Trusetal-Laudenbach: Hiking Trails and Mining History

Quick facts

• The iron ore deposits at the Klinge, where ironstone was exposed, formed the basis for the miners’ settlement of Laudenbach.
• The “Panoramablicke” circular trail leads to a barbecue area with views across the Werra Valley and passes the “Green Classroom.”
• The “Triniusweg” follows forest paths through the Bairodaer Aue up to Laudenbach and on to the Trusetal Waterfall.
• In the wider destination of Brotterode-Trusetal, the “Rennsteig-Leiter Trusetal” runs from the waterfall via Fünf Gärten, Laudenbach, and the mining educational trail to the Rennsteig.
• In the wider destination of Brotterode-Trusetal, the Trusetal Waterfall plunges 60 metres down a granite formation in three cascades.
• The Wallenburger Tower on the outskirts of Trusetal is a monument to Romanesque architecture from the 13th century.

Hiking trails with different points of interest

The “Panoramablicke” circular trail focuses on both information about nature and views of the Werra Valley. At the “Green Classroom,” you’ll find information about flora and fauna; the trail also leads to a barbecue area with views across the valley. Visibility can vary depending on conditions, and on-site information may change. The loop therefore combines a nature-learning theme with a viewpoint, with each stop offering something different.

The “Triniusweg” offers a different focus: its forest paths run through the Bairodaer Aue up to Laudenbach and from there on to the Trusetal Waterfall. The exact route may change. By comparison, the “Panoramablicke” circular trail features stops with information about nature and views of the valley; the named waypoints on the “Triniusweg” are the Bairodaer Aue, Laudenbach, and the waterfall. This means you can choose based on the specific destinations that interest you.

Mining history and Brotterode-Trusetal

Local history is closely tied to the ore deposits at the Klinge: ironstone was exposed there, and the abundance of ore formed the basis for the miners’ settlement of Laudenbach. This historical connection explains the area’s association with mining. The mining educational trail is also a stop on the “Rennsteig-Leiter Trusetal.” In the wider destination of Brotterode-Trusetal, this hiking route runs from the waterfall via Fünf Gärten and Laudenbach to the Rennsteig.

There are also other historical and scenic points of interest in the wider destination of Brotterode-Trusetal. The Wallenburger Tower on the outskirts of Trusetal is an example of Romanesque architecture from the 13th century. Visitors can also climb a staircase with 228 steps at the Trusetal Waterfall. The waterfall is switched off in winter.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Wernshausen, Schmalkalden, Altersbach, Unterschönau, Floh-Seligenthal, Kühndorf, Rotterode, Viernau.

FAQ

What can visitors do after a guided tour of the “Hühn” visitor mine?

In the wider destination of Brotterode-Trusetal, visitors can search for mineral stones at “Klonike am Hühn” after the tour.

Where can you take a break at a hut?

In the wider destination of Brotterode-Trusetal, a hut by the Pfingstweide on the Nature Park Trail offers a place to take a break.

Where does the Inselsberg Cycle Path begin?

In the wider destination of Brotterode-Trusetal, the approximately 17-kilometre cycle path begins at the bus station in Brotterode.

What is there for visitors to do at the Trusetal Waterfall?

In the wider destination of Brotterode-Trusetal, visitors can climb a staircase with 228 steps beside the waterfall. The waterfall is switched off in winter.

What is the Wallenburger Tower known for?

In the wider destination of Brotterode-Trusetal, the Wallenburger Tower on the outskirts of Trusetal is a monument to Romanesque architecture from the 13th century.

To the main travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.