Inselsberg Loop

Popular, panoramic circular hike in the Thuringian Forest, Thuringia. The tour starts at the tourist information centre in Tabarz (390m above sea level). This is also the starting point of the volcano trail with some information and the "Ringelnatz" gallery with constantly changing exhibitions. Tabarz can be reached by bus from Gotha or Eisenach or by the Thuringian Forest Railway from Gotha. It is only a few minutes' walk from the bus stop to the starting point. The trail first leads through the Lauchagrund with its numerous rock formations, which are also used for climbing. On the way, a detour over approx. 100 steps to the Backofenlöchern is recommended. The trail then continues through the rocky valley. "The Cold Heart", for example, was filmed against this rocky backdrop. This is followed by a fairly steep ascent to the Kleiner Inselsberg. Here you will find the fun park with a summer toboggan run and numerous other attractions. Now it's another challenging climb over the Reitsteine to the Großer Inselsberg (916 metres above sea level). In fine weather, the observation tower there offers a distant view of the Thuringian countryside. There are also exhibitions in the tower. If you think you've had enough, you can spend the night in the hostel (www.jugendherberge-inselsberg.de). The route continues (the next day) via the Rennsteig and Wartburgblick, past the ski lift on the downhill run to the "Schönen Leite". Via the Rotenbergswiese (nature reserve) and the rhododendron garden to the climbing forest in Tabarz. Here you can climb between the trees at various levels of difficulty, ride a bike over a suspension bridge and much more. The trail then leads back to the starting point at the tourist information centre via Datenbergswiese. Highlights of the circular trail: - Baking oven holes - Rock valley - Rhododendron garden