For nature lovers

As you’re walking along, it takes a while to realise that you can’t hear much for a change. Except for the buzzing of bees, the wind in the canopy and your own footsteps. It’s a quiet, but by no means uneventful tour from Oberhof to Allzunah.

A lucky skywalk, party time by the river and a night in a shiny caravan – all this and more awaits along the Saale Cycle Route.

The wild and romantic Schwarza Valley is a natural treasure – and not just because a lot of precious stones and gold have been found there. On the Panorama Trail, hikers can get an idea of it. In the “Sommerfrische valley”, they will see not only scenic highlights, but also other attractions such as the refurbished Schwarzburg Palace or the world’s steepest funicular.

The Rennsteig is not just a hiking trail but also a delightful cycle path. It balances on the ridge of the Thuringian Forest and offers mountain bikers a secluded area with natural trails and rapid descents.

A real treasure for historical railway enthusiasts and nature lovers awaits you in the wild and romantic Schwarza valley. The fully electrified Oberweissbach funicular railway has been serving the region since the early 20th century. In summer, an open-top carriage allows you to savour the fresh woodland air and enjoy the breeze on your face, while the ‘natural remedy train’ provides an interactive introduction to Thuringia’s herb country.

Rambling roses and old fruit trees are a common sight in the middle valley of the Ilm river, which flows at a leisurely pace past rolling hills, idyllic villages and meadows buzzing with bees – perfect for a laid-back cycling trip.

What would the world look like without us? If there weren’t any people, just nature, completely untouched. Beech trees as far as the eye can see, the air filled with a fungal, earthy aroma. The Hainich region is one of the last remnants of the ancient woodland that once covered large swathes of central Europe. At around 130 square kilometres, it is Germany’s largest unbroken area of deciduous forest. Its southern section is a national park, which became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Ancient Beech Forests of Germany in 2011. Although at first glance its natural landscape might not seem quite as spectacular as chalk cliffs, coral reefs or canyons, it is nevertheless unique and provides a very special habitat for many rare species.

On a clear, moonless night you can see up to 6,000 stars in the skies above the Rhön hills. Compare that to Frankfurt am Main, where a determined observer will be lucky to spot 200. That illustrates just how special this region on the border between Thuringia, Hessen and Bavaria really is. Elsewhere in Germany, street lamps, floodlights and other forms of illumination may be turning night into day, but the Rhön hills are decidedly dark after sunset. Stargazers aren’t the only ones who are delighted by this; above all it benefits the local plants and wildlife.

Ever wondered what a primeval forest looks like from above? Find out on the treetop trail in Hainich National Park. But hang on a minute, a primeval forest in the heart of Thuringia? Don’t worry, you won’t need to channel your inner Indiana Jones and battle your way through a jungle. Comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure are all you need for this memorable trip.

On 72 kilometres, the Elsterperlenweg® trail promises an exciting journey of discovery through the Vogtland region. It not only leads through an interesting low mountain range landscape, but also to some unusual spots: A tall "aristocratic" cross and a village that has already served as a setting for Hollywood films are just some of these. They are joined by cosy farmyard cafés and palace gardens. A paradise for hikers and hobby photographers.

Unspoilt nature, fantastic viewing points and a lot of blue. Nature guide Franziska Jacob points out the most beautiful places in the Thuringian Highlands/Upper Saale Nature Park.

The people of Thuringia have given this region an affectionate nickname: They call it their "Thüringer Meer". In fact, the view of the wide expanses of water framed by deep forests resembles a Scandinavian fjord landscape. Europe's largest contiguous reservoir area is located in the Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale Nature Park. And right in the middle of it all: the Hohenwarte Reservoir Trail - 74.4 kilometres that you won't forget in a hurry.

Tight spots, water: the Drachenschlucht gorge to the south of Eisenach is one of Thuringia's most exciting natural attractions. Over millions of years, a stream has carved a course through the rocks underneath Wartburg Castle. The hiking adventure also includes nearby Landgrafenschlucht gorge and fantastic views from various hilltop passages.

The 19-kilometre Goethe trail from Ilmenau to Stützerbach is a poem, as it links important stages in the life of the poet - "Iphigenia" and the "Wandrers Nachtlied", for example, were written here - within an attractive landscape. Goethe was also taken with it. What did he write? "I have always enjoyed being here and still do, I think it is because of the harmony in which everything here stands ..."

Die Thüringer Variante des Drei-Länder-Premiumwanderwegs DER HOCHRHÖNER schlängelt sich durch malerische Landstriche im UNESCO-Biosphärenreservat Rhön, das zu den drei größten in Deutschland gehört. Die Weitblicke in diesem ursprünglichen, von Vulkanbergen durchzogenen Teil Mitteldeutschlands öffnen spürbar den Geist. Imponierende Kulturdenkmäler und die Entdeckung ungewöhnlicher Tiere und Pflanzen lassen die Wanderreise zu einem einzigartigen Erlebnis werden.

The evening sun peeks out from beneath the clouds, bathing Jena in a soft red glow. All of a sudden, the rain of the day is forgotten. A warm gust of wind carries with it the beautiful sound of singing from below: Dutch singer Caro Emerald is giving a concert in the theatre square on this Friday evening in July.

Beer in a copper foot, gypsum in a cave, myths and legends: The Kyffhäuserweg hiking trail is the most beautiful way to discover the Kyffhäuser's secrets and mysteries.

You want to escape from your everyday life and spend a few days in nature? We have compiled a list of the most attractive retreats in Thuringia. Here you will find peace and a slower pace of life and can recharge your batteries amidst the fantastic nature of Thuringia. We wish you the break of your life!