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| Frankfurt |
Somewhat in the middle of Germany lies the state of Hesse. Although its capital city is Wiesbaden, many know the metropole Frankfurt better, first for its international airport and second being principal financial centre of our county.
But I wasn't interested in flying away or making big money...
I rather spend five days in the relatively sparsely populated area of Northern Hesse hiking over the quiet forested hills left and right of the river Fulda.
Day 1: A long day of train travel. Arrival at Melsungen, a tiny town, but connected to the world by public transit. Hiking along river Fulda, and entering the forested hills. It had rained a lot the days before and trails are quite muddy and slippery. But my shelter for the night is clean and dry.
Day 2: Resupply at Edeka (a quality grocery chain) in the village Morschen, then back into the forest. Haven't seen a soul in a while, it is quiet and lonely in a good way. The trail, alas, has not been maintained in a long time. I fight my way through shrubbery and fields of high grass and nettle until reaching today's destination.
Day 3: Less single trails and trail blazing today. In quest of liquid resupply (no springs or other water sources found along the trail) I visit the town of Mecklar, but no store to be found. A friendly villager helps me out with free juice and sparkled water. Stopped at a mediocre restaurant in Hersfeld for late lunch, Schnitzel and fries, but nothing to write home about. Back on trail a thunderstorm threatens, but it only gets wild after I settle into my shelter for the night. I sleep through wind, rain, and hail.
Day 4: It rains all day, water resupply at a horse farm, again meeting very nice people. Then another hill climb awaits with a lunch break at the Mengshäuser hut and Häussner watch tower. Very nice panorama views from above. Slipping and sliding downhill, I find a lost place in the woods and later a very well maintained hut near the village Schlotzau. Ordering delivery pizza tonight to a nearby bus station. It works perfectly. Still raining, but the noise makes for a good sleep. Only woke up once when a cat fight broke out somewhere nearby.
Day 5: Easy walking, rain shower in the morning but drying up by noon. Trail is getting a bit boring as I am coming closer to the suburbs of the city. Arrival at the trail head in the city Fulda (same name as the river) after 120 km on foot. I need some time to adjust to people, traffic and all the annoying noises that come with a big city. Enjoying the luxury of a hotel room, a long hot shower, a fresh (and dry) set of clothing, excellent food, and a real bed to sleep in.
Day 6: Visit of the old city core before traveling home. Checked the usual suspects: St. Salvator cathedral, St. Michael's church (1200 years old), city castle, old town historic buildings. After a five hour train ride hubby awaits with an antipasti platter to celebrate my return.
