Hike - Hohenwarte Reservoir Path - Thuringian Forest

Explore the largest contiguous reservoir area in Europe along the steep slopes of the river "Saale" and climb the impressive rocks and vantage points of the Hohenwarte water reservoir. The charming landscape in the middle of the nature park Schiefergebirge/ Obere Saale with dense forests and idyllic bays is a special tip for nature lovers.  Forest, water and mountains guarantee relaxation and pure nature experience. 

It is recommended to walk the circular hiking trail in 4 stages. From May to October the hiking bus Thüringer Meer  takes you to the start of the stage in the morning and back to your starting point after your hiking experiencee. As a special service you can order your hiking provisions online with Wanderbus und Genuss". The regional specialties of the Bäckerei Räthe are then ready to be picked up by the bus and your journey at the Thuringian Sea can begin. 

Stage 1: Hohenwarte to Wilhelmsdorf

The first stage of your hiking tour around the Hohenwarte water reservoir on the "Thüringer Meer" takes you back to its history.  It now the fourth largest reservoir  and one of the most beautiful recreational areas in Germany. In addition to the historical background of the dam and the sunken villages, the trail offers lasting impressions of the flora and fauna  and, after the first steep ascents towards Wilhelmsdorf, reveals fabulous views of the wide water landscape.

Stage 2: Wilhelmsdorf to Ziegenrück

On the second stage of the Hohenwarte Stausee Weg you will overcome several meters of altitude which will be rewarded with unique views of the winding cascades of the river Saale. Along the unique, naturally beautiful landscape you will cross the regional recreation areas with their numerous leisure activities and hike from the historic "Linkenmühle" to a section along the European long-distance hiking trail Eisenach-Budapest to Ziegenrück.

Stage 3: Ziegenrück to Neidenberga

The third stage is the longest of your journey and surprises with varied impressions of culture, history and nature. After you have visited the sights of Ziegenrück, the hiking trail leads you directly along the picturesque banks of the river Saale. You will pass the dreamy villages of the region and finally arrive at the "Hohe Leite", one of the most beautiful vantage points. After the end of the stage in Neidenberga, it is worth making a detour to Reitzengeschwenda with its folklore museum and baroque village church which is worth seeing.

Stage 4: Neidenberga to the Hohenwarte dam

On the fourth stage of the Hohenwarte Stausee Weg you reach Steinsdorf after a steep passage. Shortly afterwards you come to St. Jacob, the smallest village on the Hohenwarte water reservoir. Staying at this altitude you pass the small village of Löhma and reach the Rohrbahn crossing. There you have an impressive view of the village Hohenwarte. From there, the starting point and the destination of your four-day hiking tour are not far away: the dam wall of Hohenwarte at the foot of the hill.