Goethewanderweg Ilmenau
11.9miLength
3,021ftElevation gain
6.5–7.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
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 that Goethe loved very much and which offers a marvellous view. Hiking stamps can be collected at the "Finsteren Loch" ("Dark Hole"). Refreshments are also available along the way. This first premium hiking trail in Thuringia has a lot to offer - it is one of the most impressive ones and will certainly inspire to retrace the footsteps of the great German poet.
The hike is marked with a "G".
Highlights:
- Town of Ilmenau with university
- Goethe Museum in Stützerbach
- Schwalbenstein rock
- Kickelhahn Tower
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Goethehäuschen
Hut
Langebachskopf
Peak
Pindarsquelle
Spring
Emmastein
Peak
Finsteres Loch
Waterfall
Vorderer Erbskopf
Peak
Heusingersches Stift
Building
Schwalbenstein
Viewpoint
Kickelhahnturm
Tower
Sitzender Goethe
Attraction
Pranger
Attraction
Neue Sophienquelle
Spring
Berthaquelle
Spring
Hinterer Erbskopf
Peak
Stichlings Platz
Viewpoint
grünes herz Aussicht
Viewpoint
Ilmenau Castle
Archaeological site
Zum-Kripplein-Jesu-Kirche
Church
Marienquelle
Spring
Kickelhahn
Peak
Großer Hermannstein
Peak
Kammerberg
Peak
Kleiner Hermannstein
Peak
Höhle im Hermannstein
Cave
Sophienquelle
Spring
Dachsquelle
Spring
Heidelberg
Peak
Hangeberg
Peak
Steingrund
Valley
Schloßberg
Peak
Großer Spiegelsberg
Peak
Goethe Fountain
Attraction
Hennebrunnen
Attraction
Altes Zechenhaus
Building
Campus-Blick
Viewpoint
Top sights
Goethehäuschen
Hut
Langebachskopf
Peak
Pindarsquelle
Spring
Emmastein
Peak
Finsteres Loch
Waterfall
Vorderer Erbskopf
Peak
Heusingersches Stift
Building
Schwalbenstein
Viewpoint
Kickelhahnturm
Tower
Sitzender Goethe
Attraction
Pranger
Attraction
Neue Sophienquelle
Spring
Berthaquelle
Spring
Hinterer Erbskopf
Peak
Stichlings Platz
Viewpoint
grünes herz Aussicht
Viewpoint
Ilmenau Castle
Archaeological site
Zum-Kripplein-Jesu-Kirche
Church
Marienquelle
Spring
Kickelhahn
Peak
Großer Hermannstein
Peak
Kammerberg
Peak
Kleiner Hermannstein
Peak
Höhle im Hermannstein
Cave
Sophienquelle
Spring
Dachsquelle
Spring
Heidelberg
Peak
Hangeberg
Peak
Steingrund
Valley
Schloßberg
Peak
Großer Spiegelsberg
Peak
Goethe Fountain
Attraction
Hennebrunnen
Attraction
Altes Zechenhaus
Building
Campus-Blick
Viewpoint
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Explore this 11.9-mile point-to-point trail near Ilmenau, Thuringia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 24 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Goethewanderweg Ilmenau?
Expected weather for Goethewanderweg Ilmenau for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 19 - 62 degrees/showers
- Sun, September 20 - 59 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 59 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 63 degrees/drizzle
- Wed, September 23 - 56 degrees/clear
Where is Goethewanderweg Ilmenau located?
Goethewanderweg Ilmenau is a trail located in Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
How hard is Goethewanderweg Ilmenau?
Goethewanderweg Ilmenau is considered a hard hike that covers 11.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,021 ft. It takes about 6.5–7.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Goethewanderweg Ilmenau?
Goethewanderweg Ilmenau is considered a hard hike that covers 11.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,021 ft. It takes about 6.5–7.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Goethewanderweg Ilmenau a point to point trail?
Goethewanderweg Ilmenau is a point to point trail that covers 11.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,021 ft. It takes about 6.5–7.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Goethewanderweg Ilmenau?
Goethewanderweg Ilmenau is a point to point trail that covers 11.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,021 ft. It takes about 6.5–7.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Goethewanderweg Ilmenau?
Dogs may be allowed on Goethewanderweg Ilmenau. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Goethewanderweg Ilmenau?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Goethewanderweg Ilmenau.
How busy is Goethewanderweg Ilmenau?
According to trailgoers, Goethewanderweg Ilmenau is usually not too busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Goethewanderweg Ilmenau.
Are there waterfalls at Goethewanderweg Ilmenau?
Yes, Goethewanderweg Ilmenau has a scenic view of Finsteres Loch.
Are there scenic views at Goethewanderweg Ilmenau?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Goethewanderweg Ilmenau features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Schwalbenstein, Stichlings Platz, grünes herz Aussicht, and Campus-Blick.
Are there forests at Goethewanderweg Ilmenau?
Yes, Goethewanderweg Ilmenau is a forest trail in Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
Last updated on September 15, 2026 at 11:55 pm GMT+0