The best MTB trails around Nieste

From here you can choose different routes.

Today we rode the Umschwang ⛰️ by bike 🚴🏻🚴🏾‍♀️. 😉😂 And that wasn't primarily due to the fact that we now ride e-bikes. The main reason was that many, many years ago, as simple occasional cyclists, we rode the 🚴🏾‍♀️ from Witzenhausen via Kleinalmerode and the Umschwang to Kassel. Then we rigorously avoided the route for decades because of the extremely unfriendly traffic (cars, trucks, motorcycles). Today, on June 21, 2025, we seized the opportunity. The road from Kleinalmerode via the Umschwang to Nieste has recently been closed for months, just before Nieste (see https://mobil.hessen.de/presse/l-3237-nieste-grossbaustelle-in-der-ortsdurchfahrt). However, with the 🚴🏾‍♀️ through the Niester Endschlagsiedlung, this was no problem at all. From Kleinalmerode onwards, we had the road, similar to a two-lane cycle path, to ourselves. We only encountered other cyclists who were just as happy about this experience as we were and who were truly enjoying the truly beautiful landscape in the most beautiful, and up to this point still pleasant, temperatures and weather. Everything to the right and left was lush green. And on the slopes, mostly to the right of the road, in many places everything was covered with wild, pink to purple flowering foxgloves. And the best part: once we reached the 450m elevation, the descent seemed to flow naturally. The sporty racing cyclists we encountered had a harder time—by design. We'll certainly be taking advantage of the road closure, which will last until at least the end of 2025, if not until next spring, at least once this summer and fall, and we can only recommend it to all other cyclists. Especially if they shy away from the otherwise prevalent traffic there like we do, and the devil shy away from holy water.🖐️

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umschwang?wprov=sfla1

In the upper section a rather large tree has fallen across the trail

Good view and the route is very varied

You are in the Frau-Holle-Land Geo-Nature Park, the legendary home of Frau Holle. Here, you can expect extraordinary nature, surprising culture, and diverse geology. Large parts of the park are part of one of Germany's most important biodiversity hotspots and the second-largest FFH area in the country. Between the Kaufunger Forest, the Hoher Meißner, and the Werra Valley, you'll experience a truly spectacular landscape. Over 120 geosites ensure the region's diversity. Frau Holle, the well-known fairytale figure, gives the park its name – numerous legends and myths surround the Hoher Meißner. The choice is yours: Explore the geological, natural, and cultural highlights on 25 certified premium hiking trails, the Werra-Burgen-Steig Hessen, the Werra Valley Cycle Path, or numerous cycling tours. Discover the legendary sites of Mother Holle, the Green Belt, valuable nature reserves, the famous opium poppy blossom, the Witzenhausen cherry country, castles, palaces, and mining history. Over 35 percent of the area in the Werra-Meißner district is designated as a nature reserve. Whether you prefer hiking, cycling, canoeing, or exploring nature and adventure with your family – you'll find your perfect vacation week here. Be inspired and tailor your stay to your wishes.

Only with a mountain bike

Kassel, a popular destination for our e-bike tours. 🚴🏾🚴🏽‍♀️