Thuringian Forest Hideaways

This collection traverses the high ridges of the Thuringian Forest, focusing on the historic Rennsteig trail and the peaks around Ilmenau and Gehlberg. It highlights literary landmarks like the Goethehäuschen, where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe composed his famous night songs, and the Schneekopf's high-altitude Neue Gehlberger Hütte. These sites range from simple wooden shelters and observation points like Plänckners Aussicht to traditional mountain "Bauden" and beer gardens serving regional Thuringian sausages.

Goethehäuschen

Reconstructed wooden hut on the Kickelhahn mountain where Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote his famous poem "Wandrers Nachtlied" in 1780.

Kyrill-Hütte

Shelter and viewpoint established to commemorate the impact of the 2007 Kyrill storm on the surrounding forest landscape.

Plänckners Aussicht

Observation point on the Großer Beerberg, the highest peak in the Thuringian Forest, offering views across the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Schwalbenstein

Porphyry rock formation and shelter where Goethe composed the fourth act of "Iphigenia in Tauris" in 1779.

Schutzhütte am Adler

Alpine-style mountain restaurant located near the Rennsteig hiking trail, specializing in regional Thuringian dishes.

Neue Gehlberger Hütte

High-altitude restaurant on the Schneekopf mountain (978m) featuring a panoramic terrace and wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Bergbaude Veilchenbrunnen

Traditional mountain tavern serving regional cuisine, including Thuringian sausages and hearty soups, located along forest hiking paths.

Bierstadl

Rustic pub and tavern located in the mountain village of Masserberg.

Joel´s Biergarten

Seasonal beer garden in Gehlberg offering grilled local specialties and outdoor seating.

Biergarten zum Gasthof Weidmannsruh

Traditional beer garden attached to a country inn, providing outdoor seating near the Rennsteig trail.

Lola

Historic mountain lodge and chalet located near the high-altitude trails of the Rennsteig.

Zum Kuckuck

Mountain chalet and inn situated in the forest between the villages of Manebach and Stützerbach.