Best wildlife trails in Thuringia

Popular loop, in Wartburg - Hohe Sonne nature reserve, Thuringia This is a great loop through the Thuringian Forest, which has a lot to offer from the beautiful town of Eisenach to the historic Wartburg Castle and natural attractions such as the Drachenschlucht. A special sight along the route is the "Wilde Sau" stone cross, which was erected in 1483 and is the oldest of its kind on the Rennsteig. Attention: The Drachenschlucht can be closed at short notice due to the weather. The path can...

Popular, varied loop through the Wartburg - Hohe Sonne nature reserve, Thuringia. The hike starts in Eisenach's old town, which is well worth seeing, right by the railway station, and leads up to Wartburg Castle. It is well worth a visit here and there are refreshment stops and bathrooms. The route then leads to the fantastic, wild and romantic Drachenschlucht gorge. Over wooden planks or gratings, the route leads directly over a stream and between the moss-covered, gigantic stones. There...

Varied and scenic circular route in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. This varied route was the winner in the "Day tours" category in 2022 - so there is a consensus that this is a very special hiking trail! The start is near the Bad Tabarz tourist information centre. It goes through the forest and slightly uphill - always with beautiful views and rewarding vantage points. Later, the five-armed signpost is reached via a steep staircase so that the Hirschstein and Red Tower cannot be missed....

This route follows the first stage of the Rennsteig and connects Hörschel on the River Werra with Ruhla along a first section steeped in history. The walk leads from the banks of the Werra up into the Thuringian Forest, offering sweeping views and passing historic landmarks such as the ‘Wilde Sau’ stone cross and the Vachaer Stein. A particular highlight is the Hohe Sonne rest stop, which offers an impressive view of Wartburg Castle. Traditionally, hikers collect a pebble from the Werra at...

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...

Georoute 8 in the UNESCO Global Geopark Thuringia Inselberg - Drei Gleichen in the Thuringian Forest. It starts at the tourist information in Bad Tabarz, very close to the bus station. It goes along wildly romantic rock formations and through the forest. A variety of information boards explain interesting facts about this GeoPark route. There are several cafes and restaurants in town where one can stop off after the hike. Highlights of the circular route: - Aschenbergstein - Kneipp spa...

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...

Popular, panoramic hike in the Thuringian Forest, Thuringia. The tour starts at the tourist information office in Tabarz (390m above sea level). Here is also the starting point of the Vulkansteig with some information and the "Ringelnatz" gallery with constantly changing exhibitions. Tabarz can be reached by bus from Gotha or Eisenach or with the Thuringian Forest Railway from Gotha. It is a few minutes' walk from the stop to the starting point. First the path leads through the Lauchagrund...

This route follows stage 6 of the Rennsteig, connecting Friedrichshöhe with Spechtsbrunn on a diverse section. From the slate-roofed houses of Friedrichshöhe, the trail leads via Limbach to Bernhardsthal, where a natural swimming lake offers a perfect rest stop. Passing through Neuhaus am Rennweg—home to Thuringia's highest train station—the path continues via Ernsthal and the Frankenwaldblick viewpoint to the Brand mountain inn and finally Spechtsbrunn. Overnight stays are available at the...

Popular and varied loop through the Schwarzatal nature reserve, Thuringia. A fantastic loop that reveals the full beauty of the nature reserve. Along unique flora and fauna, there are always views of the idyllic Schwarzatal valley and the Thuringian Forest. The start is at the car park by the Schwarzabrücke bridge. There is also the "Chrysopras-Wehr" bus stop nearby, as well as bathrooms at the campsite and a place to stop for refreshments. It is also possible to stop off at the...