Thuringia delights hikers with the hills of the Thuringian Forest and the fjord-like river landscape of the Thuringian Sea. In the heart of Germany, the historic Wartburg Castle, wild and romantic rocky gorges and dense forests create a very special magic that you can experience at first hand on your hikes.
Maps and trails
The 10 most beautiful hikes in Thuringia
Long Distance Hiking
· Thuringia
The Rennsteig - long-distance hiking trail from Hörschel to Blankenstein - Thuringian Forest
recommended route
Difficulty
T2
difficult
Multi-day route
Open
169.3 km
43:45 h
2,690 m
2,439 m
Whether you hike it from Hörschel to Blankenstein or the other way around … Whether in 4, 6, or 8 stages ... Whether with or without luggage on your back... One thing is certain: You have to do the Rennsteig once in your life because Rennsteig hiking is – of course... iconic!
Hiking Trail
· Saale-Unstrut
SaaleHorizontale
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
90.2 km
27:15 h
2,354 m
2,366 m
The 91-kilometer quality hiking trail with great views leads along imposing Muschelkalk slopes on both sides of the Saale between Jena and Dornburg.
Long Distance Hiking
DER HOCHRHÖNER® Lange Rhön - From Bad Kissingen to Bad Salzungen - Rhön
recommended route
Difficulty
T1
difficult
121.1 km
32:50 h
2,814 m
2,755 m
The treeless heights with their wide views make the Land of Open Distances unmistakable and an Eldorado for hikers. Here runs the premium hiking trail DER HOCHRHÖNER®.
Hiking Trail
· Thuringia
Hiking - Hohenwarte Reservoir Trail - Thuringian Forest
recommended route
Difficulty
T2
difficult
Multi-day route
Open
78.2 km
22:25 h
1,862 m
1,862 m
Where the forest suddenly reveals unique views of a fjord-like water landscape, you will find a very special hiking paradise – the Thuringian Sea.
Thematic Trail
· Kyffhäuser
Kyffhäuser Path
recommended route
Difficulty
T2
difficult
36.9 km
10:50 h
1,080 m
1,076 m
Over 37 kilometers, the Kyffhäuser path leads through open Mediterranean karst landscapes, deserted beech forests, fragrant orchard meadows, and many sights.
Hiking Trail
· Weimar - Weimarer Land
Themed hiking trail dedicated to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
recommended route
Difficulty
T2
difficult
29.4 km
7:50 h
615 m
488 m
The 29 km long hiking trail follows the footsteps of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who took this path repeatedly. The mysterious relationship with Charlotte von Stein regularly inspired him to travel the route from Weimar through the Weimar region to Großkochberg. Hikers can now not only follow the traces of a long-past history but also focus on themselves and relationships with others. Twelve interactive stations invite visitors to engage with different facets of love and relationships. From the art of communication to the significance of self-love – each visitor can gain new insights and expand their perspective on this path.
Endurance Hike
· Vogtland
Elsterperlenweg®
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
Multi-day route
Open
68.7 km
20:40 h
1,826 m
1,826 m
Take a journey of discovery along the Elsterperlenweg® on a route about 72 km long and explore the middle Elster valley on one of the most beautiful circular hiking routes in the Thuringian Vogtland.
Hiking Trail
TOP Border Hiking Trail: Schifflersgrund
recommended route
Difficulty
T2
moderate
10.8 km
3:00 h
231 m
231 m
The diverse natural landscape of the “Green Belt,” idyllic half-timbered villages, and reminders of Germany’s division—all of this is connected by the nearly 11-kilometer-long premium hiking trail along the Thuringia-Hesse state border.
Hiking Trail
· Thuringia
Goethe Hiking Trail - Ilmenau - Thuringian Forest
recommended route
Difficulty
T1
difficult
Open
19.1 km
7:30 h
727 m
604 m
Walking in Goethe's footsteps through dense forests and picturesque valleys.
Award for Ilmenau - With the Goethe hiking trail to Thuringia's brand ambassador
Thematic Trail
· Südharz
South Harz Steam Locomotive Route - Netzkater station to Ilfeld station
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
12.7 km
4:15 h
453 m
513 m
Over the heights of the South Harz for the stage from Netzkater station to Ilfeld station. Some dreamlike views await you along the almost 12.5 kilometers.
Reviews
Localization
Parts of this content were machine translated from German.


