HER(R)BERGSKIRCHEN

In Germany, the closest you can get to experiencing a real primeval forst is in the Vessertal valley. Here, a total nature reserve was established back in the 1950s. Today, the protected core zone is surrounded by a much larger nature reserve full of lively green forests, wild streams and mountain meadows. Magnificent hikes await you in the Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve. The trail starts and ends in Schmiedefeld. Along the way you will encounter winter sports sites, such as the Walter Ulbricht natural ski jump, and you might even spot some traces of early forestry (like medieval slag) passing through the Ruppbach. Overgrown trees lie above the small Vesser river. Rocks rise out of the green sea. The gentle sound of babbling brooks fill the air. You can take a break and let it all sink in at the Berghotel Stutenhof, filled with the dusty charm of the old Rennsteig. Or you can explore the forest village of Vesser if you like.