Germany’s Longest Barefoot Path

Hiking barefoot can be a liberating experience and if you want to combine this kind of walk with stunning forest scenery in a beautiful part of Germany, try the Barefoot Path Bad Orb (Barfußpark Bad Orb). As a recreational activity for the family it is hard to beat. The trail encompasses sporting activity with health and encourages an affinity with nature.

Different Sensations Along The Barefoot Trail

Walking a barefoot trail is a recreational activity that has become very popular in the last two decades and Germany is at the forefront of the trend. The trail at Bad Orb is a 4.5 kilometre circuit that gives you the opportunity to feel the sensation of different kinds of ground and materials. You can leave your shoes behind at the start of the trail and then soak up the atmosphere while you experience the sensations of the forest floor.

There are paths with mulch, straw and hay and you can enjoy the rippling gravel and soft grasses that you will find all along the route. Each part of the trail has some places to stop allowing you to take part in sensual stations where you can try out balancing, climbing and walking through water in the brooks and rivers.

A Healthy Way To Enjoy Walking

Studies have shown that walking barefoot can help with health but this is not the main reason why visitors take to the Barefoot Trail. Of course, it is a relaxing experience and this alone can be beneficial but most visitors go because they love the feeling of freedom that is endowed by a barefoot walk through woods, paths and fields. However, don’t wear anything too nice. The chance to let go and enjoy yourself without worrying about your clothing is all part of the experience.

Cleaning Up As You Walk

At the many stations on the Barefoot Path you can clean up your feet if you have been through the mud section or been paddling in the river bed. There are plenty of places to stop and enjoy some food and drink and at the end of the trail there is a kiosk where you can buy extra supplies.

If you want to go it alone you can do so or you can choose to go on a guided tour. Professional guides can help to make this trip something really special and they can be hired for 2 or three hours.

Trips For Groups On The Barefoot Trail

The Barefoot Trail in Bad Orb offers a unique opportunity for you to experience nature at its best and to absorb the sensations of the forest paths. Groups of between five and eighty people can take part in booked guided tours and smaller groups can also be accommodated.

This trip is a fascinating experience for both adults and children where you have the opportunity to enjoy nature and play in a beautiful environment. Walk, exercise and most importantly have fun on the Barefoot Path at Bad Orb.

Hotels And Accommodation Near To The Hiking Trail Barefoot Path Bad Orb

Hotel an der Therme

If you are looking for accommodation close to the Hiking Trail Barefoot Path then the Hotel an der Therme is right on the doorstep. Located just 240 metres from the start of the path, this hotel offers comfort and elegance for all guests. It is connected to the Toskana Therme Spa which has many kinds of treatments and spa facilities and it is set in beautiful parkland. If you book your breakfast in advance then entry to the spa facilities is free.

There are two restaurants at the hotel, the Il Ristorante and the Kurpark restaurant. Both have an extensive menu of International and local cuisine. You can hire bikes and enjoy free Wi-Fi and car parking at this wonderful four star luxury establishment.

Margarethenhof

Margarethenhof is a three star hotel that lies only 200 metres from the Barefoot Path Trail. It is family run and is just a five minute walk to the town centre at Bad Orb. Free parking for guests and traditionally furnished rooms have helped to make this a favourite with visitors to the Barefoot Path.

The rustic style lounge is very comfortable and you can sit and have a quiet drink. Breakfast is buffet style and is served each day with a very varied choice of dishes. The hotel is 8 kilometres from the train station at Wächtersbach and the A66 motorway is only 6 kilometres distant. You can choose a south facing room with a balcony and the hotel has a lovely terrace where you can sit and relax after your day at the Barefoot Hiking Trail.

Hotel Helvetia Garni

Another family run hotel, the Hotel Helvetia Garni is right next to the spa park. It has a sunny beer garden that offers complete relaxation and all the rooms are bright and airy. Packed lunches for your trip to the Barefoot Path Hiking Trail are available upon request and in the evening the restaurant serves up delicious regional dishes.

Rooms at the Hotel Helvetia Garni have free Wi-Fi. You can choose a room with a balcony and there is a nearby golf course if you want to indulge in 18 holes. Only 200 metres from the Barefoot Path Hiking Trail, this is a cosy hotel with very friendly and welcoming staff who will help you with anything that you request.

Getting To The Hiking Trail Barefoot Path Bad Orb

By Air

Frankfurt/Main (FRA) is the nearest airport to the Barefoot Path at Bad Orb. From the terminal there are trains and buses and the road route for cars is simple.

By Train

In order to reach the Barefoot Path by train you must first travel into Frankfurt Main station from the airport terminal. Take a bus to the Frankfurt(M) Flughafen from the terminal. This runs every 30 minutes and the journey is just 10 minutes. A regional express number S 36789 will take you to Frankfurt(Main)Hbf. Trains run every 30 minutes and the journey is 12 minutes and just two stops along the line.

From Frankfurt(Main)Hbf another regional express will take you to Wächtersbach. Trains run every hour and the journey is 44 minutes. From Wächtersbach a bus will take you to Bad Orb. This is a 12 minute journey. The start of the trail is a five minute walk away.

By Road

The drive from the airport at Frankfurt(M) Flughafen takes 55 minutes. Use the A3, B43a and then A66 to the L3199 and this will take you to Bad Orb. Then follow signs for Kurpark where you will find the start of the trail.

Other Attractions Close To The Barefoot Path Bad Orb

Treat Yourself To A Spa And Wellness Day

Toskana Therme is the ideal place to relax after a day at the Barefoot Path. It is a spa and wellness centre with six saunas and steam baths. There are a number of different massages and beauty treatments and you can choose whether you indulge in a milk bath, a spice bath or something completely different.

Visit The City Of Bad Orb For Some Sightseeing

Narrow streets and alleys are waiting to be explored when you visit Bad Orb, an historic city with some stunning half timbered buildings. You can soak up the special atmosphere of this beautiful city and either see yourself around or take a guided tour which takes around one and half hours.

Inside the beautiful old buildings you will find cafes and restaurants as well as shops where you can buy souvenirs of your trip. The tour of the city encompasses the Patrician House, the Executioner’s House and the Golden Wheel. There is also a chance to see the narrowest half timbered house in Hesse.

If you love the outdoors, explore our Top 10 Hiking Trails in Germany