Plizio Visual Lab
Wasserkuppe
The Wasserkuppe, rising to 950 meters, is the highest mountain in the Rhön and the state of Hesse. It is globally recognized as the 'Cradle of Gliding,' as the first experimental flights with gliders took place here at the beginning of the 20th century. Its exposed location and exceptional thermal conditions make it a center for aerial sports such as gliding, paragliding, and model flying to this day. The German Gliding Museum, which documents the history of silent flight, is located on the summit plateau. A landmark visible from afar is the Radom, a former radar dome from the Cold War era that now serves as an event venue. Geologically, the mountain is of volcanic origin and primarily composed of basalt. The Wasserkuppe is also a major starting point for hikes through the Rhön Biosphere Reserve and hosts the sources of several rivers, including the Fulda.
- Location: Hesse, Germany
- Top sights: Deutsches Segelflugmuseum mit Modellflug Wasserkuppe · Abenteuerspielplatz · Hexenbesen
- Nearby: Gersfeld (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | -1 | 3 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 72 | 53 | 56 | 44 | 80 | 66 | 82 | 71 | 57 | 60 | 68 | 75 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- In 1911, students from Darmstadt conducted the first flight experiments on the Wasserkuppe.
- The Radom is the highest building in the state of Hesse.
- The Fulda river, one of the two headstreams of the Weser, rises on the mountain.
- The Aviators' Monument on the summit commemorates pilots killed in World War I.
- The Wasserkuppe features a summer toboggan run and a small ski area.
- More than one million people visit the mountain annually.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Wasserkuppe (10)
Luna Loop
Luna Loop is a ride on Wasserkuppe.
Wasserkuppe
Wasserkuppe, at 950 m, is the highest mountain in the Rhön range in Hesse.
Radom🏛 museum
Radom is a former radar station on Wasserkuppe, now a museum.
Abtsrodaer Kuppe
Abtsrodaer Kuppe is a mountain in the Rhön.
Nordhang Wasserkuppe
The northern slope of Wasserkuppe is a nature reserve.
Pferdskopf
Pferdskopf is a mountain in the Rhön.
Erlebnisfernrohr VIScope
The VIScope experience telescope on Wasserkuppe provides an interactive view.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Wasserkuppe known for?
Where is the Wasserkuppe located?
What is the distinctive building on the summit?
Is there a summer toboggan run there?
Which river rises at the Wasserkuppe?
Wasserkuppe: where is it located?
Wasserkuppe: what is there to see?
Wasserkuppe: when is the best time to visit?
Wasserkuppe: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
