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  • Thuringian Forest
    Thuringian Forest Photo: D. Ketz, Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V.
  • Schützenbergmoor Oberhof
    Schützenbergmoor Oberhof Photo: Paul Hentschel Photography - www.paulhentschel.de, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest
  • Altenstein Castle
    Altenstein Castle Photo: © Dominik Ketz, Thuringian Forest
  • Kickelhahn with mountain inn Photo: Paul Hentschel, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest
  • Green Belt South Thuringia Photo: Paul Hentschel, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest
  • Technical Museum of Historical Slate Mining in Lehesten Photo: Paul Hentschel, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest
  • Natural floodplains in the Vesser Valley Photo: © Dominik Ketz, Thuringian Forest
  • Wartburg - Eisenach Photo: © Dominik Ketz, Thuringian Forest
  • Murmuring streams in dense forest Photo: Paul Hentschel, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest
  • Hiking in the Thuringian Forest Photo: D. Ketz, Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V.
  • Thuringian Forest Photo: D. Ketz, Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V.
  • Saalfeld Fairy Ride Photo: Doreen Schmidt, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest
  • Photo: Doreen Schmidt, Thuringian Forest
  • Along the Rennsteig ski hiking trail Photo: Paul Hentschel, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest
  • Schützenberg Photo: Stefan Ebert, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest
  • Thuringian Forest in winter Photo: Thomas Schuster, Thuringian Forest
  • Snow Head Photo: Paul Hentschel, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest
  • Cross-country skiing in the Thuringian Forest Photo: Paul Hentschel, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest
  • Suhler Hut Photo: Stefan Ebert, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest
  • SWW Masserberg_Waffenrod Photo: Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V., CC BY-ND, Thuringian Forest
  • Rennsteig train station on the ski touring trail Photo: Paul Hentschel, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest

Thuringian Forest

Distinctive nature, an incredible density of castles and palaces, unparalleled architectural and cultural diversity, excellent cuisine, and tangible tradition invite you to be a guest in the Thuringian Forest. 

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Author of this page

If you would like to discover the Thuringian Forest on foot, you will find plenty of "hiking material" on the following pages. Those who like to travel a little faster can find ideas for cycling tours or dream routes for Nordic walking here. Water lovers can also really let off steam on Thuringian rivers and the Thuringian Sea.


Der Thüringer Wald ist ein Paradies für Wanderfreunde

Der Rennsteig ist mehr als nur ein Wanderweg – er verbindet die beeindruckenden Naturparks Thüringer Wald und Thüringer Schiefergebirge sowie die beiden UNESCO-Biosphärenreservate Thüringer Wald und den Global Geopark Inselsberg – Drei Gleichen. Auf seinen 169,3 Kilometern führt er durch eine abwechslungsreiche Landschaft und bietet Wanderern die Möglichkeit, sowohl die kulturellen als auch die natürlichen Schätze der Region zu entdecken.
Photo: Christian Heilwagen, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest

The Thuringian Forest is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts

The Rennsteig is more than just a hiking trail – it connects the impressive nature parks Thuringian Forest and Thuringian Slate Mountains as well as the two UNESCO biosphere reserves Thuringian Forest and the Global Geopark Inselsberg – Drei Gleichen. Over its 168.5 kilometers, it leads through a varied landscape and offers hikers the opportunity to discover both the cultural and natural treasures of the region.

The Rennsteig runs along the ridge of the Thuringian Forest and the Slate Mountains, making it a perfect connection between these unique natural areas. Particularly impressive is the section through the UNESCO biosphere reserve Thuringian Forest, which has been awarded for its sustainable development and protection of biodiversity. Likewise, the Global Geopark Inselsberg – Drei Gleichen offers fascinating geological formations and historical sights

Thüringer Wald - Wald der Rekorde

Photo: Paul Hentschel, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest

Green Belt Experience

The Green Belt originated from the former death strip of the inner-German border and is now a unique natural and cultural heritage site. Along the Kolonnenweg, hikers and cyclists discover rare animal species and historical traces. The section between Mitwitz and Mödlareuth, once "Little Berlin," symbolizes the division and reunification of Germany. A fascinating experience!


Prefer to travel by bike?

Numerous bike paths in the region and the legendary Rennsteig await passionate cyclists. They will find bike tours for the family, summit climber tours on mountain bikes, pleasure routes along the river valleys, and LiteraTours to cultural-historical sites. How about a mountain bike tour on the Oberweißbacher Bergbahn, a route with a 25% gradient? Or would you prefer a bike tour with half the effort and double the fun, on an electric bike at the "Thuringian Sea"?


Cultural region Thuringian Forest

The cultural region Thuringian Forest combines history, art, and tradition in a unique landscape. From the Wartburg, which influenced Martin Luther, to baroque castles and vibrant craftsmanship – here cultural heritage meets inspiring nature. 



Naturally...world-class

The Thuringian Forest is a winter paradise for active vacationers. With 1500 km of ski touring trails, 200 km of cross-country tracks, and numerous slopes, it offers perfect conditions for cross-country skiing and alpine sports. In Oberhof, the world's elite winter sports athletes gather for international competitions. The region is known as a forge for Olympic champions and offers extraordinary winter experiences such as ice tubing, ice rafting, and the spectacular sled dog race "Trans Thuringia." An unforgettable winter adventure!


Cross-country skiing in the Thuringian Forest – where movement meets silence

When the Thuringian Forest spreads under a sparkling blanket of snow, the time of long, gliding strides begins. On well-prepared trails through deeply snow-covered forests and over wide ridges, cross-country skiing becomes a meditative journey. The clear winter air fills the lungs, the rhythm of movement calms the mind – and nature accompanies you with silent beauty.
Photo: Stefan Ebert, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest

Winter hiking in the Thuringian Forest – where silence becomes magic

When the first snow falls quietly and the Thuringian Forest wraps itself in sparkling white, a silent journey through a winter fairytale realm begins. The crisp air, the crunch beneath the boots, the rustling of the branches – everyday life is left behind.
Photo: Paul-Philipp Braun, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest

Alpine winter magic in the Thuringian Forest

Over 20 kilometers of excellently prepared slopes and 17 lifts provide variety – from the beginner slope for novices to the black run and fun parks for adrenaline fans. Especially snowboarders find ideal conditions here to learn to ride or to let loose. The fun parks in Oberhof and Heubach offer variety, and snowboarders are warmly welcome at every ski lift.
Photo: Christian Heilwagen, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest

Sledding fun in the Thuringian Forest

Sparkling snow, fresh winter air and thrilling descents – the Thuringian Forest is a true paradise for sledding enthusiasts. Whether family slope or natural toboggan run: pure winter joy awaits here!
Photo: Alexander Michel, CC BY-SA, Thuringian Forest

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Parts of this content were machine translated from German.
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