4.5
(386)
3,582
riders
270
rides
Road cycling routes around Birstein are situated in the heart of Hessen, Germany, at the foothills of the southern Vogelsberg Volcanic Region. The area features gentle meadow valleys, extensive forests, and clear streams, providing varied terrain for road cyclists. An extensive network of cycling paths, including sections of the BahnRadweg Hessen, integrates Birstein into a wider regional cycling infrastructure.
Last updated: October 1, 2026
4.5
(12)
100
riders
58.3km
02:27
420m
430m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.6
(8)
90
riders
38.7km
01:38
180m
180m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(1)
11
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(2)
17
riders
25.5km
01:00
100m
100m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3.0
(2)
11
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Beautiful sight
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Today's useRecreation: The area around the body of water serves as a popular recreational spot with an approximately seven-kilometer circular path for cyclists and walkers. Ardea's Lake World: A special educational and experiential trail with 16 stations playfully informs visitors about local nature, bird protection, and dam technology.
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Purpose and Function Flood protection: It is considered one of the most important protective measures against floods caused by the Kinzig river, which are triggered, among other things, by inflows from the Vogelsberg region. Energy generation: A small turbine system for electricity generation is directly integrated into the dam. Low water regulation: In dry periods, the reservoir helps to keep the water level of the Kinzig river stable.
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Construction and costsConstruction period: Work on the dam began in 1976 and was completed in 1982 (dam construction and initial impoundment took place from 1976–1979). Construction costs: The construction of the lake and the dam cost around 70 million German Marks at the time. Technical data: The dam is 14 meters high. The basin has a maximum extent of up to 125 hectares and a capacity of approximately 7.2 million cubic meters of water.
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The Kinzig reservoir (Kinzigtalsperre) was built between 1976 and 1982 and primarily serves flood protection, low water augmentation, and power generation. The approximately 70-hectare retention basin in Hesse is located between Bad Soden-Salmünster and Steinau an der Straße (district Ahl) and is operated by the Kinzig Water Association.
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It is strongly noticeable here that komoot now only inserts landscape photos into highlights, which is why many photos appear cropped. A shame.
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Cars occasionally drive over the bridge here too.
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Road cycling around Birstein offers a diverse landscape, characterized by the unique geology of the Vogelsberg Volcanic Region. You'll encounter gentle meadow valleys, enchanting forests, and crystal-clear streams. The routes often feature well-paved surfaces, with some community tips highlighting specific attractions like basalt formations or a striking red locomotive at a rest area.
There are over 280 road cycling routes available around Birstein, catering to various preferences and skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes extensively, with over 3,500 road cyclists using komoot to discover the area.
Yes, Birstein offers road cycling routes suitable for all skill levels. You'll find 31 easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride, 163 moderate routes for those seeking a bit more challenge, and 90 difficult routes for experienced cyclists looking for significant elevation changes and longer distances.
While road cycling near Birstein, you can explore several interesting sights. The historic Kinzig Reservoir is a notable natural feature, and you might even catch a view of it on some routes. The area also features several picturesque gorges, such as Schillergraben and Waschbach Stream and Gorge. Additionally, the impressive Schloss Birstein, perched on basalt rocks, adds a historical backdrop to the landscape.
Yes, Birstein is integrated into an extensive cycling network that includes sections of the BahnRadweg Hessen and the Vogelsberger Südbahnradweg. These routes, often following former railway lines, are generally paved and offer excellent conditions for cyclists of varying fitness levels, including families looking for easier, less strenuous rides.
The road cycling routes around Birstein are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 300 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from gentle meadow valleys to challenging climbs in the Vogelsberg Volcanic Region, and the well-developed network of paths that offer diverse scenery and connections to historical towns.
Yes, many road cycling routes around Birstein are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Ziegelturm Gelnhausen – Haintor (Gelnhausen) loop from Hitzkirchen, which connects historical towns and offers diverse scenery over 58.6 km.
Absolutely. The View of Brachttal – Kinzig Reservoir loop from Brachttal is a popular moderate route that provides scenic views of the Brachttal valley and the Kinzig Reservoir. Another option is the View of Brachttal – Heublos Bridge loop from Brachttal, an easier route also offering views of the valley.
The region's gentle meadow valleys and forests are particularly enchanting during spring and autumn, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful natural colors. Summer also provides excellent conditions for cycling, while winter might be less ideal due to potential snow or ice, especially in higher elevations of the Vogelsberg.
Yes, Birstein is integrated into a broader network of cycling paths, including the 400-kilometer BahnRadweg Hessen. A significant part of this is the 35-kilometer Vogelsberger Südbahnradweg, which offers excellent conditions and connects to other cycling paths in the Kinzig Valley and the High Vogelsberg Nature Park, allowing for longer tours.
Many routes around Birstein connect historical towns and offer cultural insights. For instance, the Jerusalemer Tor Büdingen – Haintor (Gelnhausen) loop from Unterreichenbach leads through scenic areas and passes by significant historical gates in Büdingen and Gelnhausen.
The entire region around Birstein is part of the Naturpark Vulkanregion Vogelsberg, meaning many routes will traverse landscapes shaped by its volcanic past. You'll encounter unique natural features, including basalt formations, which are characteristic of this geological area.


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