SaaleHorizontale
91.2kmLength
3,061mElevation gain
24hr+Estimated time
Point-to-point
Varied long-distance hiking trail near Jena, Thuringia.
The SaaleHorizontale long-distance hiking trail, recognized as a quality trail by the German Hiking Association, offers plenty of culture and unspoiled nature over 70 km. The hike, usually completed in four daily stages, leads through the beautiful Saale Valley, characterized by imposing shell limestone slopes and magnificent beech forests. Castles, castle ruins, and over twenty viewpoints await along the way.
The start and finish of the hike are in Jena, and it can be reached by bus and train on a short journey. There are places to stay overnight and stop for refreshments in most of the larger towns, so it is easy to choose a destination and direction of travel.
Highlights of the hike:
- University town of Jena
- idyllic middle Saale valley
- Three Dornburg castles near Jena
- Castle ruins
- Königsstuhl, the Sophienterrasse, and many other viewpoints
- Napoleon's Stone
- picturesque Mühltal valley
- Orchard meadows
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Johannisberg
Peak
Rautal
Valley
Kupferplatte
Viewpoint
Johannisberg
Archaeological site
Spitzberg
Viewpoint
Sommerlinde
Attraction
Lobdeburg
Castle
Gleitberg
Viewpoint
Dornburgblick
Viewpoint
Burgschädel
Peak
Fürstenbrunnen
Spring
Rokoko-Schloss
Castle
Burg Kirchberg
Castle
Diebeskrippe
Attraction
Jenzig
Peak
Rosental
Valley
Hausberg
Peak
Rat- und Brauhaus Laasan
Attraction
Altes Schloss
Castle
Stockborn
Spring
Fuchsturm
Viewpoint
Königstuhl
Viewpoint
Tautenburg
Castle
Gleisberg
Peak
Zietschkuppe
Peak
Wolf von Tümpling-Thalstein
Rock shelter
Weihestätte des Bundes der Thüringer Berg-, Burg- und Waldgemeinden
Attraction
Renaissance-Schloss
Castle
Burg Wintberg
Archaeological site
Serastein
Attraction
Hummelsberg
Peak
Spitzberg
Peak
Plattenberg
Peak
Galgenberg
Peak
Hohe Lehde
Peak
Albert Heintz Bank
Viewpoint
Forsthaus
Hut
Sophienterrassen
Attraction
Alfred-Jensch-Teleskop
Attraction
An der ehemaligen Köhlerei
Picnic site
Top sights
Johannisberg
Peak
Rautal
Valley
Kupferplatte
Viewpoint
Johannisberg
Archaeological site
Spitzberg
Viewpoint
Sommerlinde
Attraction
Lobdeburg
Castle
Gleitberg
Viewpoint
Dornburgblick
Viewpoint
Burgschädel
Peak
Fürstenbrunnen
Spring
Rokoko-Schloss
Castle
Burg Kirchberg
Castle
Diebeskrippe
Attraction
Jenzig
Peak
Rosental
Valley
Hausberg
Peak
Rat- und Brauhaus Laasan
Attraction
Altes Schloss
Castle
Stockborn
Spring
Fuchsturm
Viewpoint
Königstuhl
Viewpoint
Tautenburg
Castle
Gleisberg
Peak
Zietschkuppe
Peak
Wolf von Tümpling-Thalstein
Rock shelter
Weihestätte des Bundes der Thüringer Berg-, Burg- und Waldgemeinden
Attraction
Renaissance-Schloss
Castle
Burg Wintberg
Archaeological site
Serastein
Attraction
Hummelsberg
Peak
Spitzberg
Peak
Plattenberg
Peak
Galgenberg
Peak
Hohe Lehde
Peak
Albert Heintz Bank
Viewpoint
Forsthaus
Hut
Sophienterrassen
Attraction
Alfred-Jensch-Teleskop
Attraction
An der ehemaligen Köhlerei
Picnic site
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our community
Adventure starts in the app
Offline maps, navigation, and conditions — all in one place
Top trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Try this 91.2-km point-to-point trail near Jena, Thuringia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 26 h 46 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, hiking, and trail running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
What is the expected weather this week for SaaleHorizontale?
Expected weather for SaaleHorizontale for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 19 September - 17.1 degrees/showers
- Sun 20 September - 15.9 degrees/clear
- Mon 21 September - 15 degrees/clear
- Tue 22 September - 15.7 degrees/clear
- Wed 23 September - 19.3 degrees/clear
Where is SaaleHorizontale located?
SaaleHorizontale is a trail located in Jena, Thuringia, Germany.
How hard is SaaleHorizontale?
SaaleHorizontale is considered a hard hike that covers 91.2 km, with an elevation gain of 3,061 m. It takes about 24 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?
SaaleHorizontale is considered a hard hike that covers 91.2 km, with an elevation gain of 3,061 m. It takes about 24 hr+ to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is SaaleHorizontale a point-to-point trail?
SaaleHorizontale is a point to point trail that covers 91.2 km, with an elevation gain of 3,061 m. It takes about 24 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?
SaaleHorizontale is a point to point trail that covers 91.2 km, with an elevation gain of 3,061 m. It takes about 24 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?
Dogs may be allowed on SaaleHorizontale. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Are there scenic views at SaaleHorizontale?
Yes, according to trailgoers, SaaleHorizontale features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Kupferplatte, Spitzberg, Gleitberg, Dornburgblick and Fuchsturm.
Is there running at SaaleHorizontale?
Yes, trailgoers have said that SaaleHorizontale is good for running. This trail covers 91.2 km, with an elevation gain of 3,061 m.
Is backpacking allowed at SaaleHorizontale?
Backpacking is allowed on SaaleHorizontale. 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?
Yes, SaaleHorizontale is a forest trail.
Are there wildflowers at SaaleHorizontale?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on SaaleHorizontale, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at SaaleHorizontale?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at SaaleHorizontale. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on 7 September 2026 at 23:53 GMT+0