4.6
(832)
2,671
riders
212
rides
Mountain bike trails around Birkenhügel are set within the diverse landscapes of the Thuringian Forest and the rugged Höllental Valley. The region is characterized by dense woodlands, river valleys carved by the Saale and Orla, and varied elevations. This area provides a range of terrain, from established cycle paths to more demanding, rooted trails, suitable for different mountain biking experiences.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
4.9
(21)
77
riders
43.0km
03:40
830m
830m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
4.2
(10)
28
riders
17.2km
01:18
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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5.0
(1)
7
riders
29.5km
02:14
560m
560m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
11
riders
24.9km
01:46
390m
390m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
3
riders
41.2km
02:56
670m
670m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A visually very appealing section on a paved ground
1
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Border Memorial to the Inner German Border Division and Reminder of the German-German Partition
1
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A superbly rideable section of the route right next to the dam. From here, you'll also occasionally get clear views of the water :)
4
0
Large, well-maintained outdoor pool, in the middle of the forest. I used to spend a lot of time here in the cool water and around it :) Unfortunately, on my last visit, I only had time for a drive-by...
2
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There's a lot to discover in and around the market square. You can find practically everything you need in the immediate vicinity. Opening hours, however, differ slightly from those you'd expect in larger cities :)
1
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This is a great place to get to the water and enjoy a beautiful view of the dam :) The bridge and access roads are currently being rebuilt, which is why there's a large construction site there at the moment.
2
0
Beautifully located with a pond nearby :) Unfortunately, according to Google, permanently closed...
1
0
It's just incredibly beautiful here 😊.
0
0
There are over 210 mountain bike trails around Birkenhügel, catering to various skill levels. This includes approximately 39 easy routes, 158 moderate routes, and 20 difficult trails for more experienced riders.
The region around Birkenhügel offers diverse terrain, from dense woodlands and river valleys carved by the Saale and Orla rivers to varied elevations. You'll find a mix of established cycle paths and more demanding, rooted trails, especially within the Thuringian Forest and the rugged Höllental Valley.
Yes, Birkenhügel offers around 39 easy mountain bike routes. Sections of the extensive Rennsteig cycle path, which passes through the broader region, are also suitable for families and less experienced riders looking for a more relaxed experience.
Absolutely. For experienced mountain bikers, there are approximately 20 difficult trails. The original Rennsteig hiking trail, for instance, provides a more demanding experience with rooted and narrow paths. The "Rennsteig MTB Radweg" also features steep ascents and rapid descents across its extensive network.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 750 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, the beautiful natural landscapes of the Thuringian Forest and Höllental Valley, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.
Yes, several interesting landmarks can be explored. In the Höllental Valley, you might encounter the remarkable Teufelssteg — Across the Selbitz or the historic Selbitz Viaduct (Höllental Railway). The 👹 Höllental (Hell Valley) itself is a significant natural attraction. Further afield, Blankenberg Castle Ruins offers a glimpse into the region's history.
Many of the mountain bike trails around Birkenhügel are designed as loops. For example, you can ride the Harra Saale Bridge – View of the Saale Bend loop from Bleilochstausee, or the Höllental Forest Trail – Rock Formations in Höllental loop from Saaldorf, which takes you through the scenic Höllental Valley.
Yes, the region offers routes suitable for families. While specific family-designated trails are not listed, the easier sections of the Rennsteig cycle path are generally considered suitable for a family outing. Look for routes marked as 'easy' on komoot for options with less elevation and technical difficulty.
The best time for mountain biking in Birkenhügel is typically from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is generally favorable, and the trails are dry and accessible. The autumn offers particularly scenic rides with colorful foliage in the Thuringian Forest.
Yes, the region is known for its panoramic views. The broader Thuringian Forest provides breathtaking vistas along the Rennsteig. The Agnesruh Singletrail (S3) – Agnesruh viewpoint loop from Göritz is one such route that includes a viewpoint, and the nearby Großer Farmdenkopf also offers spectacular panoramic views.
Generally, no specific permits are required for mountain biking on designated trails in the Birkenhügel area. However, it's always advisable to respect local signage, stay on marked paths, and be mindful of hikers and other trail users, especially within protected natural areas like the Höllental Valley.


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