Hiking - Hohenwarte Reservoir Trail - Thuringian Forest

Explore the largest contiguous reservoir area in Europe along the steep slopes of the Upper Saale and climb the impressive rocks and viewpoints of the Hohenwarte Reservoir. The charming landscape, located in the middle of the Schiefergebirge/ Upper Saale Nature Park with dense forests and idyllic bays, is a special recommendation for nature lovers.

It is recommended to hike the circular trail in 5 stages. From May to October, the Thuringian Sea Hiking Bus operates, which takes you in the morning to the start of the stage and after your hike back to your starting point. As a special service, you can order your hiking provisions online with "Hiking Bus and Enjoyment." The regional specialties from the Räthe bakery will then be ready for pickup on the bus, and your discovery journey at the Thuringian Sea can begin.

Stage 1: Hohenwarte dam to Wilhelmsdorf

With the first stage at the Thuringian Sea, your hike begins around Germany’s fourth largest reservoir and through the most beautiful recreational areas of our country. This very varied section overcomes quite a few meters of altitude and lets you enjoy amazing and unforgettable views, for example from Mooshäuschen. Along the sections through enchanted forests, which have a special charm in every season, you will repeatedly find resting places to linger and relax. This picturesque stage will leave a lasting impression.

Stage 2: Wilhelmsdorf to Ziegenrück

The second stage of the Hohenwarte Reservoir Trail is the longest. You overcome numerous meters of altitude but are rewarded with unique views of the winding Saale cascades. Through the unique fjord-like and natural landscape, you pass through regional recreational areas with numerous leisure opportunities and hike from the historic Linkenmühle to Ziegenrück, the officially recognized recreational town at the Thuringian Sea. A detour to the Hydropower Museum is worthwhile. This technical monument surprises with interesting attractions and conveys the history of dam construction.

Stage 3: Ziegenrück to Drognitz

This stage leads you from the fairytale small town to beautiful viewpoints. After you have seen the sights of Ziegenrück, the trail runs along the picturesque Saale riverbank past the Hemmkoppe. Left and right rise the steep banks of the Saale. Then it goes steeply uphill. In Altenbeuthen, you will be more than compensated for the effort. Two inns invite you to eat. At the Hohe Leite viewpoint, you can enjoy the breathtaking view into the Saale valley. Over the ridge, you can reach Drognitz in a short time. There you will find a rustic traditional inn as well as the access to the hiking bus.

Stage 4: Drognitz to Lothramühle

The fourth stage leads you from Drognitz to Lothramühle. The rustic path first leads you through a natural valley along the Mesritz stream down to the Saale riverbank. Via the Hopfenmühle campsite, it continues to the Hermannsfelsen viewpoint. Here you have a wonderful opportunity to stop and rest. In Neidenberga at the southern village entrance, you will find three stone crosses under an old lime tree, probably dating from 1190 and telling a legend. From there, you continue "scenically" to the stage destination. At the inn Sommerfrische Lothramühle, you can enjoy the well-known Thuringian cuisine. After finishing the stage at Lothramühle, a detour to Reizengeschwenda with its Folklore Museum and Baroque village church is worthwhile.

Stage 5: Lothramühle to Hohenwarte Dam Parking Lot

After a steep ascent right at the beginning, you can breathe fresh forest air before reaching Steinsdorf. Between fields and meadows, it continues to the smallest place at the reservoir, "St. Jakob." Pause here at the legendary healing spring before you hike on quiet roads to Löhma. Continuing on this elevation, it goes past the upper basin to the pipe bridge of the Hohenwarte hydropower plant. Here you will enjoy an impressive view over the town of Hohenwarte with its structures of the Hohenwarte dam (right) and the Eichicht dam (left). From here you approach your starting point steadily and steeply downhill, passing the nature park cinema, from where you end your hike with a breathtaking view of the Saale.