Best mountain passes around Auengrund are characterized by the region's green forests, rolling hills, and idyllic rivers, situated in the southern Thuringian Forest. The area features a varied topography suitable for hiking and scenic routes. While not traditional high-altitude passes, these routes offer diverse natural landscapes and viewpoints. Auengrund provides accessible trails for exploring its natural features.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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Going downhill towards Theuern, it rolls almost without pedaling and braking. Uphill towards Limbach, the changing gradients will probably make for somewhat uneven pedaling. Asphalt is okay so far, although there are some potholes in places due to the winter months.
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A dream for racing cyclists 🤩
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The Eisfelder Ausspanne, located deep in the heart of the Thuringian Forest, is a truly idyllic resting place for hikers and nature lovers. This hiking highlight, surrounded by dense forest and rich history, is a perfect place for a well-deserved break. When I visited the Eisfelder Ausspanne, I was immediately captured by the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of the place. The refuge offers shelter and an opportunity to take a break, while the well-preserved "mile block" tells a piece of the place's history. The name “Ausspanne” derives from the tradition of unharnessing the horses here during the difficult crossing of the Thuringian forest ridge. The Eisfelder Ausspanne is an important crossroads on the Rennsteig and offers hikers various route options. Whether you come from Masserberg or Waffenrod or visit the Werraquelle - this place is an ideal starting or finishing point for numerous hikes. The space itself is equipped with many benches and tables, making it an inviting place for a longer rest. Here you can relax, enjoy the silence of the forest and strengthen yourself for the rest of your journey. It is also a popular meeting point for hikers who come here to exchange experiences and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
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The Eisfelder Ausspanne is a large crossroads with a refuge.
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Yes, you can relax here. In historical times, the horses that had been harnessed before the steep ascent to the ridge were unharnessed here. Therefore the name. From here you continue to the Werraquelle or the Eselsberg, if you want, turn off in the direction of Goldisthal beforehand.
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Nice rest stop to stay near Masserberg
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The Auengrund region, nestled in the southern Thuringian Forest, features a varied topography of rolling hills, green forests, and idyllic rivers. While not traditional high-altitude mountain passes like those in the Alps, the area offers scenic routes, historical resting points, and viewpoints that serve a similar purpose for exploration and travel. These routes provide diverse natural landscapes and accessible trails.
One notable route is the Scenic Mountain Road to Steinbach, which offers varying gradients and beautiful curves, particularly enjoyable for cycling. Another popular spot is the View from Kohlberg, providing panoramic views in several directions, including as far as the Thuringian Rhön.
Yes, the Eisfelder Resting Place is a significant historical hut and resting point. It once served as a break for coachmen and horses navigating the Rennsteig, offering a place for relaxation and shelter. Visitors can still find a solid shelter and a well-preserved 'Milestone Block' here.
The routes around Auengrund offer varied terrain. Some sections, like the lower part of the Scenic Mountain Road to Steinbach, have moderate gradients (4-6%), while others can reach up to 11%. Many routes are considered intermediate, providing consistent climbs and descents suitable for cycling and hiking. There are also easier trails available for more leisurely exploration.
The region is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy gravel biking, cycling, and mountain biking on numerous trails. For example, there are routes like the 'Höllteich – Höllteich loop from Masserberg' for gravel biking, or the 'Werra Raft Pond – Werra Spring Hut loop from Auengrund' for cycling. You can find more details on these activities in the Gravel biking around Auengrund, Cycling around Auengrund, and MTB Trails around Auengrund guides.
Yes, some locations are considered family-friendly. The Eisfelder Resting Place, for instance, is categorized as family-friendly, offering a good spot for a break during an outing. The general topography with rolling hills and accessible natural landscapes makes many areas suitable for families.
The Auengrund region is particularly beautiful in spring when the area is in full bloom, making it an ideal time for hiking along paths like the Werra River. However, its diverse natural landscapes offer a tranquil escape throughout the warmer months, with dense beech forests providing shade in summer and scenic views in autumn.
You will encounter green forests, rolling hills, and idyllic rivers. Many routes traverse dense beech forests and meander past small streams. Viewpoints offer expansive vistas over valleys and distant mountain ranges, such as the Rhön mountains from Kohlberg.
Visitors appreciate the varied terrain, the tranquility, and the scenic beauty. Many enjoy the consistent climbs and descents for cycling with minimal traffic, as well as the excellent asphalt on winding mountain roads. The opportunity to relax at historical resting places and take in breathtaking views is also highly valued.
Yes, Neumannsgrund is a mountain pass known for its consistent climbs and descents, offering opportunities for cycling with significant elevation changes and almost no traffic. It's a favorite for those looking for a challenging yet peaceful ride.
The Mountain Road Between Gießübel and Schwalbenhaupt is praised for its excellent asphalt and sweeping combinations, making it enjoyable for both uphill and downhill travel. Similarly, the upper section of the Scenic Mountain Road to Steinbach also boasts an impeccable surface.


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