Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall
Caution
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75% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
3.3miLength
666ftElevation gain
1.5–2hrEstimated time
Loop
• Partial Closure of Altenstein Castle Park: Due to storm damage, certain areas of Altenstein Castle Park are temporarily closed. The closed areas are life-threatening! For more information: https://www.thueringerschloesser.de/en/object/altenstein-palace-park/
The hike leads through the historic Thuringian Slate Mountains and combines the romantic ruins of a hilltop castle with the refreshing force of nature of a hidden forest waterfall.
From the starting point, the trail first leads above the impressive Ohra dam and then climbs up to the ruins of Altenstein Castle. The tour leads through dense beech and spruce forests, where the knocking of the black woodpecker can be heard in spring. A particular highlight is the Luisenthal waterfall (often called the Schmalwasser waterfall), which cascades picturesquely over rocky cascades into the depths. Rare ferns and mosses thrive in the damp ravines around the waterfall, while in the evening hours, with a bit of luck, you may spot a fire salamander along the path.
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Top sights
Luisenthaler Wasserfall
Waterfall
Fasanentränke
Attraction
Bonifatiusfelsen
Viewpoint
Schloss Altenstein
Castle
Zopfbeet
Attraction
Katz- und Maus-Höhle
Cave
Altensteiner Höhle
Cave
Teufelsbrücke
Viewpoint
Burg Altenstein
Castle
Sennhütte
Attraction
Austritt des Höhlenbaches
Spring
Antoniusberg
Peak
Chinesisches Häuschen
Attraction
Top sights
Luisenthaler Wasserfall
Waterfall
Fasanentränke
Attraction
Bonifatiusfelsen
Viewpoint
Schloss Altenstein
Castle
Zopfbeet
Attraction
Katz- und Maus-Höhle
Cave
Altensteiner Höhle
Cave
Teufelsbrücke
Viewpoint
Burg Altenstein
Castle
Sennhütte
Attraction
Austritt des Höhlenbaches
Spring
Antoniusberg
Peak
Chinesisches Häuschen
Attraction
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 3.3-mile loop trail near Bad Liebenstein, Thuringia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 39 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
What is the expected weather this week for Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall?
Expected weather for Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall for the next 5 days is:
- Mon, September 28 - 75 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 29 - 71 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 30 - 67 degrees/showers
- Thu, October 1 - 65 degrees/drizzle
- Fri, October 2 - 68 degrees/foggy
Where is Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall located?
Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall is a trail located in Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
How hard is Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall?
Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall is considered an easy hike that covers 3.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 666 ft. It takes about 1.5–2 hr to complete. Easy trails are typically short, with clearly marked paths and fairly level terrain.
What is the elevation gain for Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall?
Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall is considered an easy hike that covers 3.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 666 ft. It takes about 1.5–2 hr to complete. Easy trails are typically short, with clearly marked paths and fairly level terrain.
Is Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall a loop?
Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall is a loop trail that covers 3.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 666 ft. It takes about 1.5–2 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall?
Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall is a loop trail that covers 3.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 666 ft. It takes about 1.5–2 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall?
Dogs may be allowed on Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Are there waterfalls at Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall?
Yes, Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall has a scenic view of Luisenthaler Wasserfall.
Are there scenic views at Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Bonifatiusfelsen and Teufelsbrücke.
Are there forests at Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall?
Yes, Altenstein Castle and Luisenthal Waterfall is a forest trail in Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
Last updated on September 25, 2026 at 4:11 am GMT+0