The Thuringian Forest
Worth a trip any time of year – Blooming mountain meadows, extensive forests, a graceful mountain landscape, numerous rivers and reservoirs… Plenty of air to breathe and feel free – welcome to the Thuringian Forest. With breath-taking flora and fauna, the Thuringian Forest captivates us with its natural, unspoilt beauty. Geographically speaking, the Thuringian Forest is the north-western half of the mountain range, which is extending up to Neustadt am Rennsteig. The Thuringian Slate Mountains, then adjoining in the south-east, extend as far as the upper Saale Valley. The term Thuringian Forest is usually used for the entire low mountain range. The most famous high-altitude hiking trail, the Rennsteig, follows its ridge. This popular hiking and cycling trail attracts nature lovers from all over the world. Along its way, 13 preserved tripoints, locally known as “Dreiherrensteine”, as well as over 800 boundary stones bear witness to its former role as a border path (literally translated "Three Lords' Stone", it marks the place where the border of three princely territories met, together with any enclosures or border fortifications).
Hiking and cycling enthusiasts as well as Nordic walkers can explore the Thuringian Forest on its well-developed network of paths. Numerous vantage points and towers promise a breath-taking view of the landscape. The ‘Große Beerberg’, approx. 982.9 metres above sea level, is the highest elevation in the Thuringian Forest. In addition to the most famous mountain, the ‘Kickelhahn’, the ‘Schneekopf’, the ‘Große Finsterberg’ and the ‘Große Dreiherrenstein’ are also worth a trip. In winter, winter sports enthusiasts can be found on the numerous ski trails and in the numerous ski facilities in the snowy mountain region. Dog and horse-drawn sleighs as well as winter sports competitions and events delight both young and old.
In addition to its uniquely beautiful forest landscape with mountains and reservoirs, the Thuringian Forest offers diversified culture, plenty of tourist attractions and sights as well as many traditions. Idyllic villages and traditional health resorts, museums, castles and palaces are waiting to be discovered.
Find out more about the Thuringian Forest at:
www.tourismus-thueringer-wald.de
www.naturpark-thueringer-wald.de