Boundless adventure

FREE spaces – discover Thuringia’s natural beauty

Getting really close to nature. Finding new perspectives. Rediscovering yourself. Thuringia offers a whole host of options for escaping from the humdrum of everyday life – some more traditional, others rather offbeat. Being active in nature – whether on land, on water or in the air – is a great way to free up some space inside your head.

#1 Climbing the Twelve Apostles near Oberhof

More than 1,000 climbing routes make the Thuringian Forest an ideal destination for fans of the sport. One of the most popular climbing areas are the Twelve Apostles, a group of rocks in the Kanzlersgrund valley near Oberhof, which offer both physical challenges and plenty of amazing scenery. A sunny location on the southern slopes and some climbs that are suitable for beginners make this a place where less practised climbers and even children are able to reach new heights. Follow the signs from the Im Finsterbach car park for a 20-minute walk to the rocks. The perfect place to start your climbing adventure is at the First Apostle.

Once you have scaled your first rock, you will discover the Thuringian Forest as you’ve never seen it before, all quiet, majestic and infinite. With energy pulsing through your body, your thoughts more clear and focused than they’ve been for ages and with a feeling of deep affinity for the surrounding nature, you will realise what it means to be truly free.

#2 Become a pilot for a day in Gera

At the Gera-Leumnitz airfield they have come up with a new twist on the whole idea of flying. Because the one thing better than flying is to fly yourself, and that’s exactly what you can do at the Sky Motion flying school – without a pilot’s licence! Under the close supervision of an experienced aviator you learn some theory before you get to try out the practical side. Flight planning, route preparation, pre-flight checks and finally … takeoff. Then you’re able to enjoy the sort of freedom you’re unlikely to find anywhere on solid ground. It’s the kind of experience you’d definitely file under ‘unforgettable’.

#3 Water tours on the Saale reservoirs

Did you know that the ‘Thuringian Sea’, a collection of linked reservoirs on the Saale river in south-eastern Thuringia, is the largest contiguous area of reservoirs in Germany? The name doesn’t just sound intriguing but also promises some unforgettable experiences in nature, for example touring on the water in a kayak or canoe.

Hohenwarte reservoir is one particular highlight among these man-made bodies of water. Its jagged shoreline is reminiscent of Norway’s dramatic fjords and stirs up a profound yearning for adventure. The smaller and much less busy lakes, such as the Burgkhammer and Eichicht reservoirs, offer a more relaxed type of canoeing. Dense forests that stretch down to the shore create a seamless transition between land and water, with the gentle hills of the Thuringian Slate Mountains rising behind them. The perfect setting to calm the mind and gain a new perspective.

If you want to feel really free and unrestricted; try exploring the Bleiloch reservoir on a paddleboard, gliding almost silently across the water. There are few other sports that provide such a feeling of being well and truly immersed in nature and it becomes very easy to put your thoughts on ‘mute’ for a while. Saalburg Beach makes a great starting point for a tour that will do wonders for both your mind and your body.

#4 Downhill mountain biking in the Thuringian Forest

Downhill mountain biking isn’t just providing a growing number of people with an adrenaline kick, it also allows them to explore their own personal ideas of freedom. They get to experience an almost overwhelming feeling of independence and self-reliance. If you would like to try out this thrilling sport you’ll find that the Thuringian Forest offers ideal conditions.

Beginners are strongly advised to start off at the mountain bike park in Oberhof. It offers a range of routes that will give you a feel for this activity at the heart of nature and where you can discover, test and perhaps even exceed your own limits. In addition to physical fitness, this extremely fast-paced sport also requires exceptional mental focus. This combination ensures that the myriad of open tabs in your mind will be closed, at least temporarily, while you can – or indeed must – concentrate completely on the here and now.

#5 Delightful panoramic views

Few things are as calming and relaxing as an unimpeded view into the distance. If you’re on the lookout for the right sort of place, we can highly recommend the Skywalk at Mount Sonnenstein. Located in the Eichsfeld region, this glass walkway extends for 14 metres from the cliff at a height of 486 metres. The transparent bottom of the walkway makes it seem as if you are suspended in the air, high above the countryside, literally ‘above things’ for a few moments. These truly endless vistas ease your everyday worries and provide an amazing feeling of freedom.

It gets even more spectacular in the northern part of the Hohe Schrecke ridge, where a 180-metre rope bridge spans the Bärental valley and provides enchanting views. You will need a head for heights to cross this bridge, as you’ll be a good 23 metres above the valley floor.

Relaxing or exciting, with panoramic views or all secluded – Thuringia’s natural landscapes open up unique free spaces for mind and body. Find your own personal getaway. In Thuringia.

"Höhengenuss" in the Hainich National Park

Culinary delights and spectacular views: the Hainich National Park is hosting a special event on September 5, 2025. The colorfully illuminated treetop path takes you on a culinary journey of discovery to “gourmet islands” high up in the trees. You can enjoy regional delicacies at lofty heights. There is also singing, dancing and music in the evenings. The special ambience of cultural enjoyment and nature experience makes the evening an unforgettable experience. (Photo: Trixi Mohring)

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Header picture: Christian Heilwagen is a freelance photographer from Thuringia. People and nature are at the centre of his motifs.
Text: Jessika Fichtel is a freelance copywriter, blogger and book author from Eisenach. She creates authentic content with passion and expertise.