Best backpacking trails in Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale Nature Park

Varied loop trail in the Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale Nature Park, Thuringia. This route leads around one of the largest reservoirs in Germany. The loop trail around the Hohenwarte reservoir can be completed both by mountain bike and on foot (as a multi-day tour). Highlights of the route: - Hohenwarte reservoir - Saale - Geiersberg - Kemenate Ziegenrueck

This route follows the 8th stage—the final section—of the Rennsteig and connects Brennersgrün with Blankenstein along a historic trail through the Thuringian Slate Mountains. The hike passes through Schlegel, by an impressive 400-year-old apple tree, and traverses the picturesque landscape of the Franconian Forest. The official destination is the Selbitz Bridge in Blankenstein, where hikers traditionally toss the pebble collected at the start in Hörschel into the water to successfully...

This route follows stage 17, the official final leg of the certified "Kammweg Erzgebirge-Vogtland" premium trail, connecting Hirschberg with the grand finale in Blankenstein. The hike runs almost continuously along the banks of the Saale River, offering a profound nature and history experience through the "Green Belt" along the former inner-German border. Along the way, hikers will experience fascinating architectural structures and striking vantage points before the journey concludes at...

Natural route section in the Franconian Forest, Thuringia The first section of the Frankenweg begins in the Franconian Forest. From the Wiedeturm observation tower you have a wonderful view over Blankenstein. Through the Höllental you pass the famous "Hirschsprung", a large deer sculpture on a rock. In the local nature reserve you can enjoy the wild and romantic atmosphere on the small bridges over the Selbitz. There are places to stop for a break. Highlights: - Wiedeturm observation...

2nd stage of the Hohenwarte Stausee Trail, Thuringia. On this stage of the Hohenwarte Stausee Trail, there are a few meters in altitude to overcome. However, hikers are rewarded with unique views of the Saale cascades. The scenic route crosses several regional recreational areas. The trail leads along the Eisenach-Budapest European long-distance hiking trail to Ziegenrück. Highlights: - Great views - Unique landscape

2nd partial stage of the official Saale Cycle Path from the Saale source to the mouth of the Elbe The long-distance cycle path is an official cycle path of the Saaleradweg eV and is signposted with the pictogram of a cyclist on a blue stripe and the text "Saale". The long-distance cycle path runs on cycle path D-Route 11, which runs from the Baltic Sea to Upper Bavaria. The route is also part of the R1 European cycle route (France / Russia) and the EuroVelo2 (Ireland /...

Popular, varied section of the Green Belt, Thuringia. This is a section of the Schieferweg circular hiking trail on the "Green Belt" - Probstzella - Thuringian Forest. The Schieferweg connects interesting geotopes, technical monuments and museums that were created in the historic mining areas in the Thuringian Slate Mountains / Obere Saale Nature Park. Highlights of the route: - Agent lock - Saddle observation tower - Steinbachsmühle - Monument to the opening of the border

Demanding route of the "Saale-Orla-Hunderter". This route follows the challenging route of the "Saale-Orla-Hunderter", a classic 100-kilometer hiking marathon. This is an extreme endurance challenge. The route is a mixture of asphalted country roads, unpaved forest paths and dirt tracks and explores the picturesque, rolling hills of the Thuringian Slate Mountains and the Orla Valley. You can expect "hilly" terrain throughout without any technical sections. Success on this route depends...

Stage 3 of the long-distance cycle route “Rennsteig-Radwanderweg”, Thuringia / Bavaria. This is the third and last stage of the approximately 200 km long Rennsteig cycle path, which follows a ridge path that has existed since the Middle Ages and was formerly used as a trade route from Hörschel an der Werra to Blankenstein an der Saale. The bike tour is largely identical to the famous long-distance hiking trail on the Rennsteig, which is why you are mostly on gravel, well-marked paths. The...

Interesting, idyllic section of the Schieferpfad circular hiking trail on the "Green Belt" - Probstzella - Thuringian Forest, Thuringia. The slate path connects interesting geotopes, technical monuments and museums that were created in the historical mining areas in the Thuringian Slate Mountains / Obere Saale Nature Park. Highlights of the route: - View of the Saale valley - Wenceslas Cave - Viewing platform on the guard hill