Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler
100% of reviewers say this trail is hard
17.4kmLength
488mElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
This route follows stage 3 of the Rennsteig, connecting the Ebertswiese near Friedrichsroda with the famous sports resort of Oberhof on a densely forested section. The hike leads through extensive, untouched woodland over the Nesselberg and Sperrhügel hills to the Hoher Schorn observation tower, which offers sweeping panoramas. Shortly before the destination, the path reaches the winter sports center at Grenzadler, where hikers pass directly by the biathlon arena and the famous ski jumps before the tour concludes in the center of Oberhof.
Overnight stays are available at the numerous hotels and guesthouses in Oberhof; wild camping is prohibited in the Thuringian Forest. Potable water and refreshments can be found at the Neue Ausspanne and the Thüringer Hütte at Grenzadler. The stage is excellently connected to public transport via Oberhof station and regional buses; schedules at https://www.vgw-wartburgkreis.de or 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
Krämerod
Peak
Hirtenrasen
Picnic site
Aussichtsturm Krämerod
Weather shelter
Sperrhügel
Peak
Erichs Ruh
Picnic site
Sperrhügel
Picnic site
Schmalkalder Loibe
Peak
Oberlaudenberg
Peak
Horse's head
Peak
Glasberg/ Hohe Leite
Peak
Goldborn
Spring
Brand
Peak
Tuffsteinbruch
Cliff
Gabelskopf
Peak
Am Sperrhügel
Weather shelter
Top sights
Krämerod
Peak
Hirtenrasen
Picnic site
Aussichtsturm Krämerod
Weather shelter
Sperrhügel
Peak
Erichs Ruh
Picnic site
Sperrhügel
Picnic site
Schmalkalder Loibe
Peak
Oberlaudenberg
Peak
Horse's head
Peak
Glasberg/ Hohe Leite
Peak
Goldborn
Spring
Brand
Peak
Tuffsteinbruch
Cliff
Gabelskopf
Peak
Am Sperrhügel
Weather shelter
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Enjoy this 17.4-km point-to-point trail near Friedrichroda, Thuringia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 35 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler?
Expected weather for Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 19 September - 13.9 degrees/przelotne deszcze
- Sun 20 September - 12.9 degrees/bezchmurnie
- Mon 21 September - 10.7 degrees/bezchmurnie
- Tue 22 September - 14.7 degrees/bezchmurnie
- Wed 23 September - 16 degrees/bezchmurnie
Where is Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler located?
Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler is a trail located in Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
How hard is Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler?
Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler is considered a hard hike that covers 17.4 km, with an elevation gain of 488 m. It takes about 5–5.5 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 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler?
Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler is considered a hard hike that covers 17.4 km, with an elevation gain of 488 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler a point-to-point trail?
Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler is a point to point trail that covers 17.4 km, with an elevation gain of 488 m. It takes about 5–5.5 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 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler?
Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler is a point to point trail that covers 17.4 km, with an elevation gain of 488 m. It takes about 5–5.5 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 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler?
Dogs may be allowed on Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler?
Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler?
According to trailgoers, Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler is usually busy. Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Is backpacking allowed at Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler?
Backpacking is allowed on Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler. 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 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler?
Yes, Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler is a forest trail in Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Rennsteig Stage 3: Ebertswiese - Grenzadler in Thuringian Forest Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on 15 September 2026 at 03:05 GMT+0