Baptismal font - Taufstein

At 773 m it is Baptismal font the highest point on the Vogelsberg. In contrast to the tourist center Hoherodskopf the font is still largely natural.

background

getting there

Public transport

In the summer months there is an exemplary network of leisure bus routes (with bike transport) on Sundays and public holidays. The different lines meet in a star shape at the Hoherodskopf. This is about 1 km away from the font. For more information on the leisure bus network, see article Hoherodskopf.

In the street

• If you arrive by car, you basically only have to follow the signs "Hoherodskopf" from Schotten. Coming from the direction of Fulda, the country road leads directly past the mountain.
• Danger:Those coming from the direction of Schotten or Ulrichstein are not allowed to turn right to the Hoherodskopf, but have to follow the main road for about 300 m. There is a parking lot for hikers right on the street.

mobility

The mountain peak can be easily explored on foot from the parking lot.

Cyclists should park their bikes at the beginning of the footpath (at the NSG sign) to the summit

Tourist Attractions

Mountain peak with Bismarck tower

• Bismarck Tower - According to a sign that has meanwhile turned yellow, the tower is "temporarily not accessible for safety reasons" (as of May 2017). The tower is now open and easily accessible, when it is bright, without special admission controls or payment. Concrete stairs inside, metal stairs in the upper part (as of Aug. 2018). The 28 m high observation tower was built between 1907 and 1910. A great panorama opens up after 101 steps.

- View: When the weather is clear you have a great view over large parts of the Vogelsberg and far into the adjacent low mountain range (Kellerwald, Crunch, Rothaar Mountains, Rhön and Taunus). The view to the south is blocked by trees. But you have a nice view there from nearby Hoherodskopf.

- Access: The tower can be accessed free of charge and is mostly open. On extremely cold days, the structure can be closed due to the slippery ice.

• Stair path - The 300 m long path leads from the country road with parking lot to the tower. The stairway made of natural stones overcomes a maximum of 30-40 meters in altitude. A wooden railing accompanies the path and protects the primeval forest, which is worth seeing. Bicycles are best parked at the beginning of the footpath (at the NSG sign) to the summit.

• Boniface fountain - The "fountain" is located a few meters southeast of the Bismarck Tower. According to legend, Boniface, the "apostle of the Germans", preached here (information board). By the way, the fountain is only a "stone border". There is no source here.

• Resting place - On the mountain in the area of ​​the Bonifatiusbrunnen there are some wooden tables with benches.

Nature reserve

The forest in the protected area has been left to its own devices since 1906. The granite dumps on the northern mountainside are worth seeing. Many ferns can be found in the jungle.

activities

• hike - for example on the Höhenweg through the Oberwald (Walking time approx. 2 1/2 hours). The hiking trail that starts at the Hoherodskopf touches the baptismal font. It is also easy to get on from the Taufstein car park.

• Winter sports - Cross-country skiers will find some groomed trails. further see article Winter sports on the Vogelsberg

shop

kitchen

• Baptismal lodge - Located about 1 km west of the mountain on the road to Ulrichstein: home-style cuisine; rustic dining room; Specialty: fish dishes with fish from the nearby ponds
• Gastronomy on the Hoherodskopf - is about 1 km southwest of the mountain

accommodation

• Baptismal lodge - Located approx. 1 km west of the mountain on the road to Ulrichstein: guest rooms and restaurants
• youth hostel - is about 1.5 km west of the mountain on the road to Schotten
• Bergasthof on the Hoherodskopf - is about 1 km southwest of the mountain

Practical advice

Nature conservation information center on the Hoherodskopf - Located about 1 km away on the Hoherodskopf: Exhibition on flora, fauna and geology of the mountains, tourist information

• Opening hours:

- May 1 to October 31, daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- November 1 to April 31, Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sat, Sun and public holidays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Entry: The exhibition is accessible free of charge.
• Contact: Tel .: 06044-9669330, info (Data status 02-2011)

trips

• Circular hike on the high path through the Oberwald - A beautiful and varied route is the Höhenweg through the Oberwald. The route is marked with small signs showing a green "H" on a white background. The circular hiking trail with about 2 1/2 hours also passes the Taufstein (at the beginning of the stairway). The circular path opens up the Hostage stone (The rock cliff is completely ingrown by the forest and therefore offers no view. The rock of the cliff is magnetic, by the way) Breungeshainer Moor (the only moor of the Vogelsberg), the Nidda spring, the trout ponds and the Taufsteinhütte. The last stop is Hoherodskopf (Refreshments, information center) before reaching the car park at Taufstein again (Route info).

literature

Web links

• www.hoherodskopf.eu - Official website of the Vogelsberg information center on the Hoherodskopf
• High Vogelsberg Nature Park
• Vogelsberg tourism region - official regional tourism site
• Hiking club Vogelsberger Höhenclub e. V.