The Rhön Mountains are a group of low mountains in central Germany, located in the states of Hesse, Bavaria and Thuringia. They are the result of ancient volcanic activity and are separated from the Vogelsberg Mountains by the Fulda River and its valley.
These mountains are a popular tourist destination. Hikers come for the nearly 6000 km (3750 miles) of tracks through the picturesque scenery, and gliding enthusiasts have been drawn to the area since the early Twentieth century. More recently, farmstays have been flourishing in the region.
In 1991 UNESCO declared the Rhön a Biosphere Reserve on account of its unique high-altitude ecosystem.