RhönRadBus: 15 years of perfect connections for cyclists in the Rhön!

RhönRadBus: 15 years of perfect connections for cyclists in the Rhön!

The RhönRadBus is celebrating its 15th anniversary and has established itself as an important service from the RhönEnergie transport company since its introduction on May 1, 2004. On behalf of the local local transport company (LNG) Fulda, a permanent connection for cyclists from Fulda to the Hohe Rhön was created. While his rides initially only took place on Sundays and public holidays, since 2015 cyclists have also been able to set off into the breathtaking nature of the Rhön on Saturdays.

The RhönRadBus transports cyclists to various destinations around the popular area with a special bicycle trailer Milseburg cycle path, which runs 27 kilometers from Petersberg-Götzenhof to Hilders. Departures from Fulda take place every two hours between 10:05 a.m. and 4:05 p.m., while the bus from Gersfeld runs from 10:09 a.m. to 4:09 p.m. This strategy has increased user numbers from 3000-4000 to over 8000 cyclists per year over the last 15 years.

A popular element of Rhön tourism

The first annual commissioning of the RhönRadBus services was made by LNG, before a permanent commissioning came into force in December 2010. The bus has been operated by ÜWAG Bus GmbH since 2011. The bus records particularly high passenger numbers in the months of May, June, September and October. Use is particularly pronounced on holidays such as May 1st, Ascension Day and Pentecost. On average, more than 15 passengers travel per trip, which underlines the importance of the bus for regional tourism.

Another advantage of the RhönRadBus is the introduction of a new trailer for e-bikes since May 1, 2021 to meet the needs of the growing number of e-bike riders. The trips are advertised by providers such as Genussgasthof Fuldaquelle, which offers possible entry into the route to Hilders and supports the enjoyable descent towards Wasserkuppe.

The Milseburg cycle path and its attractions

The Milseburg cycle path itself runs on a former Rhönbahn route and is asphalted throughout. It is part of the Hessian long-distance cycle path R3 and offers cyclists not only a beautiful landscape experience, but also a tunnel that is over a kilometer long and was built in 1889. This tunnel has an average temperature of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius and has environmentally friendly lighting and video surveillance during the day.

The route is open in the summer months from April to October, while a bypass is possible in the winter months. There are several service points for bicycles along the Milseburg cycle path, such as Rhönbike in Hilders and Radsporthaus SENG in Stöckels. The breathtaking views of the Rhön mountains and the gentle slopes make the cycle path a preferred destination for cyclists of all ages.

In the coming years, the RhönRadBus will continue to play a central role in expanding the region's range of cycle paths and further enrich the cycling experience in the picturesque Rhön.