Best wildlife trails in Hainich National Park
Where the Soviet troops trained during the Cold War, you can now enjoy a piece of primeval forest. There are plenty of beech trees to admire over an area of 7500 hectares, which have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. The forest is gradually becoming wild again here, and in the middle of the national park, between the massive copper beeches, the moss-covered trunks and the furry, earthy scent, you feel as if you are in another world.
Top sights
Top trails
- 4.3 (12)·Moderate·6.6 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrDiverse, idyllic hiking trail in the Hainich National Park. The Saugrabenweg circular hiking trail is signposted with the "wild boar" symbol. The wonderful round leads through the Brunstal in Mülverstedter Holz. The beech forests here in the Hainich National Park are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike can be started from the parking lot "Am Zollgarten" near Kammerforst or from the parking lot "Fuchsfarm" directly at the "Brotzeit Fuchsfarm" and takes about 3 hours. Sturdy shoes are...
- 4.3 (5)·Moderate·6.1 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrOne of four "Thuringian Forest Paths" in the Hainich National Park On the Welterbepfad (world heritage trail), nature around the old beeches was able to develop largely free of human influences. The World Heritage Trail is a combination of the Sperbersgrundweg and the Craulaer Kreuz hiking trail. It follows the "UNESCO rhombus" symbol and begins at the "Craulaer Kreuz" hiking car park near Craula, directly at the Hainichbaude. On the way there is a 100-step wooden staircase to overcome. The...
- 3.9 (4)·Easy·1 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrTemporary hiking trail in the Hainich National Park This hiking trail offers entertainment for young and old. It shows the natural habitat of the wildcat and is a wonderful addition to a visit to the wildcat village of Hütscheroda. The route begins above the show enclosure in Hütscheroda, the so-called wildcat clearing, not far from the wildcat barn and follows the hiking symbol "Wildcat Tracks". There is a slight incline between the wildcat barn and the wildcat clearing at the beginning of...
- 4.5 (7)·Moderate·6.3 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrVaried loop in the Hainich National Park, Thuringia The old beech forests of the national park are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and characterise this loop just as much as chequer tree, field maple and oak. In spring, orchids bloom here and lilies of the valley, daphne and wild violets cover the forest floor beneath the beech trees. The trail crosses the Steingraben, sometimes passing dried-up streams that only carry water during heavy rain. With a bit of luck, a shepherd and his dogs herding...
- Easy·2 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrBarrier-free nature trail in the Hainich National Park The "Path of Encounter" in Brunstal is one of a total of four "Thuringian Primeval Forest Paths" in the Hainich National Park, a project of WWF Germany. The aim of the Thuringian primeval forest trails is to promote acceptance and ecological understanding of forests that are not used for forestry through experiencing them. This route starts at the "Fuchsfarm" hiking parking lot, two kilometers southwest of Mülverstedt, right next to the...
- Moderate·4.1 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrPopular, family-friendly circular route in the Hainich National Park, Thuringia. This short and idyllic circular hike is suitable for every fitness level and offers a lot of nature and great views over the region. Highlights of the round: - Picturesque nature - Lauterbach - Forest idyll
- Hard·18.9 mi·Est. 8–9 hrPopular, panoramic hiking route in the Hainich National Park, Thuringia. This idyllic route leads through numerous, picturesque landscapes: It goes through the Eichsfeld-Hainich-Werratal Nature Park, along the Hainich National Park and through the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Old Beech Forests of Germany". This natural route is an absolute delight for hiking. Highlights of the route: - Enchanting forests and landscapes - Fantastic prospects - Regional flora and fauna
Visitor info
The National Park Center at Thiemsburg Castle takes its visitors into the world of nature. Watch wildcats on the hunt, peer through the treetops or look under the fallen leaves - everything is possible. From April to October, the visitor center is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm. Between November and March, daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
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- Easy trails in Hainich National Park
- Forest trails in Hainich National Park
- Lake trails in Hainich National Park
- Long trails in Hainich National Park
- Moderate trails in Hainich National Park
- Short trails in Hainich National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Hainich National Park
- Trails with views in Hainich National Park
- Wildflower trails in Hainich National Park
- Wildlife trails in Hainich National Park