Feldberg-Born

## Overview Feldberg-Born is a public drinking spring located in the Taunus mountain range of Hesse, Germany, near the summit of Großer Feldberg — the highest peak in the Taunus at 881 meters (2,890 feet) above sea level. The GPS coordinates place this spring at approximately 50.2295°N, 8.4509°E, situating it in the forested highlands northwest of Frankfurt am Main. The Taunus range is known for its mineral-rich geology, shaped by ancient volcanic and sedimentary processes. Springs in this region have been valued for centuries, with the broader Taunus area famous for its healing and mineral waters — nearby towns like Bad Homburg, Bad Soden, and Wiesbaden built entire spa traditions around their natural water sources. Feldberg-Born continues this tradition as a publicly accessible spring, historically used by hikers and locals as a refreshment point along the well-traveled trails of the Großer Feldberg area. The name "Born" is an old German word for spring or well, commonly found in place names throughout central Germany. Feldberg-Born thus translates roughly to "Feldberg Spring," reflecting its longstanding identity as a recognized water source on or near the mountain. ## Directions 1. From Frankfurt am Main, head northwest on the B455 or L3024 toward Oberursel and then continue into the Taunus highlands following signs for Großer Feldberg. 2. The spring is located in the vicinity of the Großer Feldberg summit area. Use the GPS coordinates **50.2295, 8.4509** for precise navigation. 3. Parking is available near the Feldberg summit (Feldbergplateau), which serves as a popular trailhead. From the parking area, the spring can be reached on foot via marked forest trails. 4. Look for local signage indicating "Feldberg-Born" or "Quelle" (German for spring) along the trail network. *Note: These directions are based on the GPS coordinates and general knowledge of the Feldberg area. Visitors are encouraged to confirm the exact trailhead and path using a local hiking map or navigation app.* ## What to Expect Feldberg-Born sits within the dense mixed forests that blanket the upper slopes of the Taunus range. The surrounding landscape is characterized by beech and spruce trees, mossy rocks, and the cool, fresh air typical of the Taunus highlands. The area is a popular destination for hikers, trail runners, and nature enthusiasts year-round. As a designated public drinking spring, Feldberg-Born has historically been used as a source of refreshment by visitors to the Großer Feldberg. The water has been traditionally regarded as clean and refreshing, though — as with any natural spring — conditions can vary with weather and season. Visitors have historically consumed the water, but its current testing status is not confirmed. The Großer Feldberg area offers extensive hiking trails, including connections to long-distance routes, and the summit features a telecommunications tower and a small visitor area. Visiting the spring can easily be combined with a hike to the summit for panoramic views across the Taunus, the Rhine-Main plain, and — on clear days — as far as the Odenwald mountains to the south. The spring is accessible throughout the year, though trails may be icy or snow-covered in winter months. Spring and autumn offer particularly beautiful forest scenery. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the forested terrain.