Thuringian Forest Nature Park Route
In the middle of the green heart of Germany, the Thuringian Forest Nature Park Route winds its way from Hörschel on the Werra to Saalfeld on the Saale through a fascinating cultural landscape. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique and fantastically beautiful route of the Nature Park Route and the more than 120 sights along the way across the Thuringian Forest!
The Thuringian Forest Nature Park Route makes it possible to experience:
the Thuringian Forest under the motto:
- Naturally ... eventful: More than 120 offers;
- Naturally ... seductive: spectacular landscapes;
- Naturally ... iconic: Ten times over the Rennsteig.
Type of route: Holiday route
Topic: Experience the landscape! Fascinating voyage of discovery
Start/finish: Hörschel near Eisenach / Saalfeld
Length: 450 km
Federal State: Thuringia
Holiday regions: Thuringian Forest
New impressions after every curve
Experience how the climate and landscape change in a very small space - from the sun-warmed, light-flooded foothills through shady forests to the rugged peaks on the Rennsteig. New impressions, spectacular views and exciting experiences await behind every curve. With the nature park route you can experience the Thuringian Forest in all its diversity. Discover what is typical of the Thuringian Forest: its fascinating landscapes, its centuries-old cultural assets and traditional handicrafts and trades.
A diverse region
Lovely to rough - the Nature Park Route near Eisenach leads us along the deciduous forests through almost southern flair, so in the central Thuringian Forest the hills turn into mountains and we reach a height of almost 1,000 meters. This is where spruce trees with thick needles make their way.
Rural to princely - the nature park route leads you first of all to the Wartburg, the German castle par excellence. But also Altenstein Castle or Wilhelmsburg Castle in Schmalkalden, a jewel of Renaissance architecture, are located directly on the nature park route.
Down-to-earth to innovative - iron ore, gold, slate, people found all of this in the forest and wood as fuel and building material. The weapons and tool industry, cities such as Suhl and Schmalkalden, developed on the basis of the ores.
With the motorhome through Thuringia
The Nature Park Route leads motorised visitors along 450 kilometres like a guiding line to the most beautiful places in the Thuringian Forest. The Nature Park Route crosses the famous Rennsteig trail ten times. The journey goes back and forth, up and down, criss-crossing idyllic routes - through narrow valleys criss-crossed by streams, across wide plateaus with fragrant mountain meadows, through mysterious forests, through historic towns and original villages, past monumental castles and romantic palaces.
Wartburg Cultural Region in the Thuringian Forest
Experience the impressive combination of pristine nature, powerful silence and relaxing tranquility with intoxicating cultural experiences, unforgettable art enjoyments and deep insights into the world of theaters, museums, castles and palaces. On the Rennsteig, world cultural and world natural heritage come together in a very small space - the Wartburg, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, and the UNESCO Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve, one of the oldest in Germany. Discover the traditional cities of the Thuringian Forest and follow in the footsteps of historical greats such as Schiller, Goethe, Luther and Bach.
Marvel at the fascinating technology and old craftsmanship in workshops and factories or go on a journey through time through exciting museums, galleries and exhibitions. We invite you to unearth cultural treasures in the forest, to feel history and to listen to stories - "hidden" in a unique landscape with fresh forests and endless views - in the CULTURAL REGION WARTBURG.
The Rennsteig - one for all
The Rennsteig, Germany's oldest and best-known long-distance hiking trail and the backbone of the Thuringian Forest, is both a cult and a myth. Experience the magic and originality of the Thuringian Forest Mountains exclusively and individually. Satisfy your desire for nature enjoyment and activities in what is probably Germany's most romantic low mountain range.
Follow the historic trail from Hörschel on the Werra, via Eisenach, through the Thuringian Forest, the Thuringian Slate Mountains and the Franconian Forest to Blankenstein on the Saale. And remember: a real hike along the entire Rennsteig is a "stony pleasure", because tradition says that every hiker carries a pebble on the Werra over to the Saale.
Everyone who sets out on the Rennsteig tour should know: this mountain path is not artificial or even newly built! It was a border, courier and trade route - a testimony to German history marked with historic border stones. Should a hiker wish you "Gut Runst!" on your way, simply answer him in the same way - this is the Rennsteig greeting, which was introduced by the Rennsteig Association in 1900.
Active by bike
The Thuringian Forest - an almost 1,000 m high low mountain range and nature park in the center of Germany - combines scenic diversity with natural beauty, active recreation with serene relaxation, unique landscape experiences with cultural enjoyment.
Numerous bike paths in the region and the legendary Rennsteig are waiting to be discovered by you. Cycling tours with the family, climbing to the summit on a mountain bike, pleasure tours along the river valleys, literary tours to cultural and historical sites.
Photo journey of the Thuringian Forest Nature Park Route
Route guidance with parking space information
This information is a service offer from ALPINE in cooperation with FERIENSTRASSEN.INFO 
Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e. V.
Bahnhofstraße 4-8
D - 98527 Suhl, Germany
THURINGIAN FOREST NATURE PARK ROUTE
