Best long trails in Hainich National Park
Where the Soviet troops trained during the Cold War, you can now enjoy a piece of primeval forest. There are plenty of beech trees to admire over an area of 7500 hectares, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. The forest is gradually becoming wild again here, and in the middle of the national park, between the massive copper beeches, the moss-covered trunks and the furry, earthy scent, you feel as if you are in another world.
Top sights
Top trails
- 4.1 (13)·Moderate·10.6 km·Est. 3–3.5 hrVaried, idyllic hiking trail in the Hainich National Park. The Saugrabenweg circular hiking trail is signposted with the "wild boar" symbol. The beautiful loop leads through the Brunstal valley in Mülverstedter Holz. The beech forests here in the Hainich National Park are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike can be started from the "Am Zollgarten" car park near Kammerforst or from the "Fuchsfarm" car park directly at the "Brotzeit Fuchsfarm" snack bar and takes around 3 hours. Sturdy...
- 4.6 (7)·Hard·20.4 km·Est. 5.5–6 hrPopular circular hiking trail on two well-known long-distance hiking trails This hike starts at the Weberstedt hiking car park. From here, the hike initially follows the route of the Hainichland Trail into the UNSECO World Heritage Site "Ancient Beech Forests of Germany". After a while, the route then turns off onto the Rennstieg before finally following the route of the Hainichland Trail again.
- 4.3 (5)·Moderate·9.8 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrOne of four "Thuringian Forest Paths" in the Hainich National Park On the Welterbepfad (world heritage trail), nature around the old beeches was able to develop largely free of human influences. The World Heritage Trail is a combination of the Sperbersgrundweg and the Craulaer Kreuz hiking trail. It follows the "UNESCO rhombus" symbol and begins at the "Craulaer Kreuz" hiking car park near Craula, directly at the Hainichbaude. On the way there is a 100-step wooden staircase to overcome. The...
- 4.5 (7)·Moderate·10.1 km·Est. 2.5–3 hrVaried circular route in the Hainich National Park, Thuringia The old beech forests of the national park are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and characterise this circular route just as much as chequer tree, field maple and oak. In spring, orchids bloom here and lilies of the valley, daphne and wild violets cover the forest floor beneath the beech trees. The trail crosses the Steingraben, sometimes passing dried-up streams that only carry water during heavy rain. With a bit of luck, a shepherd...
- 5.0 (1)·Moderate·11.7 km·Est. 3–3.5 hrCultural and historical hiking trail in the Hainich National Park The Betteleichenweg hiking trail leads past numerous cultural and historical highlights in the national park, such as the Ihlefeld Cross, the Iron Hand and the Ihlefeld. In spring, the trail leads through marvellous flowering wild garlic and larkspur stands. The hiking trail starts at the Kammerforst National Park Information Centre and you hike in an anti-clockwise direction. If you would like to start hiking directly in the...
- Hard·30.4 km·Est. 8–9 hrPopular, scenic hiking route in the Hainich National Park, Thuringia. This idyllic route leads through numerous picturesque landscapes: it goes through the Eichsfeld-Hainich-Werratal Nature Park, along the Hainich National Park and through the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Ancient Beech Forests of Germany". This natural route is an absolute hiking delight. Highlights of the route: - Enchanting forests and landscapes - Fantastic views - Regional flora and fauna
Visitor info
Accessibility
Facilities
The National Park Centre at Thiemsburg Castle takes its visitors into the world of nature. Watch wildcats on the hunt, peer through the treetops or look under the fallen leaves - everything is possible. From April to October, the visitor centre is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. Between November and March daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
Activities
Attractions
- Easy trails in Hainich National Park
- Forest trails in Hainich National Park
- Lake trails in Hainich National Park
- Long trails in Hainich National Park
- Moderate trails in Hainich National Park
- Short trails in Hainich National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Hainich National Park
- Trails with views in Hainich National Park
- Wildflower trails in Hainich National Park
- Wildlife trails in Hainich National Park