Wasserkuppe
| Wasserkuppe | |
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 950.2 m above sea level (NN) (3,117 ft) |
| Listing | highest mountain of Hesse |
| Coordinates | 50°29′53″N 9°56′16″E / 50.498056°N 9.937778°E |
| Geography | |
| Parent range | Rhön (Hohe Rhön) |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type(s) | Basalt, Bunter extinct volcano |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | asphalt road almost to the top |
The Wasserkuppe (German pronunciation: [ˈvasɐˌkʊpə] ⓘ;) is the highest mountain in the Rhön range and the tallest elevation in the German state of Hesse, standing at 950 metres (3,120 ft) above sea level. It forms a prominent plateau within the Fulda district and is known as the "cradle of gliding". Great advances in sailplane development took place here during the interwar period, driven by annual contests. To this day, an airfield near the summit continues to be used by gliding clubs and light aircraft pilots.