneshecke.

A particularly welcome stop was provided at kilometre 46: the supply station in Gersfeld Castle Park — for some, the first real break of the entire route. This station was once again made possible by the long-standing and generous support of the Waldthausen Forestry Administration and the castle owner, Constantin von Waldthausen. This enabled University Sports to set up the refreshment station once again in the beautiful historic setting of the Baroque palace — thank you again for your continued support!

Ultimately, all 25 participants reached the finish line, exhausted but clearly proud and happy. Congratulations on this incredible achievement! At the shared closing dinner, one participant summed it up perfectly: 'It’s an incredible feeling to have made it!' Another participant, who has joined multiple times, said the following about last year's long-distance hike: 'That was the best experience of my entire year!' Feedback like this reminds us why our work in university sports brings so much joy, and why this format has been successful for ten years.

Donation to the local branch of the Rhönclub in Gersfeld
The participation fees totalling €375 will be donated to the local branch of the Rhönclub in Gersfeld. Margit Trittin, the club's first chairwoman and mayor of Gersfeld for many years, accepted the symbolic cheque on behalf of the club (see photo). What a wonderful gift for the club’s 150th anniversary this year! We hope that this donation will contribute towards maintaining the network of approximately 90 km of marked hiking trails around Gersfeld — a trail network that we will certainly be using frequently as part of our RHÖNSTEPS hikes.

Interested? Here’s how you can get involved:
All RHÖNSTEPS walks and offers can be found here