A loop to the summit of the Großer Feldberg, at 879.5m the highest point in the Taunus range and one of the most-visited hiking destinations near Frankfurt, with a lookout tower giving views over the Rhein-Main plain and the wider Taunus hills.
The Großer Feldberg Summit Loop climbs to the highest point in the Taunus range, 879.5 meters above the Rhein-Main plain northwest of Frankfurt. The trailhead is the Feldberg car park at Roter Kreuz, reached by car via the B8 and L3025 from Oberursel or Schmitten, with free parking on-site; RMV bus 261 also stops nearby from Oberursel and Bad Homburg train stations, avoiding the need for a car. The 8-kilometer loop gains about 250 meters of elevation on gravel forest roads and packed-dirt paths, with no scrambling or exposure and no permit required. Shade from beech and spruce forest covers most of the route, opening into heath and rocky outcrops near the summit plateau. The path passes the Großer Feldberg's television tower and the historic Kaiser-Wilhelms-Turm lookout tower, both visible from a distance, before reaching the summit restaurant and viewing terrace, the recommended turn-around and rest point for those not completing the full loop. From here, clear days offer views over the Usinger Land basin, the Rhein-Main plain, and, in good visibility, the distant Spessart hills. A secondary path descends toward the Sandplacken saddle before looping back through denser forest to the car park. There are no natural water sources along the trail; the summit restaurant and kiosk are the only points to buy water or food, and both close outside regular operating hours, so hikers should carry their own supply on weekdays or in winter.
| Difficulty | moderate |
|---|---|
| Best season | April to October; December to February for occasional snow cover |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Taunus, near Schmitten and Oberreifenberg
What to bring
Sturdy walking shoes; no technical gear required
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Highlights
- Summit viewing terrace at 879.5m with panoramas over the Rhein-Main plain
- Kaiser-Wilhelms-Turm lookout tower near the summit
- Beech and spruce forest sections offering shade for most of the route
- Optional descent toward the Sandplacken saddle for a longer variant
Tips for visiting
- Weekends draw large crowds to the summit restaurant; arrive early or hike on a weekday for a quieter trail
- The summit area can be windy and several degrees colder than the valley, so bring a windproof layer even in summer
- Carry water, as the summit restaurant and kiosk are the only supply points and both close outside regular hours
- Winter visits are possible but icy patches form near the summit plateau; microspikes help after snowfall
When to visit
Late morning to early afternoon on weekdays offers the clearest views with the fewest crowds; weekends and holidays see heavy visitor traffic at the summit.
Accessibility
The gravel forest roads near the summit are wide and relatively flat, making short sections manageable for wheelchair users with assistance, but the full loop includes uneven dirt paths and is not fully wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Großer Feldberg Summit Loop suitable for beginners?
Yes, the trail follows gravel forest roads with a moderate elevation gain of 250 meters and no technical sections, making it manageable for first-time hikers with reasonable fitness.
Is there parking at the trailhead?
Free parking is available at the Feldberg car park (Roter Kreuz) in Schmitten im Taunus, near the start of the loop.
Can the summit be reached without a car?
Yes, RMV bus 261 serves the Feldberg area from Oberursel and Bad Homburg train stations.
Is there food and water available on the trail?
The summit restaurant and kiosk sell food and drinks during regular operating hours, but there are no other supply points along the route.