Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop
11.2miLength
2,565ftElevation gain
6–6.5hrEstimated time
Loop
Historical circular trail in the Thuringian Forest.
Start at Stützerbach railroad station and head east into the Rabental valley. If you have time, visit the Goethemuseum, which is located nearby. There is evidence that Johann Wolfgang Goehte often spent time here. Then you start the ascent to the Kickelhahn. This mountain is Ilmenau's local mountain and one of the town's landmarks with its high viewing tower. And Goethe's footsteps accompany you here too: it is said that he wrote "Wandrers Nachtlied" on the wall of a hunting lodge on the Kickelhahn in 1780. The trail then descends via the Großer Hermannstein to Manebach - where you can take a break and find a restaurant. You can also find the Waldgasthof Mönchhof 3 kilometers further on in the forest (check opening times beforehand). From there, the route continues through the forest. This beautiful circular trail ends in Stützerbach and, who knows, maybe some poetic verses will come to mind.
Highlights of the hike:
- Goethemuseum Stützerbach near the route
- Kickelhahn observation tower
- Goethe cottage
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Goethehäuschen
Hut
Langebachskopf
Peak
Kickelhahnturm
Tower
Neue Sophienquelle
Spring
Stichlings Platz
Viewpoint
Zum-Kripplein-Jesu-Kirche
Church
Baders Blick
Viewpoint
Kickelhahn
Peak
Großer Hermannstein
Peak
Hirschgrund
Valley
Kammerberg
Peak
Kleiner Hermannstein
Peak
Höhle im Hermannstein
Cave
Sophienquelle
Spring
Dachsquelle
Spring
Leimbühl
Peak
Großer Rödel
Peak
Großes Rabental
Valley
Kleines Rabental
Valley
Rabentalskopf
Peak
Mühlberg
Peak
Kleiner Rödel
Peak
Hohe Tanne
Peak
Zigeunerkopf
Peak
Silbergrund
Valley
Kickelhahnblick
Picnic site
Campus-Blick
Viewpoint
Echowiese
Picnic site
Top sights
Goethehäuschen
Hut
Langebachskopf
Peak
Kickelhahnturm
Tower
Neue Sophienquelle
Spring
Stichlings Platz
Viewpoint
Zum-Kripplein-Jesu-Kirche
Church
Baders Blick
Viewpoint
Kickelhahn
Peak
Großer Hermannstein
Peak
Hirschgrund
Valley
Kammerberg
Peak
Kleiner Hermannstein
Peak
Höhle im Hermannstein
Cave
Sophienquelle
Spring
Dachsquelle
Spring
Leimbühl
Peak
Großer Rödel
Peak
Großes Rabental
Valley
Kleines Rabental
Valley
Rabentalskopf
Peak
Mühlberg
Peak
Kleiner Rödel
Peak
Hohe Tanne
Peak
Zigeunerkopf
Peak
Silbergrund
Valley
Kickelhahnblick
Picnic site
Campus-Blick
Viewpoint
Echowiese
Picnic site
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Experience this 11.2-mile loop trail near Stützerbach, Thuringia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 55 min to complete. This is a popular trail for 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 Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop?
Expected weather for Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 19 - 59 degrees/showers
- Sun, September 20 - 58 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 56 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 61 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 64 degrees/clear
Where is Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop located?
Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop is a trail located in Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
How hard is Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop?
Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop is considered a hard hike that covers 11.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,565 ft. It takes about 6–6.5 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 Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop?
Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop is considered a hard hike that covers 11.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,565 ft. It takes about 6–6.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop a loop?
Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop is a loop trail that covers 11.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,565 ft. It takes about 6–6.5 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 Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop?
Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop is a loop trail that covers 11.2 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,565 ft. It takes about 6–6.5 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 Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop?
Dogs may be allowed on Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop?
Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop?
According to trailgoers, Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop is usually somewhat busy. Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Stichlings Platz, Baders Blick, and Campus-Blick.
Are there forests at Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop?
Yes, Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop is a forest trail in Thuringian Forest Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Stützerbach via Kickelhahn Loop, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 17, 2026 at 10:25 pm GMT+0