Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald
50% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
6.7miLength
1,453ftElevation gain
3.5–4hrEstimated time
Loop
Panoramic loop to the Kickelhahn in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
This varied tour starts at the end of Ilmenau, not far from the festival hall. The railway station "Ilmenau, Bad" is also not far from the starting point.
The route offers a beautiful combination of nature and history. It crosses the Goethe Trail and the cave that Goethe once visited can be visited. The view from the platform of the Herrmannstein rock is truly unique. It takes some time, but the paths are mostly paved and there is always something to discover. At the top of the Kickelhahn, Goethe's garden cottage, where he wrote famous prose, beckons. The marvellous view of the Thuringian Forest and Ilmenau from there is also a great reward for the climb.
There are cafés and restaurants in Ilmenau where stopping for refreshments is possible.
Highlights:
- Hermannstein viewing platform
- Hermannstein Cave
- Kickelhahn Tower
- Gabelbach Hunting Lodge Museum
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Goethehäuschen
Hut
Pindarsquelle
Spring
Kickelhahnturm
Tower
Neue Sophienquelle
Spring
Stichlings Platz
Viewpoint
Kickelhahn
Peak
Gabelbachskopf
Peak
Friedrich Hofmann Brunnen
Spring
Großer Hermannstein
Peak
Kammerberg
Peak
Kleiner Hermannstein
Peak
Höhle im Hermannstein
Cave
Sophienquelle
Spring
Dachsquelle
Spring
Carl Alexander Brunnen
Spring
Emilienbrunnen
Spring
Lindenberg Alm
Hut
Wohnmobilstellplatz an der Festhalle
Caravan site
Laufbrunnen
Attraction
Top sights
Goethehäuschen
Hut
Pindarsquelle
Spring
Kickelhahnturm
Tower
Neue Sophienquelle
Spring
Stichlings Platz
Viewpoint
Kickelhahn
Peak
Gabelbachskopf
Peak
Friedrich Hofmann Brunnen
Spring
Großer Hermannstein
Peak
Kammerberg
Peak
Kleiner Hermannstein
Peak
Höhle im Hermannstein
Cave
Sophienquelle
Spring
Dachsquelle
Spring
Carl Alexander Brunnen
Spring
Emilienbrunnen
Spring
Lindenberg Alm
Hut
Wohnmobilstellplatz an der Festhalle
Caravan site
Laufbrunnen
Attraction
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Head out on this 6.7-mile loop trail near Ilmenau, Thuringia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 27 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald?
Expected weather for Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald for the next 5 days is:
- Tue, September 22 - 62 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 56 degrees/showers
- Thu, September 24 - 59 degrees/foggy
- Fri, September 25 - 66 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 71 degrees/clear
Where is Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald located?
Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald is a trail located in Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
How hard is Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald?
Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald is considered a moderate hike that covers 6.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,453 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald?
Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald is considered a moderate hike that covers 6.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,453 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald a loop?
Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald is a loop trail that covers 6.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,453 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 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 Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald?
Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald is a loop trail that covers 6.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,453 ft. It takes about 3.5–4 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 Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald?
Dogs may be allowed on Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald.
How busy is Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald?
According to trailgoers, Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald is usually somewhat busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald.
Are there scenic views at Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald?
Yes, Stichlings Platz is located on Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald.
Are there forests at Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald?
Yes, Kickelhahn Round Trail - Ilmenau - Thüringer Wald is a forest trail in Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
Last updated on September 22, 2026 at 2:08 am GMT+0