Forest-track and singletrack riding in the Hoher Taunus around the Grosser Feldberg, reached from Frankfurt by U3 to Hohemark; local forest rules apply.
Mountain biking around the Grosser Feldberg takes riders into the Hoher Taunus, the wooded range north-west of Frankfurt am Main, in the German state of Hesse. The Grosser Feldberg is the highest summit of the Taunus, and the surrounding forest tracks and singletrack link the towns of Oberursel and Schmitten. The access point for many riders is the U-Bahn station Hohemark on line U3 in Oberursel, which makes the area reachable from central Frankfurt without a car, and the Feldbergplateau at Schmitten serves as a high point and rest stop. Typical loops cover 25 to 45 km and take three to five hours, with sustained climbs on forest roads and some rooty or loose descents. The activity is rated moderate: it requires a reasonable level of fitness for long ascents and basic mountain-bike handling for uneven ground. Riders with little experience can stick to wider forest tracks, while stronger riders can seek out narrower trails. The activity is self-guided, and visitors need their own equipment: a mountain bike, helmet, spare tube, pump and water. Bikes can be rented in Frankfurt through frankfurtbiketour.com, and the tourism site taunus.info publishes route information. Riders must follow waymarked routes and check local forest rules on tracks, because some narrow trails are restricted to walkers or have seasonal limits, and respect for walkers and wildlife is expected. There is no guide, so riders should tell someone their route, carry a charged phone, and know that 112 is the emergency number across Germany. Cell coverage is usually reasonable but can be patchy in deep forest. The best season is May to October, when trails are dry and the days are long. Riders should avoid the area in snow and ice, after heavy rain, when trails turn muddy and fragile, and during thunderstorms. The Feldberg summit can be cooler and windier than Frankfurt, so a light jacket is sensible. The U3 line returns riders to Frankfurt from Hohemark, making a one-way loop with a train return a convenient option.
| Duration | 3-5 hours |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Season | May to October |
| Address | Access point: U-Bahn Hohemark (line U3), 61440 Oberursel (Taunus); Feldbergplateau, 61389 Schmitten |
Activity facts
- Where
- Hoher Taunus, Grosser Feldberg area, Oberursel and Schmitten
Equipment
Mountain bike, helmet, spare tube and pump, water; follow waymarked routes and check local forest rules on tracks
Location
Access point: U-Bahn Hohemark (line U3), 61440 Oberursel (Taunus); Feldbergplateau, 61389 Schmitten
50.2320, 8.4573 View on map
Highlights
- Forest tracks and singletrack around the Grosser Feldberg
- Reach the start by U3 from Frankfurt to Hohemark
- Loops of 25 to 45 km lasting three to five hours
- Bike rental available in Frankfurt via frankfurtbiketour.com
Tips for visiting
- Carry a spare tube, pump and water; the ride is self-guided
- Stay on waymarked routes and check local forest rules for each track
- Bring a light jacket as the summit is cooler and windier
- Avoid muddy trails after heavy rain
- Plan the return by U3 from Hohemark
When to visit
May to October on dry days; start early to finish the loop in daylight.
Accessibility
Mountain biking needs fitness, balance and mobility on uneven terrain, so it is not suitable for most visitors with limited mobility. Hohemark station is on the U-Bahn network, but the trails are unpaved.
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Frequently asked questions
How do riders reach the area from Frankfurt?
The U3 line runs to Hohemark in Oberursel, which is a common access point for rides toward the Grosser Feldberg.
How long are typical rides?
Loops of 25 to 45 km are typical, taking three to five hours.
Can bikes be rented?
Yes. Bike rental in Frankfurt is available through frankfurtbiketour.com.
Is a guide included?
No. The activity is self-guided, so riders should follow waymarked routes and check local forest rules.