Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün
100% of reviewers say this trail is hard
12.1miLength
1,466ftElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route follows stage 7 of the Rennsteig, connecting Spechtsbrunn with Brennersgrün on a historically significant section along the Thuringian-Bavarian border. The trail leads through dense spruce forests of the Franconian Forest and passes the Kalte Küche, a historic inn on an old trade route. A special highlight is hiking along the Green Belt, where old boundary stones and relics of the former inner-German border line the path. Overnight stays are available in guesthouses in Spechtsbrunn or Brennersgrün; wild camping is prohibited. Potable water and refreshments can be found at the Kalte Küche inn. Public transport is available via buses to Steinbach am Wald or Lehesten; schedules at 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
Eppenberg
Peak
Der Rote Turm
Attraction
Köhlershügel
Peak
Schnittpunkt dreier Naturparke
Weather shelter
Schleifen-Wiese
Picnic site
Schutzhütte
Weather shelter
Obelisk
Attraction
Ebertshügel
Peak
Höhe
Peak
Schutzhütte Waidmannsheil
Weather shelter
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Get to know this 12.1-mile point-to-point trail near Neuhaus am Rennweg, Thuringia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 58 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün?
Expected weather for Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 19 - 58 degrees/drizzle
- Sun, September 20 - 57 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 56 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 60 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 62 degrees/clear
Where is Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün located?
Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün is a trail located in Franconian Forest Nature Park.
How hard is Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün?
Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün is considered a hard hike that covers 12.1 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,466 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 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 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün?
Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün is considered a hard hike that covers 12.1 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,466 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün a point to point trail?
Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün is a point to point trail that covers 12.1 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,466 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 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 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün?
Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün is a point to point trail that covers 12.1 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,466 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 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 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün?
Dogs may be allowed on Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün?
Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün?
According to trailgoers, Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün is usually somewhat busy. Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Is backpacking allowed at Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün?
Backpacking is allowed on Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün. 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.
Is Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün is partially paved.
Are there forests at Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün?
Yes, Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün is a forest trail in Franconian Forest Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Rennsteig Stage 7: Spechtsbrunn - Brennersgrün in Franconian Forest Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 17, 2026 at 12:29 am GMT+0