SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain
100% of reviewers say this trail is hard
15.8kmLength
612mElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
Stage 1 of the long-distance hiking trail "SaaleHorizontale", Thuringia.
This is the first stage of the certified SaaleHorizontale quality trail, a wonderful hike through the Saale valley, starting and finishing in Jena.
The first stage of the long-distance hiking trail starts in Jena and ends in Ziegenhain. As the trail climbs quite steeply in places and you walk close to steep rocks, particularly in the Pennicken Valley, this hike is categorised as challenging. Fantastic views of the university town of Jena and the picturesque Saale valley invite you to linger and take a break. Overnight accommodation and refreshment stops are available.
Highlights of the hike:
- Orchard meadows
- great views of Jena and the Saale valley
- Lobdeburg Castle
- Johannisberg
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Johannisberg
Peak
Kupferplatte
Viewpoint
Johannisberg
Archaeological site
Spitzberg
Viewpoint
Sommerlinde
Attraction
Lobdeburg
Castle
Bergrutsch an der Studentenrutsche
Cliff
Fürstenbrunnen
Spring
Diebeskrippe
Attraction
Hummelsberg
Peak
Spitzberg
Peak
Bergrutsch an der Diebeskrippe
Cliff
Albert Heintz Bank
Viewpoint
Forsthaus
Hut
Top sights
Johannisberg
Peak
Kupferplatte
Viewpoint
Johannisberg
Archaeological site
Spitzberg
Viewpoint
Sommerlinde
Attraction
Lobdeburg
Castle
Bergrutsch an der Studentenrutsche
Cliff
Fürstenbrunnen
Spring
Diebeskrippe
Attraction
Hummelsberg
Peak
Spitzberg
Peak
Bergrutsch an der Diebeskrippe
Cliff
Albert Heintz Bank
Viewpoint
Forsthaus
Hut
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Experience this 15.8-km point-to-point trail near Jena, Thuringia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 43 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, hiking, and trail running, 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 SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
Expected weather for SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain for the next 5 days is:
- Sun 20 September - 16.3 degrees/clear
- Mon 21 September - 15.8 degrees/clear
- Tue 22 September - 17.7 degrees/drizzle
- Wed 23 September - 14.9 degrees/clear
- Thu 24 September - 16.8 degrees/clear
Where is SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain located?
SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is a trail located in Jena, Thuringia, Germany.
How hard is SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is considered a hard hike that covers 15.8 km, with an elevation gain of 612 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 SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is considered a hard hike that covers 15.8 km, with an elevation gain of 612 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 SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain a point-to-point trail?
SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is a point to point trail that covers 15.8 km, with an elevation gain of 612 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 SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is a point to point trail that covers 15.8 km, with an elevation gain of 612 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 SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
Dogs may be allowed on SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
According to trailgoers, SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is usually busy. SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
Yes, according to trailgoers, SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Kupferplatte, Spitzberg and Albert Heintz Bank.
Is there running at SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
Yes, trailgoers have said that SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is good for running. This trail covers 15.8 km, with an elevation gain of 612 m.
Is backpacking allowed at SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
Backpacking is allowed on SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain. 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 SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
Yes, SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is a forest trail.
Last updated on 14 September 2026 at 04:02 GMT+0