Rennsteig – Gesamt
Über den Kamm des Thüringer Waldes

Wegbeschreibung

1st Stage: From Hörschel to Ascherbrück/ Ruhla: The Rennsteig begins on the Werra riverbank in Hörschel. It is customary here to take a pebble with you, which you throw into the Saale at the end of your tour. The first stage leads you about 19 kilometers almost continuously uphill. At the Großer Eichelberg (310 m above sea level) you have a beautiful view of the Wartburg before you pass the Vachaer Stein. The obelisk and signpost recalls an old mountain pass that Napoleon already used. Then continue mostly on well-trodden paths to the destination Ascherbrück, which is easy to find because the route is consistently marked with a white "R". Did you know? The actual meaning of the name Rennsteig is "to move quickly". Originally, it was an ancient trade route connecting important towns and places, mainly used by hurried messengers. 2nd Stage: From Ascherbrück/ Ruhla to Ebertwiese: The second stage takes you about 20 km from Ascherbrück to the Spießberghaus near Friedrichroda. Here stamina and sure-footedness are required because at the Großer Inselsberg the Rennsteig reaches its second highest point at 916 m above sea level. However, the summit compensates you for the strenuous ascent with a breathtaking panoramic view. Then it goes downhill towards Possenröder Kreuz. Here benches and a shelter invite you to take a break. Soon after, you reach your destination in the mountain meadows of the Thuringian Forest. 3rd Stage: From Ebertwiese to Grenzadler: Unlike the first two stages, the third is a real rest for tired hiking legs. From the Spießberghaus you walk about 23 kilometers on easy paths to the Grenzadler. A short break is worthwhile at the lookout tower on the Krämerod. If you climb the platform, a great view over the Thuringian Forest is guaranteed before you reach the Grenzadler, which marked an old border. Tip for sports enthusiasts: From the Grenzadler, a short detour to the ski jumping hills at the Rennsteig in Kanzlersgrund