The best mountain hikes around Neustadt am Rennsteig
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Mountaineering routes around Neustadt am Rennsteig are situated in the Ilm-Kreis region, characterized by its forested hills and elevated viewpoints. The area offers a variety of terrain suitable for mountaineering, with routes often leading to observation towers and along scenic ridges. These paths provide opportunities to experience the natural landscape of Thuringia.
Best mountaineering routes around Neustadt am Rennsteig
- The most popular mountaineering route is Kickelhahn Tower – Kickelhahn Observation Tower loop from Ilmenau, a 6.9 miles (11.1 km)…
Last updated: September 1, 2026
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(1)
4
hikers
11.2km
03:31
430m
430m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
10.5km
03:16
400m
400m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
hikers
16.2km
04:48
480m
480m
Moderate mountaineering route. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Neustadt am Rennsteig
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Tips from the Community
[...] Furthermore, "museum trips" take place on the Rennsteigbahn at irregular intervals. These also stop at the Bad stop. [...] Since June 2014, trains of the Erfurter Bahn have been running to Rennsteig station on weekends and public holidays. At the timetable change in December 2017, the services were taken over by Süd-Thüringen-Bahn for eleven years. [...] The station building is a two-story half-timbered building, which is richly decorated and formerly had a small tower on the roof. The roof is very steep, as snowy winters are to be expected due to its location in the Thuringian Forest, and a steeper roof is statically more stable than a flatter one. The building is very similar to the stations of Manebach, Stützerbach, Schmiedefeld, and Schleusingerneundorf. Directly next to the stop are the Lessingpark on the south side and the Ilm on the north side.
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September 25... Unfortunately still closed.
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Downhill trail from Kickelhahn (861 m) to Großer Hermannstein (761 m).
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Even if the ascent is not possible in winter, the view from below also offers a good outlook and comfortable benches for a break
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The simple late baroque functional building was hastily erected in the summer of 1783 to serve as a guest house for Karl August and his hunting party. Building materials were obtained from the ruins of Ilmenau Castle and the surrounding forest. Goethe often spent time here as a guest. The museum's exhibition is well worth seeing because it offers insights into the hunting habits and social life of the Weimar court. You can find further information and opening times here: https://www.ilmenau.de/de/freizeit/museen-und-börsen/museum-jagdhaus-gabelbach/.
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Open it would have been even nicer, start of the IXS descent
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That was my educational moment on this tour - the Ilm begins at the junction of several streams and has no source of its own.
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The reception at the hiking trails is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and offers snacks - coffee - cake - Viennese - potato salad - drinks. And 20 m in the property there is a barbecue evening on Fridays and Saturdays in the beautiful fireplace barn, with a small, modern bar until 10 p.m. Card payments are possible everywhere!! 👌🤗
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountaineering routes are available around Neustadt am Rennsteig?
There are currently 4 mountaineering routes documented around Neustadt am Rennsteig on komoot, offering a variety of experiences in the forested hills of the Ilm-Kreis region.
Are there easy mountaineering routes suitable for beginners?
Yes, there is at least one easy mountaineering route available. For instance, the Metal sculpture in Masserberg – Rennsteigwarte on Eselsberg loop from Masserberg is an easy 3.8-mile (6.1 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to complete.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountaineering routes in this area?
Mountaineering routes around Neustadt am Rennsteig are characterized by forested hills and elevated viewpoints. You'll often find paths leading to observation towers and along scenic ridges, providing a typical Thuringian forest experience.
Are there circular mountaineering routes available?
Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops. For example, the Kickelhahn Tower – Kickelhahn Observation Tower loop from Ilmenau and the Kickelhahn Observation Tower – Kickelhahn Tower loop from Ilmenau are both popular circular trails.
What natural attractions or landmarks can I see along the mountaineering routes?
The region offers several interesting sights. You might encounter the Kickelhahn Tower, a prominent viewpoint, or the historic Goethe Cabin on Kickelhahn. Other natural highlights include the Goethe Cave at Hermannstein and the Observation tower on Großer Finsterberg.
Are there any waterfalls to discover near the mountaineering trails?
Yes, the area around Neustadt am Rennsteig features several waterfalls. You could visit the Helms Waterfall, the Dachsbach Waterfall, or the Neuntal Waterfall, among others.
What is the best time of year for mountaineering in Neustadt am Rennsteig?
The forested hills of Neustadt am Rennsteig are generally enjoyable for mountaineering from spring through autumn, when the weather is milder and the trails are clear. Summer offers lush greenery, while autumn provides beautiful foliage.
Is winter mountaineering possible in the region?
While the guide focuses on non-winter routes, the Thuringian Forest can be beautiful in winter. However, conditions can be challenging with snow and ice, requiring appropriate gear and experience. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out in winter.
What do other mountaineers enjoy most about the routes here?
Mountaineers often appreciate the scenic views from observation towers and the peaceful experience of traversing the forested sections. The variety of moderate trails and the connection to the historic Rennsteig trail are also frequently highlighted.
Are there any longer mountaineering routes for more experienced hikers?
For those seeking a longer challenge, the Kickelhahn Observation Tower – Kickelhahn Tower loop from Manebach is a moderate 10.1-mile (16.2 km) route that offers significant elevation gain and takes approximately 4 hours 48 minutes to complete.
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