Best wildlife 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
- 4.3 (12)·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...
- 4.3 (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...
- 3.9 (4)·Easy·1.6 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrTemporary hiking trail in the Hainich National Park This hiking trail offers fun for young and old. It shows the natural habitat of the wildcat and is a wonderful addition to a visit to the wildcat village of Hütscheroda. The route begins above the show enclosure in Hütscheroda, the so-called wildcat clearing, not far from the wildcat barn and follows the "wildcat tracks" hiking symbol. There is a slight incline between the wildcat barn and the wildcat clearing at the start of the hike. It...
- 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...
- Easy·3.2 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrBarrier-free nature trail in the Hainich National Park The "Path of Encounter" in Brunstal is one of a total of four "Thuringian Primeval Forest Trails" in the Hainich National Park, a project organised by WWF Germany. The aim of the Thuringian primeval forest trails is to promote acceptance and ecological understanding of forests that are not used for forestry through experiencing them. This route starts at the "Fuchsfarm" hiking car park, two kilometres southwest of Mülverstedt, right...
- Moderate·6.6 km·Est. 2–2.5 hrPopular, family-friendly circular trail in the Hainich National Park, Thuringia. This short and idyllic circular hike is suitable for all fitness levels and offers great views of the region as well as plenty of nature. Highlights of the loop: - Picturesque nature - Lauterbach - Forest idyll
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best wildlife trail to hike in Hainich National Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best wildlife trail to hike in Hainich National Park is Saugrabenweg, which has a 4.3 star rating from 12 reviews. This trail is 10.6 km long with an elevation gain of 261 m.
What is the longest wildlife trail in Hainich National Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest wildlife trail in Hainich National Park is Eigenriden nach Behringen über den Rennsteig. This trail is estimated to be 30.4 km long.
How many wildlife trails are in Hainich National Park?
There are 8 wildlife trails in Hainich National Park.These wildlife trails have an average 3.9-star ratingfrom 34 AllTrails community reviews.
Which wildlife trail has the most elevation gain in Hainich National Park?
Eigenriden nach Behringen über den Rennsteig has the most elevation gain for wildlife trails with 617 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Fahrradrundweg im Nationalpark Hainich, which has 526 m of elevation gain.
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