Oberhof

This town sits at 810 meters (2,657 feet) above sea level in the Thuringian Forest and serves as a winter sports center with groomed slopes, ski jumps and cross-country trails spread across the forested hillsides. Besides the sports facilities, you will find accommodations, restaurants and pathways linking the center with the surrounding installations.

The settlement was first recorded in 1470 and remained a small mountain hamlet deep in the forest for centuries. The construction of the Brandleite Tunnel in 1884 eased access considerably and paved the way for its later development into a winter sports hub.

Athletes from many countries arrive here throughout the year to train on the competition tracks and take part in tournaments. Daily life in town follows the rhythm of the racing calendar, and during events the atmosphere becomes lively and international.

The area offers around 3,500 guest beds in hotels, guesthouses and holiday apartments across different categories, so travelers can choose according to budget and needs. The Neudietendorf–Ritschenhausen railway line connects the municipality with larger cities and makes it easier to arrive without a car.

On the competition tracks for biathlon, ski jumping and luge, Olympic participants regularly prepare for upcoming contests. This specialization makes the place one of the few worldwide where all three disciplines can be trained at world level.

Location: Schmalkalden-Meiningen

Elevation above the sea: 810 m

Part of: Oberzentrum Südthüringen

Shares border with: Gehlberg, Steinbach-Hallenberg

Website: https://stadt-oberhof.de

GPS coordinates: 50.70678,10.72574

Latest update: December 13, 2025 16:37