Thuringia's Ancient Forest Trails: Slow Down and Forest Bathe
- Ferienhaus Feuerzauber
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
The Thuringian Primeval Forest Trails are a joint project between WWF Germany and the Thuringian state government. As part of this initiative, Thuringia has permanently withdrawn 10 percent of its state-owned forest land from forestry use. Here, forests — whether former inner-German border areas or existing nature parks that have already remained untouched for decades — are meant to gradually and deliberately develop into the primeval forests of tomorrow.
Across a total of 16 selected hiking trails, visitors can discover these untouched forests of Thuringia — forests where trees are allowed to grow, age, and decay entirely without human intervention. These so-called 'primeval forests of tomorrow' are home to rare animal and plant species, and offer a truly unique nature experience right in the heart of Germany.
As guests at our Ferienhäuser Feuerzauber, you'll have three Thuringian Primeval Forest Trails practically right on your doorstep.
Jüchnitzgrund Primeval Forest Trail [Pfad (Trail) 12] — About 11 km along the Jüchnitz, passing old mining sites and through one of the most species-rich core zones of the biosphere reserve. Two idyllic forest inns invite you to take a break.
Difficulty: moderate
Start and finish: Parking area at the Schullandheim Geraberg (98716 Geraberg)
Directions to Geraberg: 30 km / 28 min
Vessertal Family Loop [Pfad (Trail) 13] — A shorter, roughly 4.5 km loop through the core zone of the biosphere reserve — ideal for a relaxed half-day with children. With the option to stop for a bite along the way.
Difficulty: easy
Start and finish: Hiking car park at the Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig sports field (Sportplatzstraße, 98711 Schmiedefeld)
Directions to Schmiedefeld: 20 km / 28 min
Vessertal Primeval Forest Trail [Pfad (Trail) 14] — A roughly five-hour hike through moss-covered beech forests, past wild streams, with magnificent views.
Difficulty: challenging
Start and finish — three possible starting points:
Hiking car park at the Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig sports field (Sportplatzstraße, 98711 Schmiedefeld) – recommended
Car park in the village center of Vesser – only a few spaces
Hiking car park in Breitenbach – for starting from the south
Five more trails are located near Eisenach (60-90 min drive):
Path of Encounter in Hainich National Park [Pfad (Trail) 7] — This roughly 3.3 km, wheelchair-accessible trail invites you to pause and forest bathe at 23 stations — suitable for all ages.
Difficulty: easy
Start and finish: "Fuchsfarm" hiking car park
Directions: 76 km / 1.5 hours
Primeval Forest Trail in Hainich National Park [Pfad (Trail) 8] — A family-friendly, easy circular hiking trail with interesting information stations about the forest ecosystem. Along 10 marked stations, you can experience the forest's transformation from managed woodland to wild forest.Nearby is the Thiemsburg National Park Centre, home to the famous Treetop Walk. Along a 540-meter walkway, you'll stroll up to 24 meters above the ground through the canopy of ancient beech forests. From a 44-meter-high observation tower, you'll get a panoramic view across the Hainich all the way to the Thuringian Basin. The Treetop Walk is wheelchair-accessible; admission is charged.
Difficulty: easy
Start and finish: "Urwald-Life-Camp" youth hostel, Harsbergstraße 4, 99826 Lauterbach/Thuringia.
Directions: 86 km / 1 hour 20 min
World Heritage Trail in Hainich National Park [Pfad (Trail) 9] — A moderately challenging, 10 km circular hiking trail through the central old-growth beech forests of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
Difficulty: moderate
Start and finish: Craulaer Kreuz hiking car park — with the option to stop at the Hainichbaude inn right at the car park.
Directions: 84 km / 1 hour 15 min
Wildcat Trail in Hainich National Park [Pfad (Trail) 10] — This roughly 7 km circular trail is dedicated to the wildcat and the lynx, both confirmed to have returned to the area. Along the trail, visitors can learn more at a wildcat enclosure and a wildcat barn.Another highlight: the "Hainichblick" viewing platform, with a panoramic view all the way to Wartburg Castle.
Difficulty: easy to moderate
Start and finish: Wildkatzendorf car park, Hütscheroda
Directions: 72 km / 1 hour
Eisenach Primeval Forest Trail [Pfad (Trail) 11] — This roughly 8 km circular tour leads through the impressive Landgrafenschlucht gorge, past cool wetland habitats and vibrant beech forests — with striking rock formations and magnificent views.
Right next door lies the famous Drachenschlucht (Dragon's Gorge) — which isn't technically part of the Primeval Forest Trail network, but is just as worth seeing.
Difficulty: moderate
Start and finish: Wartburg P3 hiking car park ("Phantasie" car park), Mariental 33, 99817 Eisenach.
Directions: 65 km / 1 hour 11 min
Tip: Before you head out, we recommend checking the current trail closures in advance on thueringer-urwaldpfade.de.
