Hiking the Rennsteig in Thuringia
Most tourists know the region around Oberhof in Thuringia primarily as a winter sports destination. Oberhof is especially well known among winter sports enthusiasts because it hosts the annual Biathlon World Cup at the Rennsteig Arena. In fact, however, the Rennsteig is also highly important to tourism in Oberhof and Thuringia during the warmer half of the year—particularly for hotels in Oberhof.
Hiking the Rennsteig in Thuringia
Date: 30/09/2026
The Rennsteig hiking trail in Thuringia is 170 kilometres long in total and connects the towns of Eisenach and Blankenstein on the Saale. Along the way, the trail passes through the Thuringian Forest and other well-known towns, including Oberhof. Oberhof, or more precisely its botanical garden, is also an alternative starting point for hikers with less time or stamina. On the other hand, Oberhof’s botanical garden, with its approximately 4,000 plant species, also invites visitors to take a longer break and offers special activities for children.
Just a few kilometres from the Rennsteig Garden in Oberhof are the Großer Beerberg and the Schneekopf, which, at just under 1,000 metres each, are also Thuringia’s highest elevations. Both mountains are of volcanic origin and have a history stretching back no less than 250 million years. Most hiking guides for the region recommend allowing five days to complete the Rennsteig in Thuringia, dividing the stages into routes of varying lengths according to the scenic highlights and hikers’ fitness levels.
