For nature lovers

Europe’s largest continuous reservoir region is located in the Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale nature park. With its large expanses of water surrounded by dense forests it is reminiscent of Scandinavian fjords. The locals fondly refer to this area as the ‘Thuringian Sea’. And right at the heart of it is the Hohenwarte Reservoir Trail – a highly memorable 74.4 kilometre walking route.

The whispering of the wind that blows through the leaves of the beech trees. The gentle rippling of the water that flows through the mountain brook. The quiet buzzing of the bees or the soft croaking of the pool frog. Otherwise, it is pleasantly quiet all around you. In Thuringia’s natural landscapes, you can recharge your batteries and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of urban or rural life. Thanks to the varied nature, everyone will find their own quiet place here: untouched nature in the primeval forest of the Hainich, flowering mountain meadows in the Thuringian Forest, a reservoir landscape in the Thuringian Highlands or grassy steppes in the Thuringian Basin. We would like to present our nature parks, biosphere reserves and national park to you.

The Rennsteig is not just a hiking trail but also a delightful cycle path. It balances on the ridge of the Thuringian Forest and offers mountain bikers a secluded area with natural trails and rapid descents.

A real treasure for historical railway enthusiasts and nature lovers awaits in the wild and romantic Schwarza valley. The fully electrified Oberweissbach funicular railway has been serving the region since the early 20th century. In summer, an open-top carriage allows you to savour the fresh woodland air and enjoy the breeze on your face, while the ‘natural remedy train’ provides an interactive introduction to Thuringia’s herb country.

What would the world look like without us? If there weren’t any people, just nature, completely untouched. Beech trees as far as the eye can see, the air filled with a fungal, earthy aroma. The Hainich region is one of the last remnants of the ancient woodland that once covered large swathes of central Europe. At around 130 square kilometres, it is Germany’s largest unbroken area of deciduous forest. Its southern section is a national park, which became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Ancient Beech Forests of Germany in 2011. Although at first glance its natural landscape might not seem quite as spectacular as chalk cliffs, coral reefs or canyons, it is nevertheless unique and provides a very special habitat for many rare species.

The evening sun peeks out from beneath the clouds, bathing Jena in a soft red glow. All of a sudden, the rain of the day is forgotten. A warm gust of wind carries with it the beautiful sound of singing from below: Dutch singer Caro Emerald is giving a concert in the theatre square on this Friday evening in July.

A lucky skywalk, party time by the river and a night in a shiny caravan – all this and more awaits along the Saale Cycle Route.

Beer in a copper foot, gypsum in a cave, myths and legends: The Kyffhäuserweg hiking trail is the most beautiful way to discover the Kyffhäuser's secrets and mysteries.

Ever wondered what a primeval forest looks like from above? Find out on the treetop trail in Hainich National Park. But hang on a minute, a primeval forest in the heart of Thuringia? Don’t worry, you won’t need to channel your inner Indiana Jones and battle your way through a jungle. Comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure are all you need for this memorable trip.

Rambling roses and old fruit trees are a common sight in the middle valley of the Ilm river, which flows at a leisurely pace past rolling hills, idyllic villages and meadows buzzing with bees – perfect for a laid-back cycling trip.

On 72 kilometres, the Elsterperlenweg® trail promises an exciting journey of discovery through the Vogtland region. It not only leads through an interesting low mountain range landscape, but also to some unusual spots: A tall "aristocratic" cross and a village that has already served as a setting for Hollywood films are just some of these. They are joined by cosy farmyard cafés and palace gardens. A paradise for hikers and hobby photographers.

As you’re walking along, it takes a while to realise that you can’t hear much for a change. Except for the buzzing of bees, the wind in the canopy and your own footsteps. It’s a quiet, but by no means uneventful tour from Oberhof to Allzunah.

Imagine a small village where no one lives. The houses have all the fixtures and fittings, but the inhabitants have gone. Vanished into thin air.

Unspoilt nature, fantastic viewing points and a lot of blue. Nature guide Franziska Jacob points out the most beautiful places in the Thuringian Highlands/Upper Saale Nature Park.