Motten: Nature, Views and Local History
Accommodation in Motten
Motten is located in the Rhön Nature Park on the state border between Hesse and Bavaria. Highlights for a stay include the observation tower on Mottener Haube, the Der Mottner premium hiking trail and local history in Kothen. Motten offers options for travellers who want to consider landscapes, nature-related topics and places of remembrance when making their choice. If you are looking for accommodation, these highlights can help you match the character of the destination to your interests.
Blick von der Großen Haube bei Motten über die hügelige Rhönlandschaft.
Photo: Jörg Braukmann via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Nature and views in Motten
An observation tower on the summit of Mottener Haube offers views across the Rhön Mountains. The scenery on the Der Mottner premium hiking trail is different: forests, meadows and water alternate along the route. The trail leads to a fish education trail, which provides information about the wildlife and plants around the Kleine Sinn. Landscape and natural history come together here, while the tower offers a distinct viewpoint. Exploring both gives you two different ways to experience the surroundings: views across the mountains and an opportunity to learn about the habitats along the trail.
Der Mottner: Geological site and border history
Another highlight of Der Mottner is the Pilsterfelsen geological site. Its notable features include a mineral spring, old weather crosses and a small biotope, which has become home to beavers. Geology, water, historic trail markers and wildlife give the site a variety of facets. The premium hiking trail also follows historic boundary stones between Bavaria and Hesse. These boundary stones complement the nature-related themes with a connection to the history of the state border.
When planning your route, you can choose from four stated starting points: the car park at the watershed between Motten and Kothen, the village square in Motten, the hiking car park by Pilsterfelsen in Kothen, and the centre of Speicherz. The starting points are therefore spread across Motten, Kothen and Speicherz. Together with the trail’s different themes, these location details provide a concrete basis for planning where to begin.
Local history in Kothen
The Werberger Stube, a memorial museum for the relocated village of Werberg, has been located in the district of Kothen since 1987. Objects rescued from the Werberg church are on display: the foundation stone, the tower cross, a bell and the baptismal font. Old vestments are also exhibited there. Old photographs of Werberg, along with farming equipment and tools, complete the collection. Church objects, photographs and work tools offer different insights into the memory of Werberg.
The Historic Village Walk in Kothen also explores the village’s history. Informative panels offer insight into the area’s past. This volunteer-led project was launched to make this multifaceted history visible and accessible to young and old alike. It was carried out with support from Motten Municipality and the Brückenauer Rhönallianz. Kothen therefore has two distinct historical highlights: the Werberger Stube commemorates the relocated village of Werberg, while the panels tell the story of Kothen.
Regional context: Bad Kissingen
Within the wider travel destination of Bad Kissingen, the district of Bad Kissingen lies on the southern edge of the Rhön. The A 7 motorway between Fulda and Würzburg and the A 71 between Erfurt and Schweinfurt cross the district from north to south. Since 1 January 2025, the district has been part of the Nahverkehr Mainfranken (NVM) public transport association. These details place the district in its regional context; for exploring Motten, the local destinations and the stated starting points for Der Mottner offer specific points of reference.
Discover more destinations: Speicherz, Bad Brückenau, Burkardroth.
Go to the wider travel overview: Bad Kissingen.
