Thuringia - Nature tips

With breathtaking and varied natural landscapes, Thuringia offers unforgettable moments and pure relaxation.

1) Hainich Nationalpark

Hainich is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage (part of “Ancient Beech Forests of Germany and the Carpathians”). Trees of different ages and sizes stand together - an original and species-rich wilderness in the middle of Thuringia. There are lots of different walking and cycling paths. Among its main visitors’ attractions is the tree-top trail (canopy walkway – barrier-free!).

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Treetop trail in the Hainich National Park

Visit of the national park centre including treetop trail (barrier-free). Can be arranged as a guided tour with a national park ranger.

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2) SaaleHorizontale – A great walk with great views

The SaaleHorizontale walking trail offers 91 kilometres of pure hiking pleasure. It winds its way along narrow paths, through steep fossil-flecked limestone cliffs, offering spectacular vistas across the delightful scenery of the Middle Saale valley. Lush meadows alternate with verdant beech forests. Open groves of pine trees and the many clear valley slopes provide regular glimpses of small villages, castles and palaces, and of the distinguished university city of Jena.

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On the SaaleHorizontale through the forest

 

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3) Kyffhäuser Trail with Barbarossa Cave and Kyffhäuser Monument

The Kyffhäuser Trail leads you through open Mediterranean karst landscapes, deserted beech forests and aromatic orchards to all the attractions and natural wonders in the vicinity. The 37-kilometer trail can be hiked comfortably in three days. You'll start and finish the round-trip in the spa town of Bad Frankenhausen. 

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The Kyffhäuser monument offers breathtaking views. ©Martin Ludwig, Tourismusverband Südharz Kyffhäuser e. V.

 

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4) Rennsteig

The long-distance hiking trail (169,3 km) Rennsteig is Germany´s best known and oldest hiking trail. The city Eisenach is close to the start of the Rennsteig. The Must-Sees are the Wartburg Castle (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage) and the Dragon´s Gorge.

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Mountain biking along the Rennsteig ©Adrian Greiter, Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V.

 

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5) Thuringian Sea

The walking trail Hohenwarte Stausee is about 74,4 km long and runs close to the lake Hohenwarte Stausee. The lake is known for idyllic coves, fjord-like riverine landscapes and rising rock faces. 

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View from the Bockfelsen rock to the Saale loop at the Hohenwarte reservoir

 

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6) Green Belt

The Green Belt is the former border between east and west Germany. Walk the Green Belt: Along a number of hiking and circular trails, the Green Belt can be discovered on foot and untouched nature enjoyed – in the southern Harz region, Eichsfeld, the Thuringian Rhön, Thuringian Forest or Thuringian Schiefergebirge Hills and also with the visit of a border museum. 

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Border tower at Point Alpha in the Rhoen

 

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