Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best trails in Ilmenau

Best trails in Ilmenau

4.1(156 reviews)

All photos
Looking for the best hiking trails in Ilmenau? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 41 scenic trails in the Ilmenau area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Explore one of 5 easy hiking trails in Ilmenau or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Ilmenau that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.

Top trails

  1. #1 - Rund um den Stausee Heyda

    3.8 (30)·Moderate·4.7 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Popular circular hike in Thuringia around the Heyda dam. The starting point of this hike is at the Riverdam Hotel & Steakhouse, which is located directly at the dam of the Heyda Dam. From here the hike leads along the idyllic banks of the dam and through beautiful spruce forest. The Heyda dam is THE local recreation destination in the north of the sky-blue city at the gates of the Thuringian Forest.

  2. #2 - Rennsteig Stage 5: Allzunah - Friedrichshöhe

    4.3 (21)·Hard·15.2 mi·Est. 7–7.5 hr
    This route follows stage 5 of the Rennsteig, connecting Frauenwald (Allzunah) with Friedrichshöhe on a historically significant section. The hike marks the transition from the Thuringian Forest to the Thuringian Slate Mountains and passes the Großer Dreiherrenstein, which marks the exact geographic midpoint of the 169 km trail. Cultural and scenic highlights include Neustadt am Rennsteig with its Rennsteig Museum, the Rennsteigwarte observation tower on the Eselsberg near Masserberg, and the...

  3. #3 - Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald

    4.3 (21)·Moderate·6.7 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Panoramic loop to the Kickelhahn in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. This varied tour starts at the end of Ilmenau, not far from the festival hall. The railway station "Ilmenau, Bad" is also not far from the starting point. The route offers a beautiful combination of nature and history. It crosses the Goethe Trail and the cave that Goethe once visited can be visited. The view from the platform of the Herrmannstein rock is truly unique. It takes some time, but the paths are mostly paved...

  4. #4 - Ilmenau via Kickelhahn

    4.6 (11)·Moderate·6.8 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr

  5. #5 - Rennsteig-Leiter Ilmenau

    4.5 (5)·Moderate·8.5 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Scenic Rennsteigleiter route in the footsteps of Goethe, Thuringia. This beautiful route along the Rennsteig traces the footsteps of the poet and naturalist Goethe. The start is at the Ilmenau Rennsteig-Leiter town portal. The route initially heads westwards and crosses various hiking trails that also lead through the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. The Kickelhahn mountain massif offers particularly magnificent views over the Ilm valley. Fresh spring water can be enjoyed at the Marienquelle...

  6. #6 - Goethewanderweg Ilmenau

    5.0 (2)·Hard·11.9 mi·Est. 6.5–7.5 hr
    Inspiring Goethe hiking trail near Ilmenau in the Thuringian Forest. This quite challenging day tour requires a certain level of fitness and stamina, but above all good footwear. The start is at the Amtshaus am Markt in Ilmenau. Here, many of the famous poet's places of work are linked one after the other, which - in addition to the impressive scenery - also provides a lot of interesting information about Goethe and his work. Particularly impressive is the Schwalbenstein, a rock formation...

  7. #7 - Über Kickelhahn und Großen Hermannstein

    4.8 (3)·Hard·13.6 mi·Est. 7–8 hr

  8. #8 - Rundwanderweg Jesuborn

    4.2 (3)·Moderate·5.5 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Lake-rich circular route near Jesuborn, Thuringia The village of Jesuborn is located on the northern edge of the Thuringian Forest - a popular hiking and recreation area. The short-distance tour has plenty of variety to offer. You pass some lakes and ponds through forest and meadow. The "Seerose" car park is the starting and ending point and starts directly with a nice walk around the water lily pond. Highlights: - varied nature - Hackhole pond - Worry ponds - Lily pond

  9. #9 - Middle and Upper Berggrabenweg

    4.9 (5)·Moderate·5.2 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Beautiful run in Ilmenau, Thuringia. The loop across the Middle and Upper Berggraben is perfect for a nice run or a family-friendly hike. Start at the parking lot at Sturmheide.

  10. #10 - Homburger Platz - Ilmenau Teiche

    3.9 (2)·Easy·3.1 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
Showing results 1–10 of 41
Explore more trails

Frequently asked questions

What are the different types of hiking trails in Ilmenau?

There are plenty of things to do on Ilmenau's hiking trails. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 29 hiking trails, 7 walking trails, 5 backpacking trails, and more.

What is the longest trail in Ilmenau?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Ilmenau is Ilmtal-Radweg (Radfernweg). This trail is estimated to be 74.8 mi long.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Ilmenau?

Ilmenau: With an ascent of 9,566 ft, Ilmenau-Masserberg-Schleusingen has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Ilmtal-Radweg (Radfernweg) with 6,082 ft of elevation gain.

What is the most popular and difficult trail in Ilmenau?

The most popular and difficult trail in Ilmenau is Rennsteig Stage 5: Allzunah - Friedrichshöhe with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.

Are there camping trails available in Ilmenau?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 camping trails in Ilmenau and the most popular is Über Kickelhahn und Großen Hermannstein with an average 4.3 star rating from 3 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Ilmenau?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 3 running trails in Ilmenau and the most popular is Middle and Upper Berggrabenweg with an average 4.9 star rating from 5 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Ilmenau?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 biking trails in Ilmenau and the most popular is Über Kickelhahn und Großen Hermannstein with an average 4.8 star rating from 3 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Ilmenau?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Ilmenau?

Yes, there is one trail with a waterfall in Ilmenau: Goethewanderweg Ilmenau.

Are there any trails with springs in Ilmenau?

Are there any trails with ponds in Ilmenau?

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Ilmenau?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Ilmenau?

Yes, there are 2 trails with historical ruins in Ilmenau, including Ilmenau via Kickelhahn and Rund um Hammerberg und Hohe Schlaufe.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Ilmenau?

Are there any trails with castles in Ilmenau?

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Ilmenau?

Yes, there are 4 trails with archaeological sites in Ilmenau, including Ilmenau via Kickelhahn, Goethewanderweg Ilmenau, Auerhahn - Ilmenau, and Rund um Heyda.

Are there any trails with cliffs in Ilmenau?

Yes, there is one trail with a cliff in Ilmenau: Oberer Berggrabenweg.

Explore in the Ilmenau area

Top cities

Top parks

More trails

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest