Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein
20.9kmLength
365mElevation gain
5.5–6hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
This route follows stage 8 – the final section – of the Rennsteig, connecting Brennersgrün with Blankenstein on a historic path through the Thuringian Slate Mountains. The hike leads via Schlegel, passing an impressive 400-year-old apple tree, and traverses the picturesque landscape of the Franconian Forest. The official destination is the Selbitz Bridge in Blankenstein, where, according to tradition, hikers throw the pebble collected at the start in Hörschel into the river to successfully complete their journey across the ridge trail.
Overnight stays are available in guesthouses in Brennersgrün, Schlegel, or directly at the finish in Blankenstein; wild camping is prohibited along the route. Potable water and refreshments are provided by inns such as Am Rennsteig in Schlegel or Zum Grünen Baum in Kießling. The destination, Blankenstein, is excellently connected to the rail network via its own train station; schedules can be found at https://www.bahn.de.
For the full route and all stages, see https://www.alltrails.com/lists/rennsteig - Official AllTrails List.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Rennsteig
Top sights
Wiesbühl
Peak
Mooshäuschen
Attraction
Finkenberg
Peak
Taubenhügel
Peak
Rennsteig-Rastplatz Wegespinne
Weather shelter
Am Beerholz
Viewpoint
Am Beerholz
Picnic site
Am Hohlebrunn
Weather shelter
Kulmberg
Peak
Kirchhügel
Peak
Crow Hill
Peak
Gänsebühl
Peak
Am Pferdeweg
Weather shelter
Rennsteig-Brunnen
Attraction
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Get to know this 20.9-km point-to-point trail near Steinbach am Wald, Bavaria. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 27 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein?
Expected weather for Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein for the next 5 days is:
- Tue 22 September - 16.1 degrees/clear
- Wed 23 September - 13.8 degrees/showers
- Thu 24 September - 14.1 degrees/clear
- Fri 25 September - 17.4 degrees/clear
- Sat 26 September - 20.7 degrees/clear
Where is Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein located?
Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein is a trail located in Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale Nature Park.
How hard is Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein?
Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein is considered a hard hike that covers 20.9 km, with an elevation gain of 365 m. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein?
Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein is considered a hard hike that covers 20.9 km, with an elevation gain of 365 m. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein a point-to-point trail?
Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein is a point to point trail that covers 20.9 km, with an elevation gain of 365 m. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein?
Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein is a point to point trail that covers 20.9 km, with an elevation gain of 365 m. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein?
Dogs may be allowed on Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein?
Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein?
According to trailgoers, Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein is usually somewhat busy. Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein?
Yes, Am Beerholz is located on Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein.
Is backpacking allowed at Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein?
Backpacking is allowed on Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein?
Yes, Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein is a forest trail in Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Rennsteig Stage 8: Brennersgrün – Blankenstein in Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on 20 September 2026 at 03:39 GMT+0