The small town of Kaltennordheim lies in the heart of the Rhön, surrounded by charming mountain scenery. The center of attention for 450 years: 5 days of market and folk festival atmosphere for the traditional "Marriage market" at Pentecost.

Diverse historical views characterize the city and its districts Aschenhausen, Andenhausen, Fischbach, Kaltenlengsfeld, Kaltennordheim, Kaltensundheim, Kaltenwestheim, Klings, Melpers, Mittelsdorf, Oberkatz and Lower pasture.

First mentioned in a document in 795 and granted town rights in 1562, Kaltennordheim has had a varied history. The so-called castle with its official lime tree was a court of law, a dungeon for the "Robin Hood of the Rhön", the "Rhönpaulus", and inspiration for the great poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. There was a hint of the Cold War due to its proximity to the border. For more than 450 years, the landmark has been an event: the Kaltennordheim Heiratsmarkt is the largest folk festival in the region with fairground rides, a colorful market, cultural and sporting events at Whitsun.

Lots to discover: from Goethe and cake dreams to Rhön beer

The Feldatal cycle path through the Felda river valley connects "Nurde" - as it is known in Rhön dialect - with the region. The premium hiking trail DER HOCHRHÖNER and various long-distance and circular hiking trails offer good hiking opportunities.

In summer, the Kaltennordheim outdoor pool attracts visitors, along with refreshment and shopping facilities. The "Kalten Orte" are also a popular destination for winter sports. Regional cuisine is a top priority in all districts: from Kaltenlengsfelder Fleischhödes to Kaltenwestheimer Kuchenträume - from "Isekoche to Rahmkuchen". Even Goethe raved about the art of cooking in Kaltensundheim. A small exhibition at the country inn and hotel "Zur guten Quelle" recalls the great poet's visits to the Rhön. He was on the road as Mining Minister of the former Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. Delicious food is accompanied by a good drink: Rhönbier Rhönbrauerei Dittmar GmbH Kaltennordheim. 16 types of beer and a tour of the brewery are not to be missed. There are typical Rhön specialties in all parts of the village. Rhön woodcarving art can be discovered in Klings, for example. Along the way, huge quarries of the Rhön volcanic rock basalt will impress you. There is pure nature in Fischbach with a small waterfall. Special organ sounds can be heard in Kaltenlengsfeld. Jewish history can be discovered in Aschenhausen. The annual "Weideabtrieb" cattle drive on October 3 in Oberkatz is a beastly affair. Kaltenwestheim, Andenhausen, Melpers and Unterweid were direct border towns in German-German history. For 40 years, Hesse and Bavaria were only a few meters away from each other and yet they could not be reached. In the middle of all the villages: Mittelsdorf - pure village idyll.

Sightseeing:

- Kilianskirche (14th century) and Nikolaikirche (1597) in Kaltennordheim

- "Kaltennordheimer Schloss (Amtshaus)" with remains of the Merlinsburg castle (13th century), castle courtyard, official lime tree and museum areas

- Rhönwald adventure world Kaltenwestheim with ARCHE Rhön

- Family hiking trail Witches' Trail Fischbach

- High Rhön Discovery Trail

- Family hiking trail Schäferweg Oberkatz