"Nature Park Route Thuringian Forest" - From Hörschel to Saalfeld

Hörschel - Oberellen - Wilhelmsthal - Eisenach - Ruhla - Bad Liebenstein - Brotterode - Tabarz - Waltershausen - Georgenthal - Schmalkalden - Oberhof - Ohrdruf - Ilmenau - Schmiedefeld / Rennsteig - Suhl - Themar - Kloster Veßra - Schleusingen - Masserberg - Neustadt am Rennsteig - Oberweißbach - Neuhaus am Rennweg - Theuern - Sonneberg - Lauscha - Gräfenthal - Meura - Unterweißbach - Bad Blankenburg - Saalfeld

Mandatory Equipment for Winter

Winter tires: Legally required in Germany under winter road conditions (M+S or snowflake symbol).

Route Notes & Special Features

The route leads over the Rennsteig and through elevations up to over 900 m.

Weather and road conditions can change quickly – especially at transitions between valleys and high plateaus.

The route is not continuously cleared like highways, so foresight while driving is important.

The Nature Park Route runs on public roads. Please especially watch for other road users on the winding sections. The route frequently crosses popular cycling and hiking trails.

To Hörschel:

Coming from the A4, exit 39 (Eisenach-West) and continue on the B7 towards Creuzburg, then at the second roundabout continue on L1017 to Hörschel.

To Saalfeld:

Coming from the A9, exit 26 (Triptis) and continue on the B281 towards Neustadt an der Orla. Follow the federal road to Saalfeld. Continue on B281 towards Neuhaus am Rennweg. Shortly before leaving Saalfeld, the Feengrotten are located (follow signs).

Hörschel and Saalfeld are directly connected to the Deutsche Bahn network (DB Regio). Use the Deutsche Bahn travel planner for planning your arrival and departure.

In Hörschel: Rennsteig parking lot (Google NAV point)

In Saalfeld: Parking lot at the Feengrotten (Google NAV point)

Nature Park Gates Thuringian Forest – Gateway to Nature and History

The Nature Park Gates along the Nature Park Route Thuringian Forest invite you to actively discover the region. Whether on foot or by bike – from Hörschel to Saalfeld, varied hiking trails lead through quiet forests, open heights and historically significant places. Each gate offers exciting insights into nature, culture, and the eventful past of the Green Belt. Here your route into the heart of the Thuringian Forest begins!