4.5
(8499)
29,623
hikers
12
hikes
Hiking around Goldisthal in the Thuringian Forest offers diverse landscapes characterized by dense forests, rolling hills, and the Schwarza River. The region features views of the Slate Mountains and includes the Goldisthal pumped-storage power plant with its large reservoir. Trails often traverse mountain meadows and connect to sections of the historic Rennsteig long-distance path. The terrain presents a mix of moderate ascents and descents, providing varied hiking experiences.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.3
(7)
27
hikers
11.1km
03:25
400m
400m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(10)
33
hikers
6.48km
02:04
270m
270m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.8
(11)
33
hikers
3.81km
01:10
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.3
(6)
28
hikers
6.74km
02:05
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(13)
42
hikers
8.10km
02:27
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Goldisthal
Sometimes you wonder... A house gets a stamp, but the technical masterpiece that is the Goldisthal pumped storage power plant does not.
2
0
Strictly speaking, it is not a dam but a reservoir.
0
0
The Goldisthal pumped storage power plant is still one of the largest and most modern power plants of its kind in Europe; it can produce 1 gigawatt of power for 9 hours.
2
0
Friendly and nice service. Excellent food and plenty of it. The restaurant is beautifully and comfortably furnished. The Goldbergklause is perfect for hikers and small events and if you have something bigger planned, there is the Golden Nugget with a bowling alley that is also part of it. Tuesday11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Wednesday11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Thursday11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Friday11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Saturday11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Sunday11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. MondayClosed
0
0
Beautiful view, but the way there is quite difficult both from above and from the lake and not always clearly visible
0
0
A gigantic structure. Nice view of the dam wall.
1
0
There are 12 dedicated hiking trails around Goldisthal that are easily accessible from bus stations. These routes offer a convenient way to explore the beautiful Thuringian Forest without needing a car.
Most of the bus-accessible hikes in Goldisthal are rated as moderate, with 11 out of 12 routes falling into this category. There is also one more challenging route available. This means you can expect varied terrain, including some ascents and descents, but generally manageable for hikers with a reasonable fitness level.
Yes, many of the routes are circular, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same bus stop. For example, the Masserberg Spa Park – View of Goldisthal loop from Goldisthal is a great option, offering scenic views and returning you to your starting point.
The trails often lead through the dense forests and rolling hills of the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. You can also find scenic views along the Schwarza River, which is dammed to form a reservoir. From higher points, particularly around the Goldisthal pumped-storage power plant, you'll get unforgettable vistas of the Slate Mountains.
Absolutely! Many trails offer access to interesting landmarks. You might encounter natural monuments like the Werra Spring Fehrenbach or the unique Needle Eye Rock Formation. The Goldisthal Nature House loop is a good option to explore the area's natural and historical context.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 8,300 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet woodlands, the well-maintained paths, and the convenience of accessing beautiful nature directly from public transport.
While most routes are moderate, you can find shorter options. The View of Goldisthal – Goldbergklause Goldisthal loop from Goldisthal is a moderate but shorter trail, covering about 3.8 km, making it suitable for a quicker exploration of the area.
Yes, the Goldisthal pumped-storage power plant and its reservoir are significant features of the landscape. Many trails, such as the Masserberg Spa Park – View of Goldisthal loop from Goldisthal, offer spectacular panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, especially from the upper reservoir.
The region has a rich history, particularly related to gold mining. While not explicitly listed as a bus-accessible route in the guide, the historical 'Gold Path' in the wider Goldisthal area delves into the region's past gold mining activities, with sites like historic waste heaps and gold shafts. You can often find sections of such historical paths integrated into local hiking networks.
The Thuringian Forest is beautiful year-round. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers vibrant foliage, making these seasons particularly scenic for hiking. Summer is also excellent for enjoying the lush greenery. Winter hikes are possible, but check local conditions for snow and ice, as some paths might be less accessible.
Yes, the Goldisthal area is home to several picturesque gorges and valleys. You might find trails leading into areas like Fehrenbacher Grund, Eselsgrund, or Tannengrund Valley, offering unique natural beauty and a different hiking experience.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.