Hainich National Park
Hainich National Park, National park and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Thuringia, Germany.
Description
Hainich National Park is a sprawling forest reserve in Thuringia covered by old beech trees that have grown here for centuries. The woodland interior contains numerous trails and a system of elevated walkways that let visitors move through the canopy at different levels.
History
The park was established in 1997, converting former military training land into one of Germany's major nature reserves. This transformation came after the Cold War when the land became available for conservation.
Culture
The name originates from a Slavic word meaning sacred place, and visitors today can see how this forest draws people seeking connection with nature. Local communities use the trails and programs to maintain their relationship with the woodland and share it with others.
Practical
The park is best explored on foot or by bicycle, with trails and platforms guiding visitors through different areas. Wear sturdy shoes and move at a leisurely pace since the terrain can be uneven and the forest rewards slow, careful exploration.
Did you know?
The forest contains over 1,600 fungal species, many of them rare and found in such variety nowhere else nearby. These fungi are essential to the forest ecosystem and often go unnoticed beneath the forest floor and around the ancient trees.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Unstrut-Hainich).
Baumkronenpfad Hainich
8.2 km
Betteleiche
1.5 kmSchloss Behringen
11.9 km
Thiemsburg
8.8 km
Alter Berg
6.8 km
Alte Burg
4.5 km
Hainichblick Observation Tower
7.3 km
Mallinde (Nationalpark Hainich)
5 km
Hünenburg
4.4 km
St. Georg (Berka vor dem Hainich)
5.8 km
Schloss Berka (Wartburgkreis)
6 km
Kirche Behringen
11.9 km
Großenbehringer Holz
9.8 km
St. Ulrich
8.8 km
Protestant Church (Oesterbehringen)
12.7 km
St. Marien (Craula)
7.9 km
St. Pankratius
11.1 km
Protestant Church (Reichenbach)
11.9 km
St. Laurentius (Wolfsbehringen)
12.3 km
Aussichtsturm Baumkronenpfad
8.5 km
Schwimmbad Weberstedt
8.7 kmWarthügel
10.2 km
St. Georg (Berka vor dem Hainich)
5.8 kmWarten-Berg
8.2 km
Protestant Church Beuernfeld
9.8 km
Hainich
2.7 kmRittergasser-Berg
9.3 kmHainich
9.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes