Thuringia Trail

We begin our hike in Altenburg, known for its Skat museum, and walk through the agriculturally shaped region via Schmölln and past Posterstein Castle to Greiz. The Summer Palace there is especially worth a visit. Along the White Elster River, we continue to Gera, where forests and meadows alternate. On the way, a short detour to Mildenfurth Monastery near Wünschendorf is recommended. South of Eisenberg, with its impressive castle church, we now hike on secluded paths to Jena and Bad Berka, where the forested sections increase steadily. We continue and can visit the castle of Großkochberg with its idyllic park. Down into the Saale Valley, we reach Rudolstadt, where Heidecksburg offers a wonderful panoramic view. The route passes Bad Blankenburg; the Greifenstein castle ruin there is only half a kilometer from our path. In the scenic hill country, we continue past Paulinzella Monastery Church, cross the Ilm, and walk along Heyda Reservoir to Gräfenroda. We take a slightly northern direction and pass through Friedrichroda and Tabarz. But first, a detour to Ohrdruf to see the famous Tobiashammer monument is worthwhile. Passing Ruhla, we hike to Eisenach. It is advisable to set aside a full day for Wartburg and the very worthwhile historic old town of the Lutherstadt. From Lauchröden, with the Brandenburg Castle ruin, we follow the Werra River via Neuenhof to Hörschel and Creuzburg.