SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain
100% of reviewers say this trail is hard
9.8miLength
2,007ftElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
Stage 1 of the “SaaleHorizontale” long-distance hiking trail, Thuringia.
This is the first stage of the certified SaaleHorizontale quality trail, a wonderful trail through the Saale valley with start and finish in Jena.
The first stage of the long-distance hiking trail starts in Jena and ends in Ziegenhain. Since it is sometimes quite steep uphill and you hike close to steep rocks, especially in the Pennickental area, this hike is classified as challenging. Fantastic views of the university town of Jena and the picturesque Saale valley always invite you to linger and take a break. There are places to stay overnight as well as restaurants.
Highlights of the hike:
- Orchards
- great views of Jena and the Saale valley
- Lobdeburg
- Johannisberg
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Johannisberg
Peak
Kupferplatte
Viewpoint
Johannisberg
Archaeological site
Spitzberg
Viewpoint
Sommerlinde
Attraction
Lobdeburg
Castle
Bergrutsch an der Studentenrutsche
Cliff
Fürstenbrunnen
Spring
Diebeskrippe
Attraction
Hummelsberg
Peak
Spitzberg
Peak
Bergrutsch an der Diebeskrippe
Cliff
Albert Heintz Bank
Viewpoint
Forsthaus
Hut
Top sights
Johannisberg
Peak
Kupferplatte
Viewpoint
Johannisberg
Archaeological site
Spitzberg
Viewpoint
Sommerlinde
Attraction
Lobdeburg
Castle
Bergrutsch an der Studentenrutsche
Cliff
Fürstenbrunnen
Spring
Diebeskrippe
Attraction
Hummelsberg
Peak
Spitzberg
Peak
Bergrutsch an der Diebeskrippe
Cliff
Albert Heintz Bank
Viewpoint
Forsthaus
Hut
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Experience this 9.8-mile point-to-point trail near Jena, Thuringia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 43 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, hiking, and trail running, 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 SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
Expected weather for SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 19 - 66 degrees/showers
- Sun, September 20 - 64 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 21 - 62 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 64 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 70 degrees/clear
Where is SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain located?
SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is a trail located in Jena, Thuringia, Germany.
How hard is SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is considered a hard hike that covers 9.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,007 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 SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is considered a hard hike that covers 9.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,007 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 SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain a point to point trail?
SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is a point to point trail that covers 9.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,007 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 SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is a point to point trail that covers 9.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,007 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 SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
Dogs may be allowed on SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
According to trailgoers, SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is usually busy. SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
Yes, according to trailgoers, SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Kupferplatte, Spitzberg, and Albert Heintz Bank.
Is there running at SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
Yes, trailgoers have said that SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is good for running. This trail covers 9.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,007 ft.
Is backpacking allowed at SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
Backpacking is allowed on SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain. 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 SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain?
Yes, SaaleHorizontale Etappe 1: Jena - Ziegenhain is a forest trail.
Last updated on September 14, 2026 at 4:02 am GMT+0