Highwalk suspension bridge in Rotenburg: A new highlight for tourists!

Highwalk suspension bridge in Rotenburg: A new highlight for tourists!

In Rotenburg an der Fulda there is reason to be happy - the second longest pedestrian suspension bridge in GermanyHighwalk, was officially opened on December 5, 2024. With an impressive length of 617 meters and a height of up to 60 meters above the Kottenbachtal, the bridge has been attracting numerous visitors for several weeks. Since its opening, around 45,000 people have been able to enjoy the five meter wide structure that connects the Rodenberg Alm with the hillside forest on the Teufelsberg. Hesse show reports that the initiators of the project, including the Göbel Hotels and the responsible authorities, are quite satisfied with the number of visitors in the first half of the year, even if the goal of 150,000 visitors in the first year is to be increased.

On to the suspension bridge! Whether by car via Kasseler Straße to Heinz-Meise-Straße or by public transport to the Rodenberg stop - getting there is easy. There is parking available directly at the Kottenbach, from where a forest path leads to the bridge. Opening hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with evening lighting that bathes the bridge in magical light. However, if there are high winds, closures may occur for safety reasons.

Special features of the bridge

The suspension bridge was constructed by a Swiss specialist company from 84 tons of steel and 54 tons of supporting cables. It can theoretically carry up to 500 people at the same time, creating a great ambience for all visitors. Another plus: the bridge offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the beautiful surroundings, which attracts many hikers and nature lovers. The ticket prices are absolutely reasonable at 9.50 euros for adults and 7.50 euros for children (7-13 years). Children under 7 years old have free entry. Tickets can be purchased at cashless machines at both entrances; Cash payments are also possible at the Rodenberg Alm.

The prominent opening was attended by District Administrator Torsten Warnecke as well as Rotenburg's Mayor Marcus Weber and other representatives from surrounding communities. A big thank you went especially to Fritz Göbel, who, as owner of the bridge, cut the red ribbon and thanked the project's supporters. After a seven-year planning phase, the construction of the bridge took nine months and cost a total of over 4 million euros, all financed from private funds. HNA highlights former mayor Christian Grunwald, who played a key role in making the bridge a reality.

The suspension bridge not only offers a unique experience, but could also be a driver for tourism in the region. The operators hope that the attractiveness of the bridge will result in more overnight stays and an increase in restaurants and local shops.

So if you haven't had the opportunity to visit the Highwalk suspension bridge yet, you should put it on your to-do list. A visit to Rotenburg could quickly prove to be very worthwhile. A comparison with the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Germany, the Skywalk in Willingen, which attracts around 300,000 visitors every year, gives hope for more. An exciting year lies ahead for the bridge and the region!