Rennsteig Trail | Eurohike Hiking Holiday

170
Kilometers

from Hörschel to Blankenstein

14th century

origins as ancient trade and border routes

1.300

border stones marking former boundaries in the Thuringian Forest

information boards with details about sights, nature, and history

“Gut Runst!”

the official greeting of Rennsteig hikers since 1900

Route & Itinerary

The Rennsteig Trail, Germany’s most famous long-distance hiking path, runs along the ridge of the Thuringian Forest for 170 kilometers, marked by the distinctive Rennsteig sign, a white “R”.

The path begins at the middle course of the Werra River in Hörschel and stretches all the way to the upper course of the Saale River in Blankenstein. The entire route promises a varied adventure for hikers of all ages and difficulty levels.

Along the Rennsteig, you will encounter around 1,300 historic border stones, 44 Rennsteig information boards detailing the region’s sights, flora, and fauna, as well as numerous Rennsteig huts. Inviting guesthouses, rest stops, and support from the Thuringian Mountain Rescue Service ensure a safe and comfortable self-guided hiking tour.

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

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Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

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Questions and Answers about hiking the Rennsteig Trail

Where does the Rennsteig Trail start?

The Rennsteig Trail begins in Hörschel near Eisenach in Thuringia and runs along the ridge of the Thuringian Forest to Blankenstein on the Saale River, on the border to Bavaria in Germany.

When is the best time to experience the Rennsteig Trail?

The best travel time for a hiking holiday on the Rennsteig Trail is from April to October.

Who is hiking on the Rennsteig Trail suitable for?

The Rennsteig Trail falls under our category type "Walking". The route leads over good hiking paths and impressive high-altitude trails. With good basic fitness, this hiking tour can become a successful break in Germany’s peaceful natural landscape.

How long is the Rennsteig Trail and how much elevation gain does it include?

The total length of the Rennsteig Trail is 170 kilometers, with approximately 3,000 meters of elevation gain.

How long are the daily stages on the Rennsteig Trail?

On the daily stages of our hiking tours on the Rennsteig Trail, you cover between 12 and 25 kilometres of hiking per day.

What types of hotels or accommodations are included on the Rennsteig Trail?

On our hiking tours on the Rennsteig Trail, you will stay in beautiful hotels and accommodations.

How does luggage transfer work with Eurohike?

Your luggage is collected from your accommodation each morning between 8 and 9 a.m. and will be waiting for you at the next hotel in the evening (between 4 and 7 p.m.), allowing you to hike completely relaxed, carrying only light day packs.

Thüringer Tourismus GmbH - Guido Werner

Beautiful railway station on the Rennsteig

The Most Beautiful Places Along the Rennsteig Trail

Eisenach

Start your Rennsteig Trail hike in Eisenach, a city rich in history on the edge of the Thuringian Forest. Wartburg Castle, the Luther House, and the old town with its charming timber-framed houses offer fascinating glimpses into different eras.

Ruhla

Tucked into the hills of the Thuringian Forest, Ruhla has preserved its centuries-old craftsmanship. A highlight is the Miniature Park, featuring detailed models of the region. The surrounding peaceful forests add to the town’s unique charm.

Oberhof

Situated in the heart of the Thuringian Forest, Oberhof is the region’s sports hub. Famous for winter events, it also offers plenty to explore in summer. Along the Rennsteig Trail, numerous viewpoints provide sweeping vistas across the landscape.

Großer Beerberg and Inselsberg

For those seeking the highest points of the Rennsteig Trail, the Großer Beerberg and Inselsberg are must-visits. From the summits, the view stretches far across the forests and ridges of the Thuringian Forest, revealing the vastness of the landscape.

The Waldschänke Dreiherrnstein on the Inselberg

Masserberg

Masserberg, in the heart of the Thuringian Forest, is a serene spa and mountain town. Surrounded by forests and open spaces, it exudes calm and balance, giving visitors a sense of the tranquility that defines the Rennsteig Trail.

Panoramic view over the Thuringian Forest

Lauscha

At the eastern end of the Thuringian Forest lies Blankenstein, nestled between forest and the banks of the Saale River. Its quiet streets and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect conclusion to your hiking holiday.

The Most Scenic Stages on the Rennsteig Trail

Eisenach – Ruhla-Ascherbrück

19 Kilometers | ↗ 420 Meters | ↘ 70 Meters

The tour begins in Hörschel, the traditional starting point of the Rennsteig Trail. Quiet forest paths lead to Ruhla, a small town with a long tradition in clockmaking. From there, the route continues over the Hohe Sonne to Ruhla-Ascherbrück. A detour to the Drachenschlucht (Dragon Gorge) is highly recommended.

Ruhla-Ascherbrück – Ebertswiese

↔ 25 Kilometers | ↗ 590 Meters | ↘ 400 Meters

From Ruhla-Ascherbrück, the trail climbs to the Großer Inselsberg, the highest point of this stage at 912 meters. After a steep ascent, you are rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding landscape. The route continues over the Grenzwiese and the Dreiherrenstein before reaching Ebertswiese, a key junction for several trails.

Ebertswiese – Oberhof

↔ 22 Kilometers | ↗ 300 Meters | ↘ 240 Meters

On this stage, you hike through dense forest sections of the Thuringian Forest, passing small villages such as Krämerrod and Wachsenrasen. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Grenzadler, an old border stone that now marks the DKB Ski Arena. The stage ends in Oberhof, a town renowned for winter sports and summer recreation.

Frauenwald – Masserberg

↔ 19 Kilometers | ↗ 190 Meters | ↘ 210 Meters

The route first passes the Großer Dreiherrenstein, a historic point where the borders of several towns meet. It then continues through the Thuringian Slate Mountains, crossing the Schwalbenhauptwiese and an old hollow way. Masserberg lies quietly within the forest and is a traditional spa and mountain town, providing a pleasant stop along the way.

Neuhaus – Steinbach am Wald

↔ 23 Kilometers | ↗ 180 Meters | ↘ 400 Meters

This stage offers a varied route through forested areas and open landscapes. In Ernstthal, you can enjoy the summer toboggan run before continuing to Spechtsbrunn. Here, the Nature Park Information Center provides fascinating insights into the flora, fauna, and landscapes of the Thuringian Forest, enriching your hiking experience.

Why Choose to Hike the Rennsteig Trail?

Ridge Trail

Following the crest of the Thuringian Forest.

Witnesses
of Time

Border stones, ancient fortifications, and remnants of former duchies.

Mountain
Rescue

with dedicated stations to provide support to all Rennsteig hikers.

Rustic Stops

Enjoy hearty local dishes and warm, authentic Thuringian hospitality.

Certified

as a “Qualitätsweg Wanderbares Deutschland.”

Travel Stories on the Rennsteig Trail

Panoramic views while hiking in the Altmühltal

Naturpark Altmühltal

December 9, 2020

Qualitäts- & Premiumwanderwege in Deutschland

Wanderreisen mit Eurohike sind nicht nur perfekt geplant – von den Reiseunterlagen, dem Kartenmaterial oder den präzise ausgewählten Hotels und Unterkünften – sondern führen Sie auch an die traumhaftesten Orte in Deutschland. Doch für uns bei Eurohike ist es nicht nur sehr wichtig, Sie entlang der schönsten Plätze und traumhaften Wanderrouten zu führen, vielmehr sollen die ausgewählten Wanderwege auch klaren Qualitätskriterien unterliegen. So gibt es in Deutschland zertifizierte Wanderwege, die ein grenzenloses Wandervergnügen und Wanderqualität auf höchstem Niveau versprechen. Mit Eurohike erleben Sie im Wanderurlaub in Deutschland vollendete Wanderqualität und Aktivvergnügen pur in der Natur. Worin der Unterschied zwischen Qualitätswanderwegen und Premiumwanderwegen besteht, welchen Kriterien diese Wanderwege unterliegen und was diese Routen so besonders macht, lesen Sie jetzt auf unserem Eurohike WanderBlog.

Rennsteig Trail: Your Benefits with Eurohike

Perfectly organized hiking tours

In Eurohike hiking vacations, you enjoy that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurohike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your hiking tour, you can focus worry-free on what truly matters: the joy of hiking with your loved ones.

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists

Our experienced travel specialists are available to assist you at any time, both during the selection of your tour and throughout the booking process. Your wishes and concerns are our top priority, ensuring that your journey becomes the most beautiful time of the year.

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

Accommodations with feel-good factor

After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming hiking tours, where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

Hiking without luggage

With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurohike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree hiking adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

Personal on-site support

Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour-App

We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

Travelife-Certification

We are certified as a sustainable tour operator! Our green actions have been officially confirmed by Travelife - an international certification programme for sustainability management in the travel industry. We had to fulfil over 260 criteria in various areas: from environmental protection and energy-saving measures to emissions management and consumer protection.

Rennsteig: Ihre Vorteile mit Eurohike

Individueller Wandergenuss

Genießen Sie eine perfekte organisierte Wanderreise, die Sie vor Ort spontan und ganz nach Ihrem Belieben gestalten können. So entscheiden Sie vollkommen individuell, wann Sie morgens Ihre Tagesetappe antreten, ob sie auf der Haupt- oder einer Alternativstrecke unterwegs sind, an einem Lieblingsplatz verweilen oder einen nahegelegenen Ort entdecken möchten. Sie wandern vollkommen in Ruhe und in eigenem Tempo. Ganz nach persönlichem Gusto wählen Sie Restaurants oder Berghütten, in denen kulinarische Spezialitäten der Region zubereitet werden.

Unterkünfte mit Wohlfühl-Faktor

Nach einem herrlichen Wandertag werden Sie abends in den ausgewählten Unterkünften begrüßt. Wir wählen unsere Unterkünfte mit Sorgfalt und Bedacht, immer mit Blick auf deren spezielle Ausrichtung auf Aktivurlauber und Möglichkeiten zur abendlichen Erholung. Das gewisse Extra an Komfort erleben Sie beim Wandern mit Charme. Hier genießen Sie noch mehr Wohlfühleinrichtungen und ein Plus an Genuss.

Wandern ohne Gepäck

Mit uns genießen Sie die wohl bequemste Form von Aktivurlaub. Eurohike transportiert Ihr Gepäck jeden Tag in die nächste Unterkunft. Sie tragen auf Ihren Wanderetappen lediglich das Tagesgepäck auf dem Rücken und Ihr Koffer wartet abends bereits in der nächsten Unterkunft auf Sie. Erleben Sie mit unserem Gepäcktransfer ein rundum unbeschwertes Wandererlebnis in ganz Europa!

Bestens ausgearbeitete Reiseunterlagen und Routenbeschreibungen

Alle Gäste erhalten ein umfangreiches Infopackage mit detaillierten Wanderkarten und Reiseunterlagen samt Tipps und Infos zu Kultur, Kulinarik, Land und Leuten – abgestimmt auf die jeweilige Region und Anforderungen der individuellen Wanderreise. Jährlich überprüfen wir genauestens den Routenverlauf und entwickeln immer wieder neue Varianten, die noch ein wenig mehr Einblicke in Land und Kultur ermöglichen.

Optionaler Rücktransfer zum Ausgangsort

Auch die schönste Wanderreise geht irgendwann zu Ende. Am Tag ihrer letzten Tagesetappe werden Sie um zahlreiche Erlebnisse und wunderbare Eindrücke reicher in Ihrer Zieldestination ankommen. Die Abreise beziehungsweise Rückreise zum Ausgangsort bei Streckentouren erfolgt in der Regel individuell. Sie finden ideale Optionen für die Rückreise in Ihren Reiseunterlagen. Bei vielen Touren bieten wir wahlweise einen Rücktransfer an, welcher bei Ihrer gewünschten Reise unter den optionalen Leistungen ersichtlich ist. So gelangen Sie noch komfortabler zum Ausgangsort Ihrer Reise zurück.