Hike to Kloster Kreuzberg in Bischofsheim

On Saturday, 6 June 2026, the first RHÖNSTEPS hike to the Kreuzberg took place. It was also the third RHÖNSTEPS hike of the 2026 summer semester. 13 students, Fulda University of Applied Sciences employees and other hiking enthusiasts met early in the morning at the train station in Fulda. After a brief welcome, the group travelled to Gersfeld by regional train - with a slight delay. During the train journey, the last organisational points were discussed before the hike began immediately after arrival.

With pleasant summer temperatures of around 12 °C in the morning and up to 22 °C in the afternoon, as well as predominantly sunny weather, the conditions were ideal for the tour. The first ascent was managed via the Rodenbacher Küppel (680 m) and the Simmelsberg (843 m). There, the group was treated to the first impressive panoramic view of the Wasserkuppe and the day's destination, the Kreuzberg. The route then ran along the Teufelsberg (844 m) through extensive sections of forest with several springs to Oberweißenbrunn.

From there, the route continued through the varied landscape of the Rhön, past the Arnsberg (843 m) and Ziegelberg (693 m), until finally reaching the Klosterkreuzberg at around 11.30 a.m.
During the lunch break, all participants were able to fortify themselves. Whether it was lentil stew, farmer's sausage with a cool drink or food they had brought themselves - the monastery catering offered the right refreshment stop for many. Part of the hiking group terminated the tour at Kreuzberg and travelled back to Fulda via Bischofsheim in der Rhön and Gersfeld.
A team from OsthessenNews was also on site at around 12.30 pm. Film recordings and interviews were made and the ascent to the summit cross was documented. Once they reached the Kreuzberg (928 m), the hikers were rewarded with an impressive view over the Rhön and the surrounding valleys.

The remaining group of hikers then began the return journey to Gersfeld. Despite the distance already covered and the summer temperatures, the atmosphere remained excellent. Along the way, there were always beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, forests and valleys. At the same time, there was plenty of time to chat and exchange ideas within the group.
The way back managed along the Bergwacht, past the Kreuzbergschanze, over a longer downhill section at the ski lift and along the fish farms. The Osterburg (714 m) was also not to be missed on the route. The final highlight of the hike was the Gersfeld wildlife park just before the finish line.

Well done! In the late afternoon, the remaining hiking group reached Gersfeld again after around 31.7 kilometres and around 1,200 metres in altitude. There was great joy at the successful premiere of the Kreuzberg hike. Despite minor organisational challenges - including the return journey for those getting off at Kreuzberg - everyone involved can look back on a successful day with lots of wonderful impressions, interesting conversations and a strong sense of community.
Before the return journey to Fulda, we rounded off the day with ice cream and cake on the market square in Gersfeld.
A big thank you to all participants for making this first Kreuzberg hike a special experience.
We wish all students every success with their upcoming examinations and theses.

See you on the next hike in the Rhön! Click here for all RHÖNSTEPS offers!

Text and pictures: Nils Runkel