Hiking - Rennsteig - Stage 6 - From Friedrichshöhe to Spechtsbrunn

You start this stage at one of the most idyllic places on the Rennsteig. Friedrichshöhe with its handful of small, slate-roofed houses gives you an idea that the region that has become so famous for its blue gold is not far away. Not only in winter is the area bustling with activity on the boards, but in summer too the open mountain meadow on the Rennsteig road is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists alike.

The Rennsteig trail heads steadily west here and for the next few kilometres runs parallel to the Panoramaweg Schwarzatal and the Werra-Burgen-Steig. Passing Siegmundsburg, you soon reach the small village of Limbach. Above all, the Eiscafé is a real recommendation and promises welcome refreshment, especially on hot summer days. Pass the toboggan slope with the Greiner crypt and continue to Steinheid. You do not pass the village, however, but follow our high-altitude hiking trail northeast to the Steinheider Hütte and on towards Neuhaus am Rennweg.

You will reach the district of Bernhardsthal directly at the Rennsteigbaude. About halfway through the stage, it's a great place to rest at lunchtime. There is also a natural bathing lake at the Waldbühne, as well as a playground and volleyball court, so if you want to take off your hiking boots for a while, there are plenty of opportunities to get active here or simply unwind before continuing on.

The Rennsteig then leads over the Herrnberg to Neuhaus am Rennweg. At 832m, this is Thuringia's highest railway station. Today, the SüdThüringenBahn runs here every hour. Since 2017, Neuhaus has been a very special highlight. The Boutique Hotel Schieferhof is one of the best establishments on the Rennsteig and offers modern accommodation as well as a top-class restaurant. If you want to come at lunchtime, however, you have to bring a few more people and let us know in advance. In the evening, it's open from 6 pm.

Pass the Museum Geisslerhaus and head back towards the forest. We recommend the restaurant "Am Waldesrand" at this point. It is located not far from the hiking trail on a dreamy allotment site.

The Rennsteig takes you along the edge of the forest to Ernsthal. Once the railway line led from here on a winding route through the dense forests towards Bock and Teich, on via Gräfenthal and to Probstzella. Today the train changes direction for the route to Lauscha and Steinach.

Passing Ernsthal, the stage leads up to the Frankenwaldblick, the Triniusblick and then on to the Berggasthof Brand on the last section. Special mention should be made of the Finn huts, which can be rented for free; in summer as well as in winter. The restaurant is also recommendable.

To the red mountain you soon reach the stage destination Spechtsbrunn. If you want to spend the night here, we recommend the inn and guesthouse "Am Rennsteig". With a cosy restaurant and guest rooms, every tired hiker will find peace and quiet here. You can easily make a reservation online.