Hiking on the Rennsteig
A particular favourite with our guests: hiking on the Rennsteig. Often a section of the trail around Oberhof, or travelling through during the complete Rennsteig hike. The legend among German hiking trails.
"Diesen Weg auf den Höhen bin ich oft gegangen,
Vöglein sangen Lieder,
bin ich weit in der Welt,
habe ich Verlangen,
Thüringer Wald nur nach dir."
(Rennsteiglied – the secret anthem of Thuringia)
The "Rennsteiglied"
Thuringia’s secret anthem was sung for the first time on 14 April 1951, because it says everything about the beauty of the Thuringian Forest, about the beautiful Rennsteig high-altitude hiking trail and about the magic of this impressive landscape. When the song was performed for the first time in 1951, the audience spontaneously shouted: “More of this! We want to hear songs like this.” Herbert Roth, a local poet and composer, had written the lines and the accompanying sheet music. He was an enthusiastic amateur musician and had to fight for his reputation time and again during the GDR era. His music was too “western” for the authorities. He died in 1983 and a memorial stone was dedicated in his honour in 1996 800 metres south of the Schmücke.
Hiking on the Rennsteig – Germany’s oldest hiking trail
The legendary Rennsteig is undisputedly one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Germany. It is one of the oldest routes in Europe and is demonstrably the oldest in Germany. Bishop Otto I of Bamberg used the trail in the early 12th century on his missionary journeys to Pomerania. The first documented mention dates back to 1330, when it was still called “Rynnestyg”.
As early as 1666, the entire area was thoroughly surveyed on behalf of Duke Ernst von Gotha. The trail leads from the Werra to the Saale. It begins in Eisenach-Hörschel and runs for 169.3 breathtaking kilometres to Blankenstein.
Almost exactly in the middle is the famous ski resort of Oberhof. Very close to this town, hikers will find the highest peaks in the region, the 978 metre high Schneekopf and the 983 metre high Großer Beerberg. On this high-altitude hiking trail, hikers are constantly between 500 and 900 metres above sea level. The trail is divided into several stages and also offers numerous side routes and side paths that are ideal for shorter hikes.
Hiking on the Rennsteig – a holiday in nature
Oberhof lies at the heart of this hiking region and is therefore a perfect starting point for a holiday on the Rennsteig. The town lies 800 metres above sea level on a plateau. In summer, the wide meadows and deep forests are a delight; in winter, the village is the centre of a magical winter landscape. The village is small – only around 1700 people live here – but is fully geared towards tourism, sporting events and guests from home and abroad. Several rivers have their source nearby – the Gera, the Ohra, the Hasel and the Schönau.
The legendary high-altitude hiking trail leads right past here. The village is therefore the ideal starting point for outdoor adventures in all seasons. In winter, the cross-country ski trails entice visitors to go cross-country skiing, while in the snow-free season you can hike through the endless expanses of the Thuringian Forest.
Mountain biking or cycling are also a natural choice for a holiday on the Rennsteig. If you don’t just want to be active outdoors, there are other ways to relax in the heart of the Thuringian Forest. Oberhof scores with a rich cultural programme and an event calendar full of surprises.
Whether it’s a dance evening, an art exhibition or a romantic carriage ride – there’s something for everyone here! Joie de vivre and the Thuringian Forest belong together. That’s why the Rennsteig song always comes from the heart:
"Ich bin ein lustiger Wandersmann,
so völlig unbeschwert,
mein Lied erklingt durch Busch und Tann,
das jeder gerne hört..."
(Rennsteiglied, 3rd verse – the secret anthem of Thuringia)
More active tips
Mountain biking on the Rennsteig
Activities on the Rennsteig
