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.
Cultural highlights
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.
Active pleasure
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.
Pleasure for the senses
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.
Vacation in the Thuringian Forest – 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.
Best time to travel
The region has the typical low mountain range climate. It is noticeable that the south of the mountain range is somewhat drier than the north.
Due to the altitude, snow often falls in the region in winter from 400 meters above sea level. The higher regions are considered relatively snow-sure and are very popular with winter sports enthusiasts.
In summer, June is one of the most beautiful times for a vacation in the region.
Thuringian Forest Card
There is a Thuringian Forest Card. This offers discount benefits throughout the region at numerous attractions and regional suppliers.
The card is valid for one year and is offered at numerous points of sale, such as tourist information offices.