Rennsteig Trail, Eisenach – Neuhaus

The Rennsteig is one of the most well-known high-altitude hiking trails in Germany, and has also been recognised as a ‘Certified Quality Hiking Trail’. It runs along the narrow and long ridge of the Thuringian Forest, past vast forests and blooming meadows. It combines unspoiled nature with cultural sights. There is an old tradition relating to this hiking trail: hikers take a stone from the Werra River at the beginning of the trail and throw it back into the water at the Saale River at the end of the hike. In the Middle Ages the Rennsteig was an important trade and border route. The Wartburg World Heritage Site is just one of the historical highlights you will experience on this tour.

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Details of the eight-day Rennsteig hiking tour

From the town of Eisenach, famous for its connections to Martin Luther, you will travel to Ruhla-Ascherbrück and via Ebertswiese to Oberhof. On the way to the holiday resort Frauenwald you will climb the highest point of the Rennsteig, which lies at a staggering 973 metres. From Frauenwald you will then hike to the spa town of Masserberg before arriving at your destination Neuhaus on the last day. Find all the info and many more tour tips on the Rennsteig here.

Highlights of the eight-day hiking tour on the Rennsteig

• Eisenach: In the historical Luther town of Eisenachyou should plan enough time to visit the legendary Wartburg Castle and discover the interesting details throughout the town.
• Großer Inselsberg: With an altitude of around 912 metres, this forested mountain is a prominent point in the Thuringian Forest. A steep climb to a stunning view begins there. For over 1,000 years, the Großer Inselberg has marked the historical border between the districts of Gotha and Schmalkalden-Meiningen.
• Ruhla: This picturesque mountain town on the northern side of the Thuringian Forest is famous for its traditional clock making. It is also a state-recognised spa town that offers pure relaxation at an altitude of 440 to 530 metres.
• Dragon Gorge: This legendary natural monument delights hikers and geologists alike. The narrow gorge leads over a rushing brook.

Useful information about the hike along the Rennsteig

This enchanting hike through Thuringia includes stages with varying degrees of difficulty, ranging from easy to moderately difficult. The paths are well-developed. Nevertheless, you should have a good basic condition in order to be able to cope well with the longer daily stages and to enjoy the nature on the high-altitude trails without any worries.

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