Thuringia in summer

Hiking and cycling, exciting sightseeing, culinary delights and unforgettable excursions with the whole family: the Oberhof holiday region offers you all this and much more in summer. Here, young and old, young and old get their money’s worth. The range of leisure activities on offer is almost limitless, and even if the weather isn’t so perfect, there’s no chance of boredom. Be inspired by our summer holiday ideas and look forward to a wonderful holiday in Thuringia!
Nature experiences for every taste

Whoever hears the terms “Wandern” and “Oberhof” automatically thinks of the Rennsteig. No wonder, because Germany’s most famous high-altitude hiking trail is an experience in a class of its own! It stretches over the ridge of the Thuringian Forest to the northern Franconian Forest. You can hike in stages, as the Rennsteig stretches for almost 170 kilometres. You don’t even have to conquer all the stages, as each section has its own unmistakable charm. Those who prefer to get on a bike will find their own personal biking and nature paradise along the 195-kilometre Rennsteig cycle path. Some of the cycle route runs directly along the Rennsteig, only sometimes it deviates to alternative routes, which are no less worth seeing.

By the way: Even off the famous Rennsteig, countless paths invite you to walk and cycle! For example, there is the 866-metre Ruppberg near Zella-Mehlis. With its bizarre rocky peak made of porphyry and the grandiose panoramic view, it almost reminds one a little of the Alps. However, the summit can only be reached on foot, which means that you should bring a certain level of fitness with you for this special tour.

The most beautiful sights in the holiday region Oberhof

If you don’t want to tie your hiking boots or get on your bike every day, there are plenty of great destinations in the area. There is the Rennsteig Garden, for example: In the seven hectare botanical garden for mountain flora, even plants that are actually native to the Arctic region thrive! Admire the Chinese jewellery gentian, the blue Himalayan poppy and countless other fascinating plants!

If you also feel like winter sports and snow in summer, take a look at the ultra-modern Oberhof ski hall. Here you can enjoy the ice-cold splendour all year round … and of course you can also train. The bends, downhill runs, gradients and cross-country ski runs have been modelled on a natural course of the terrain, plus a constant temperature of minus four degrees, which ensures optimum winter sports conditions. You can of course rent the appropriate ski equipment on site!

A completely different kind of recreational pleasure awaits you at the Oberhof wellness spa, which provides pleasant relaxation with its wonderful bathing and sauna landscape. Whether it’s the adventure pool with grotto and waterfall or the “hot whirlpool”, here you can relax to your heart’s content during your holiday. Meanwhile, the little guests can let off steam in the baby pool and in the giant tube slide.

Activities for families with children

Should the sun ever hide behind the clouds, a visit to the Exotarium is worthwhile. Here you can dive into the mysterious world of lizards, snakes, spiders and toads. But don’t worry: the animal inhabitants are of course in safe and species-appropriate glass display cases. There is also an exciting fish exhibition with numerous aquariums.

You can look forward to lots of fun and action in the golf climbing park. While the little ones from the age of three years experience fun adventures with the “rabbit”, the grown-ups enjoy adventure golf of superlatives at more than 70 stations. Tip: Try a daring “freeDrop jump” from a height of five metres into a soft air cushion!

You and your family prefer a more tranquil summer holiday? How about a romantic covered wagon or carriage ride? The two-horsepower excursion is fun for all ages and is ideal for switching off and relaxing. You can enjoy a fantastic view from the Hohe Warte observation tower. From here you can see far into the Thuringian basin. Practical: If you want to save yourself the climb to the 765-metre-high summit, you can take the car to the observation tower.

Attractive cultural and historical destinations in the region

Thuringian arts and crafts enjoy an excellent reputation throughout Germany. So why not pay a visit to an old-established wood carving workshop? Here you will find wonderful and very valuable carvings, but also pretty wooden toys for children. At least as fascinating is a trip to the glass room. In the show-studio you can admire unique works of art and colourful unique pieces of glass. If there is still time afterwards, stop by the wax foundry. There the most beautiful candles are lovingly handmade!

For a half day trip the little town of Suhl is a good choice. Whether it is the weapons museum, the local animal park, the observatory or the vehicle museum: exciting destinations are waiting to be discovered by you everywhere. The town itself is also very worth seeing. Buildings such as the church of St. Marien and the impressive town hall are particularly popular with amateur photographers.

You can experience a little journey into the past at the open-air museum Neue Hütte in Schmalkalden. An exhibition shows the history of iron and steel production in a blast furnace reconstructed true to the original.

Please note: Due to the Corona pandemic, individual sights and leisure facilities may be closed under certain circumstances.