Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese
15.8miLength
3,149ftElevation gain
7.5–8.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route follows stage 2 of the Rennsteig, connecting Ruhla (Hubertushaus) with the Ebertswiese near Friedrichsroda on a scenically beautiful section. The path runs via the Ruhlaer Häuschen to the striking Glöckner rock formation and eventually climbs the Großer Inselsberg, which offers spectacular views across Thuringia from its 916-meter summit. As you hike through deep mixed forests, historic boundary stones like the Dreiherrenstein at Großer Weißenberg line the path, bearing witness to the ridge trail's storied past.
Overnight stays are available in Friedrichsroda or near the Ebertswiese; wild camping is prohibited along the route. Potable water and refreshments can be found at the Waldhaus Auerhahn or directly at the mountain inn on the Inselsberg. Both the start and finish are connected to the rail network by bus; schedules are available at https://www.vgw-wartburgkreis.de or https://www.bahn.de.
For the full route and all stages, see https://www.alltrails.com/lists/rennsteig - Official AllTrails List.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Rennsteig
Top sights
Großer Inselsberg
Peak
Fredis-Quell
Spring
Wallfahrtskapelle der Wüstung Glasbach
Archaeological site
Spießberg
Peak
Wohnmobilstellplatz Wallfahrt
Caravan site
Rennsteig Ehrenmal
Attraction
Waltershäuser Hütte
Hut
Oberer Beerberg
Peak
Aussichtspunkt südlicher Spießberg
Viewpoint
Venetianerstein
Viewpoint
Glöckner
Peak
Gerberstein
Peak
Löwen-Born
Spring
Spitterblick
Viewpoint
Ruhlaer Häuschen
Weather shelter
Heuberg
Peak
Oberer Pirschhauskopf
Peak
Trockenberg
Peak
Ascherbrück
Peak
Lahmberg
Peak
Schaumborn
Spring
Sommerrodelbahn Inselsberg
Attraction
Schierlingsborn
Spring
Großer Jagdberg
Peak
Hühne
Peak
Kleiner Jagdberg
Peak
Elfriedenquelle
Spring
Höllkopf
Peak
Schweinaquelle
Spring
Zigeunerkopf
Peak
Großer Weißenberg
Peak
Brotteroder Hütte
Weather shelter
Top sights
Großer Inselsberg
Peak
Fredis-Quell
Spring
Wallfahrtskapelle der Wüstung Glasbach
Archaeological site
Spießberg
Peak
Wohnmobilstellplatz Wallfahrt
Caravan site
Rennsteig Ehrenmal
Attraction
Waltershäuser Hütte
Hut
Oberer Beerberg
Peak
Aussichtspunkt südlicher Spießberg
Viewpoint
Venetianerstein
Viewpoint
Glöckner
Peak
Gerberstein
Peak
Löwen-Born
Spring
Spitterblick
Viewpoint
Ruhlaer Häuschen
Weather shelter
Heuberg
Peak
Oberer Pirschhauskopf
Peak
Trockenberg
Peak
Ascherbrück
Peak
Lahmberg
Peak
Schaumborn
Spring
Sommerrodelbahn Inselsberg
Attraction
Schierlingsborn
Spring
Großer Jagdberg
Peak
Hühne
Peak
Kleiner Jagdberg
Peak
Elfriedenquelle
Spring
Höllkopf
Peak
Schweinaquelle
Spring
Zigeunerkopf
Peak
Großer Weißenberg
Peak
Brotteroder Hütte
Weather shelter
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our community
Adventure starts in the app
Offline maps, navigation, and conditions — all in one place
Top trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Try this 15.8-mile point-to-point trail near Ruhla, Thuringia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 30 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese?
Expected weather for Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 19 - 58 degrees/showers
- Sun, September 20 - 58 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 54 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 60 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 63 degrees/clear
Where is Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese located?
Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese is a trail located in Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
How hard is Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese?
Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese is considered a hard hike that covers 15.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,149 ft. It takes about 7.5–8.5 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 Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese?
Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese is considered a hard hike that covers 15.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,149 ft. It takes about 7.5–8.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese a point to point trail?
Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese is a point to point trail that covers 15.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,149 ft. It takes about 7.5–8.5 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 Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese?
Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese is a point to point trail that covers 15.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,149 ft. It takes about 7.5–8.5 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 Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese?
Dogs may be allowed on Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese?
Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese?
According to trailgoers, Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese is usually busy. Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Aussichtspunkt südlicher Spießberg, Venetianerstein, and Spitterblick.
Is camping allowed at Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese?
Camping is allowed on Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese in Thuringian Forest Nature Park. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is backpacking allowed at Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese?
Backpacking is allowed on Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese?
Yes, Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese is a forest trail in Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Rennsteig Stage 2: Ruhla - Ebertswiese, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 17, 2026 at 3:28 am GMT+0