Fulda is a beautifully preserved historic town with over 1200 years of cultural heritage. This quaint yet cosmopolitan destination in the scenic Rhön Mountains of central Germany charms with its harmonious blend of medieval architecture and modern amenities.
Fulda has an unhurried atmosphere. Take a leisurely stroll through the winding cobbled streets, stop at one of the cosy cafés or visit the lively market square.
A view of Fulda cathedral and the city
Although compact, the town boasts an impressive cathedral, a famous Baroque quarter and a number of museums dedicated to its colourful past. Few places can match Fulda's authenticity for a glimpse of traditional German life.
Fulda is located in the state of Hesse, approximately 100 kilometres north-east of Frankfurt. Other nearby major cities are Kassel to the north and Würzburg to the south-east, both around an hour's drive away.
Straddling the Fulda River, the town lies in a green valley surrounded by the rolling hills and forests of the Rhön. This hilly, upland region on the German-Bavarian border is home to hiking trails, spa towns and pretty vineyards known for producing light white wines.
Fulda makes an ideal base for day trips exploring the area's natural scenery and well-preserved villages.
Frankfurt Airport is the practical option for those considering the closest airport to Fulda. It has decent road and rail connections to the town and is the busiest airport in Germany offering the widest range of destinations out of the three airports below.
Distance to Frankfurt Airport: 114km
Distance to Erfurt Weimar Airport: 154km
Distance to Dortmund Airport: 247km
Dortmund Airport is a medium-sized airport and offers a range of flights to domestic and European destinations. Erfurt Weimar Airport is a smaller airport offering mainly summer and winter sun destinations.
Fulda Bahnhof ('Fulda train station') is within easy walking distance of the city centre. It is a stop on numerous ICE services, so has good connections all over the country to major cities such as Munich, Berlin and Hamburg.
Regional trains serve other destinations in Hesse, such as Frankfurt (also part of the ICE routes), Kassel, Limburg an der Lahn and Bad Hersfeld.
The A7 motorway runs just to the east of Fulda and connects it to Kassel and Würzburg (and continues onwards in both directions).
The A66 motorway connects to the A7 south of Fulda and is the main route through to Frankfurt.
The B27 main road runs north towards the town of Göttingen in Lower Saxony.
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Fulda's history dates back to 744 AD when St Boniface, a missionary from England, sent his disciple St Sturm to establish a Benedictine monastery here. The site was chosen for its isolation and proximity to the Rhön Mountains, which offered spiritual solitude combined with fertile land.
The monastery became one of the most important religious and intellectual centres in medieval Germany. It housed a vast library and scriptorium, attracting scholars who transcribed and illuminated manuscripts, many of which survive today.
As the burial place of St Boniface, known as the 'Apostle of the Germans', Fulda gained considerable prestige. Pilgrims from all over Europe came to pay their respects and the religious importance of the town increased. The monastery's influence shaped the surrounding region and laid the cultural and political foundations of the town.
Fulda flourished as an autonomous prince-bishopric during the Baroque period. The ruling abbots commissioned major architectural projects, including Fulda Cathedral and the surrounding Baroque quarter, which redefined the city's character. The cathedral, completed in 1712, remains Fulda's most iconic building.
Fulda cathedral
Fulda's strategic location on major trade routes ensured its prosperity in the early modern period, but also brought challenges. The town suffered hardship during the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) and was later deprived of its autonomy during Napoleon's territorial reorganisations in the early 19th century. It was incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia in 1866.
The Second World War left Fulda relatively unscathed compared to other German cities, and its historic centre was spared. However, its location close to the inner German border made it a point of tension during the Cold War. The so-called 'Fulda Gap' was seen as a potential invasion route, but fortunately the conflict never came to pass.
Today, Fulda thrives as a regional cultural centre. Its well-preserved history attracts visitors seeking insights into Germany's religious, intellectual and political developments over the centuries.
Fulda Cathedral is the city's most remarkable landmark and a testament to its religious and architectural heritage. Completed in 1712 during the Baroque period, it was built in honour of St Boniface, whose tomb lies in the cathedral's crypt. The building's magnificent façade, twin towers and symmetrical design are striking examples of Baroque craftsmanship.
Dom St Salvator in Fulda cathedral
The cathedral is surrounded by Fulda's Baroque Quarter. Strolling around here is like stepping back in time to the 18th century. This area was developed under Prince-Abbot Adalbert von Schleifras, who transformed the town into a Baroque showpiece.
Visitors can explore the Stadtschloss, the former residence of the prince bishops, which now houses a museum with period furniture, works of art and exhibits on Fulda's history. Adjacent to the palace is the Orangery, with its elegant gardens, ideal for a quiet break. The Fürstensaal (Prince's Hall) in the Stadtschloss is particularly striking, with its intricate stucco ceiling and lavish decoration.
The tranquil Palace Gardens, a meticulously landscaped park of manicured lawns, flower beds and shaded walkways, lie behind the Stadtschloss. They're a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, whether for a relaxing stroll, a picnic or a family outing. The gardens are particularly inviting in spring and summer when the flower displays are at their best.
The palace gardens in Fulda
This gem of early medieval architecture predates the Baroque period by centuries. Built around 820 AD, St Michael's is one of the oldest religious buildings in Germany. It's a striking contrast to the grandeur of the cathedral and offers a glimpse of Fulda's early Christian roots.
St Michael's Church in Fulda
This museum gives visitors a good overall view of Fulda's history, natural environment, and cultural contributions. The exhibitions cover the town's development from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages and into the modern era.
Fulda's old town centre is anchored by the Altes Rathaus, or Old Town Hall, an impressive half-timbered building that dates back to the Renaissance. The market square nearby is lively and inviting, with small shops, cafes, and occasional farmers' markets selling local goods.
If you like a good view and a bit of history, then a walk up the Kreuzberg is the thing for you. From the top of the hill, you can look out over Fulda and the surrounding area, especially when the weather is good. On the way, you'll pass the Paulustor, a Baroque gate that used to mark the town's southern border.
The Fulda tourist information office is located on Bonifatiusplatz near the cathedral and the Stadtschloss and is open seven days a week, apart from major public holidays.
Website: www.tourismus-fulda.de