Best partially-paved trails in Thuringia

Popular, legendary hiking trail near Eisenach, Thuringia. The legendary Drachenschlucht south of Eisenach inspires both hikers and geologists. From the southern entrance at the Hohe Sonne, the hike leads through the narrow gorge on sturdy footbridges over the fairy grotto and along a rushing stream. Nature shows off its full charm here. The name of the gorge comes from Eisenach's patron saint, Saint George, also known as the dragon slayer, which is why numerous myths and legends surround the...

Popular circular route in the Thuringian Forest This fairly relaxed route leads around the Ohratal dam. Along the way, there are always wonderful views of the glistening waters of the lake. The water from the Ohra dammed up here is mainly used to produce drinking water for large parts of central Thuringia. Some of the paths are asphalted, made of firm gravel or natural and suitable for cycling and pushchairs. Highlights of the hike: - View of the Ohratal dam - Kerngrund pre-dam - View from...

Popular, cultural-historical circular hiking trail on the Rhönberg, Thuringia. You follow the circular route on field and meadow paths and visit three castles along the way. From the start in Mühlberg, the trail first leads to Mühlburg Castle, then through the forest to Wachsenburg Castle and along fields to Gleichen Castle, with the first two also offering refreshment stops. A constant up and down, especially before and after the castles, offers variety on this idyllic circular...

Varied hike in the Rhönberg nature reserve This hike starts just south of the Wachsenburg fortress (detour to the castle museum possible). From here, the route climbs up to the Radegrunde Chapel and Mühlburg Castle. Another highlight of the route is the mountain castle. The way back initially leads downhill again and only at the end of the route, before the route reaches the starting point again, a small incline has to be climbed. Highlights: - "Wachsenburg view" rest area - Triniusblick...

Varied and scenic circular route in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. This varied route was the winner in the "Day tours" category in 2022 - so there is a consensus that this is a very special hiking trail! The start is near the Bad Tabarz tourist information centre. It goes through the forest and slightly uphill - always with beautiful views and rewarding vantage points. Later, the five-armed signpost is reached via a steep staircase so that the Hirschstein and Red Tower cannot be missed....

Popular, scenic circular route in the Thuringian Forest, Thuringia. This popular route, which completely circumnavigates the Schmalwasser dam, inspires young and old alike. The dam has a huge storage volume and is therefore also called the "Dietharzer Meer" ("Dietharzer Sea"). It is still used today for flood protection and power generation. The Röllchen, a ridge near the dam, is particularly impressive. Once a year there is a two-dam run here in "Canada in Thuringia". Since there are nice...

Popular circular hiking trail near Jena, Thuringia. Fans of beautiful views and old buildings will get their money's worth on this circular trail. There is plenty to discover not only at the ruins of Lobdeburg Castle, which was first mentioned in a document in 1166, but also around Lobeda's old town centre. Lobeda Castle in particular stands out here. Highlights of the hike: - Lobeda Castle - Johannisberg - Spitzberg - Lobeda Castle - Lobeda old town

Georoute 8 in the UNESCO Global Geopark Thuringia Inselberg - Drei Gleichen in the Thuringian Forest. It starts at the tourist information in Bad Tabarz, very close to the bus station. It goes along wildly romantic rock formations and through the forest. A variety of information boards explain interesting facts about this GeoPark route. There are several cafes and restaurants in town where one can stop off after the hike. Highlights of the circular route: - Aschenbergstein - Kneipp spa...

Popular, varied city tour in Erfurt, Thuringia. This city tour in Erfurt takes you past some of the most beautiful cultural and historical sights in the state capital. It takes you through Erfurt's medieval old town and historic buildings such as the Petersberg Citadel, across the cathedral square and to the famous Krämerbrücke bridge. Off the beaten track, but well worth a visit, are the places where Martin Luther lived and worked, such as the Augustinian monastery where he once lived as a...

Popular, panoramic circular hike in the Thuringian Forest, Thuringia. This short but idyllic circular hike takes you from the Oberhof spa gardens along the Rennsteiggarten Oberhof to the Bärenstein. You can enjoy the tranquillity of the forest and outstanding views of the region on natural paths. Highlights of the hike: - View from the Bärenstein - Rennsteiggarten Oberhof - Oberhof spa gardens