Vacation in the Thuringian Forest
If you’re looking for an active vacation that invigorates the senses while immersing yourself deeply in German culture, head to the Thuringian Forest.
Pure nature
The green sea of the Thuringian Forest, is one of the most beautiful low mountain range landscapes in Germany. With over 1,700 kilometers of well-marked hiking trails, including the famous Rennsteig, the Thuringian Forest offers an incomparable nature experience. The fresh forest air is a real treat during a hike through dense spruce forests, romantic valleys and along bubbling streams.
The region is also a place of rich cultural history. The Wartburg in Eisenach, where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German, or the classical Weimar, birthplace of great literary figures such as Goethe and Schiller are worth a visit. Vacationers can immerse themselves in the history of music in Eisenach, the birthplace of Johann Sebastian Bach, and in the Musikwinkel region around Suhl and Schleiz, where world-famous musical instruments are made.
For the active vacationers, the Thuringian Forest offers a wide range of possibilities. Whether hiking, cycling or Nordic walking – here you will find the perfect balance between physical activity and relaxation. In winter, the forest turns into a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, with numerous cross-country ski trails and downhill slopes.
Thuringian cuisine is a delight. It’s not really a vacation if you haven’t eaten the famous Thuringian Rostbratwurst or the hearty Thuringian dumpling. And after an active day in nature, it’s best to relax in one of the many wellness hotels or spas.
Where is the Thuringian Forest?
The area is divided into:
Western Thuringian Forest
This area extends from Eisenach to the Ohrdruf/Steinbach-Hallenberg area.
Middle Thuringian Forest
The area of the Middle Thuringian Forest is directly adjacent to the western section and extends approximately to the Königsee-Eisfeld line. In this area are the highest mountains of the region and the town of Oberhof, which is very popular with tourists.
Schwarza Valley
The river Schwarza flows through one of the most beautiful river valleys in Thuringia.
Southern Thuringian Forest
This area is also known as the High Slate Mountains and is actually geologically part of the Thuringian Slate Mountains. However, it forms a travel region with the Thuringian Forest, directly adjoins the Middle Thuringian Forest and runs approximately to Bad Blankenberg-Sonneberg.
The mountain range with the core area Biosphere Reserve Thuringian Forest is protected as a nature park.
What to do?
You can feel it immediately when you pass the door of the Arnstadt city brewery: It's not just the history that clings to the old brick walls of this landmark building. It's the living tradition that resonates in the air, a homage to the age-old craft of brewing beer that manifests itself in every sip…
The garden gnome is on the UNESCO list, who would have thought it. Yet this figure divides garden owners to this day. Some hate the little men and can't imagine anything worse in their garden. Others love the gnome and can't get enough of it.
High above Eisenach on a mountain range of the Thuringian Forest lies the Wartburg at an altitude of over 200 meters. It is one of the most visited places in Thuringia and offers not only castle and history lovers an unforgettable visit. The view over the region is simply indescribable!
He comes flying towards me and at this moment I think about whether it was the right decision to make myself available as a "guinea pig". My arm trembles a bit as the huge bird lands on it….
Travel information for the Thuringian Forest
Arrival
By plane
The nearest airport is in Erfurt. However, there are only a few flight connections here. For international flight connections, it is best to travel to the airports in Frankfurt a.M., Leipzig or Nuremberg.
By train
ICE and IC trains do not go directly to the low mountain range. They stop in the larger cities on the northern and southern edges of the region, such as Erfurt, Gotha, Würzburg or Bamberg. From there, it is possible to take a regional train to various places in the area.
By car
The federal highways A 4, A 71 and A 73 lead through the low mountain range. In addition, there are several well-developed federal highways that connect the larger centers.
On the way in..
By Public Transport (ÖPNV)
The Thuringian Forest places a high value on sustainable tourism. A dense network of buses and trains makes it easy for you to leave your car behind.
- Rennsteig-Ticket:
The absolute highlight for overnight guests in many towns in the region. With your guest card, which often includes the Rennsteig-Ticket, you can use numerous bus lines as well as selected train routes in the districts around the Rennsteig free of charge. - Rennsteig-Shuttle (Erfurter Bahn):
On weekends and public holidays, this train connects Erfurt directly with the Rennsteig station near Schmiedefeld. It is ideal for day-trippers and hikers who want to get directly to the famous ridge trail. - Schwarzatalbahn and Thuringian Mountain Railway (Thüringer Bergbahn):
In Rottenbach, the Schwarzatalbahn (Schwarzatal Railway) connects to the historic Oberweißbacher Bergbahn, a funicular railway that is a unique technical monument. - Thüringerwaldbahn (Thuringian Forest Railway):
Since 1929, this historic interurban tram has connected the city of Gotha with the spa towns of Friedrichroda and Bad Tabarz.
Numerous regional bus lines, often marked as “RennsteigBuses,” serve the entire region and ensure good connections even to smaller towns.
Tourist Tac and Thuringian Forest Card
The following list provides an overview of the tourist tax in some well-known towns in the Thuringian Forest. Please note that this information is provided without guarantee and may change at any time. It is recommended to check the current rates with your host or the local tourist information office before you travel.
- Bad Tabarz: Adults €3.50 per day
- Schleusegrund: Adults €2.50 per day
- Oberhof: Adults €2.00 per day
- Masserberg: Adults €3.00 per day
- Friedrichroda: Adults €2.10 per day
There is a Thuringian Forest Card (Thüringer Wald Card). It offers discounts at numerous attractions and regional providers throughout the entire region.
The card is valid for one year and is available at many sales points, such as the tourist information offices.