5 hiking routes that inspire curiosity

Once around the legendary Kyffhäuser Monument – that means Mediterranean karst landscapes, gnarled beech trees, and blossoming orchards. In addition to varied nature, the legend of the emperor, a panorama museum (the painting on display is 123 meters long), a cave, and the half-timbered town of Bad Frankenhausen await those eager to explore. Tip: Use the towers and viewing platforms at the monument for magnificent views of the landscape.

Experience the Hogwarts feeling in the Harz Mountains – the Harz narrow-gauge railway makes it possible. Accompany the puffing steam locomotive on its journey. Along the tracks, you can decide whether to hop on and ride through the dense forests or traverse them on your own. Culinary highlights include the Sophienhof goat farm with its own cheese dairy and shop, and the Brauner Hirsch brewery inn with its home-brewed beer.

This is where forest romance and adventure meet. The Schwarzatal Panorama Trail follows the banks of the Schwarza River, leading here and there into side valleys and, after climbing to the mountain summit, offering impressive panoramic views of the Thuringian Forest. Stops to discover: the Strudeltöpfe (rock formations in the river), the Thuringian Mountain Railway, Schwarzburg Castle.

A real all-rounder: the TOP hiking trail Creuzburg is entertaining, family-friendly, and varied. In the “Ebenauer Köpfe und Wisch” nature reserve, there are shady, rustic forest paths, scenic ridges on limestone plateaus, and the medieval Creuzburg Castle to discover.

Poetry meets wanderlust: the Goethe adventure Trail connects Weimar with Großkochberg and lets you follow in the footsteps of the poet. He himself traveled here to visit his beloved Charlotte von Stein. With twelve interactive stations (all about love and relationships), you will not only learn to understand Goethe better, but also get to know yourself better.