Thuringian Forest, Low mountain range in Thuringia, Germany
The Thuringian Forest is a wooded mountain range in central Germany, extending over more than one hundred kilometers and featuring dense coniferous forests, valleys and gentle ridges. The highest points lie just under one thousand meters, and the terrain shifts between flatter sections and steeper slopes.
Iron ore was mined in this area until the 16th century, and the mines shaped the economic development of the region. Later the area transformed into a center for toy making, wood carving and glass processing.
The name Rennsteig refers to an old boundary path that now serves as a hiking route through the woodland, used by walkers from many countries. Along this route you find shelters and waymarks maintained by local associations.
Oberhof offers skiing and sledding facilities in winter, while in summer a dense network of hiking trails runs through the woods. Many paths are well marked and suitable for different difficulty levels.
The ridge follows an ancient path, the Rennsteig, which marks the traditional boundary between central Germany's hills and the more rugged south, and between the dialects and costumes of Thuringia and Franconia. It is the subject of the Rennsteiglied, the unofficial hymn of Thuringia.
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