Wasserkuppe

Wasserkuppe is the highest peak in the Rhön Mountains in Hesse, central Germany, rising to about 950 metres above sea level. It is widely known as an early and enduring centre of motorless flight and gliding.

The summit area contains an observation plateau, trails and facilities for visitors, together with an active gliding airfield and the Deutsches Segelflugmuseum that exhibits gliders and documents the sport’s history. In summer the site is popular for hiking and glider watching; in winter there are basic ski and winter-sports routes on the slopes.

Wasserkuppe became a focal point for gliding after the First World War and hosted early national and international gliding competitions through the 1920s and 1930s. That aviation heritage is reflected in the local museums and continuing flying activity.

The peak sits within the Rhön region in Hesse, within a designated nature and landscape area. It is accessible by road from surrounding towns and is commonly visited as a day trip from regional centres.

• Elevation & sport history: At roughly 950 metres in elevation, it is the highest peak in the Rhön and a long-established centre for sailplane flying and gliding history.
• Facilities: Facilities at the summit include a gliding museum and a small airfield; road access makes the peak a popular day-trip from nearby towns.

What to See #

• Summit: The rocky summit plateau, the highest point of the Rhön Mountains at about 950 metres above sea level, offers panoramic views and walking trails.
• Gliding Museum: Deutsches Segelflugmuseum (German Gliding Museum) documents the area's gliding history with aircraft displays and artefacts from early 20th-century competitions.
• Airfield & Slopes: An active airfield adjacent to the summit supports glider flights and flying clubs, and there are marked hiking and winter-sports routes on the slopes.