The Thuringian Forest is without doubt a remarkable natural spectacle. It is a low mountain range that is almost completely covered with a varied forest landscape. In winter, you can look forward to fairytale surroundings and great views. It is not surprising that numerous winter hiking tours lead through this beautiful area.

A recommendable hiking trail is the route from the Auerhahn to the Kickelhahn in Ilmenau. The starting point is the hikers' car park at the Auerhahn restaurant. The route requires a good basic level of fitness and is just under 4 kilometres long. You will be on the move for a good hour. When hiking through the forest in winter, you should definitely make a detour to the observation tower on the Kickelhahn. From there you have an impressive view over the forest area.

Another promising route is the Red Trail to the Heuberghaus in Friedrichroda. This 6-kilometre route also takes you through the snow-covered Thuringian Forest. You should plan about 2 hours for this moderately difficult hike.

An easy winter hiking trail leads you over the Herrnberg to Haus am Rennweg. The route has a length of 4 kilometres - you should expect a time expenditure of just over an hour.

As beautiful as the Thuringian Forest is, there are also other beautiful paths and places in Thuringia.

For example, the Leubengrund, a side valley of the Saale. Numerous winter hiking trails lead to this idyllic place, for example the "Winterwanderung im Leubengrund". The route takes you through the picturesque valley over a distance of around 9 kilometres and takes around 2.5 hours in total. Along the way, you will also pass the Black Pond - a pond that freezes at low temperatures and at the same time offers an exciting natural spectacle.

If you are more interested in easy winter hikes, you should consider the winter hiking trail "Bahndamm". It is about 3 kilometres long and takes you along the old railway embankment for about an hour. This winter hike is also family-friendly and tailored to the needs of the youngest, as it also passes a forest playground.

If you are not only interested in winter hiking, but also in the city life of Thuringia, you should pay a visit to Erfurt. The capital of the state is known for its diverse cultural offerings and numerous sights. Of course, you can also indulge in culinary delights in the city.

Or would you rather visit a museum? Erfurt is the right place for that too - there are numerous exhibitions and museums in the city with a variety of themes. The Erfurt City Museum is particularly worthy of mention. It is located in the historically important Haus zum Stockfisch in the old town. The latter is of course also worth a visit. The inner old town dates back to the 10th century, while the outer part dates from the 14th century. The cathedral and the Severi Church should also be on your to-do list. Another remarkable building is the Krämerbrbrück, which was built in 1117 and renovated in 1325.