Hike Rennsteig in Thuringian Forest in the Thuringian Forest: Position on map

Hike Rennsteig in Thuringian Forest

Hörschel, Ascherbrück, Ebertswiese, Oberhof, Allzunah, Friedrichshöhe, Spechtsbrunn, Brennersgrün, Blankenstein

Rennsteig in Thuringian Forest

Elevation

Min: 195 m
Max: 964 m
Uphill: 2,970 m
Downhill: 2,666 m
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last update on 22 May 2023
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Facts
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance: 169 km
Min: 195 m
Max: 964 m
Uphill: 2,970 m
Downhill: 2,666 m

Route description

Rennsteigwarte on Eselberg offers a beautiful panoramic view.
© Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V./ D. Ketz Rennsteigwarte on Eselberg offers a beautiful panoramic view.

Rennsteig in the Thuringian Forest is one of Germany's best-known hiking trails. The ridgeway is almost 170km/105.6mi long and at 196m/643ft to 973m/3,192ft it leads from Hörschel to Blankenstein. It used to serve as border line between the principality of Saxe-Gotha-Coburg and Prussia, and still markes a linguistic border between Thuringian and Franconian dialects.

The entire Rennsteig trail can be achieved in around 45 hours. According to whether you are rather extreme, athletic, or unhurried, you can divide it into four, six or eight stages.

Suitable for dogs
Sturdy shoes necessary
Overnight stay available
Eating options available

Where to eat

Benches and tables invite you to take little breaks in between.
© Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V./ D. Ketz Benches and tables invite you to take little breaks in between.

You should pack enough provisions and water for your hike. At the respective destinations of the stages, you should find food and accommodation without a problem. Merely Brennersgrün, the destination of the seventh leg, only features one accommodation facility. Alternatively, you can walk on to Lehenstein (another 3km/1.9mi).

Six 'Rennsteig houses' along the trail provide additional service. The multifunctional buildings offer changing rooms, lockers, sanitary facilities, and shelter for sports equipment. You can charge your e-bike at the integrated charge bases.

Interesting facts

Read more
  • With an overall length of 169 km the hike is among the 10 longest hikes in Germany available on TouriSpo.
  • Rennsteig in Thuringian Forest is the the best rated hike in Germany.
  • You're facing an uphill climb of 2970 vertical meters on this hike. This is quite much. You should be fit to do this track. This makes the hike one of the 10 hikes with the most ascent in Germany. The hike takes you to an elevation of 964 m.
  • You can easily take your dog on this trail.
  • You shouldn’t forget to bring your hiking boots. There are some sections on the trail where sturdy footwear is required. If you get hungry along the way, there are places to rest and get food. Nevertheless it’s recommended to also have enough water and food in your backpack when hiking or biking.

Videos

Die beliebtesten Wanderwege... | 03:51
Rennsteig 2014
Wanderung auf dem Rennsteig 2014
Rennsteig-Impressionen
Über den Kamm des Thüringer Waldes und Frankenwaldes...

Variations

Off the actual trail, Rennsteig also boasts a wide offer of activities. There are 40 so-called Rennsteig ladders. These ways to and from Rennsteig trail are a good opportunity to leave the track and explore the surroundings.

Equipment

Sturdy shoes are recommended. Rennsteig is only partially accessible and suitable for strollers.

Getting here

By car

From Erfurt, you can get to hörschel via motorway A4. Leave the road at exit Eisenach-West and follow the signs pointing to Stedtfeld/Hörschel.

Coming from the south (Bamberg direction), follow motorway A73 to Eisfeld-Nord. From there, continue on B281 towards Neuhaus. This start is stage 6 of 8. Alternatively, you can drive on to Hörschel and start your tour there.

Public transportation

You can go to Hörschel from Eisenbach or to Blankenstein from Saalfeld by train. RennsteigShuttle gets you from Erfurt to Rennsteig train station in Ilmenau-Manebach-Stützerbach on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Due to poor connections, traveling to the starting point by bus or train is relatively inconvenient and time-consuming.

Contact

Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V.
Bahnhofstr. 4 - 8
98527
Suhl
E-Mail
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Phone+49 (0) 3681 / 35 305 - 20
Fax+49 (0) 3681 / 35 305 - 6
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