Cross-country skiing in Oberhof

Destination Oberhof – a holiday idyll in the middle of the Thuringian Forest

With its dense forests, numerous leisure facilities and picturesque towns, Thuringia is one of the most beautiful holiday regions in Germany. Particularly enticing is Oberhof, located on the ridge of the Thuringian Forest, a state-approved resort and a popular winter sports centre. Magnificent hiking trails criss-cross the area around Oberhof: the Rennsteig, Germany’s oldest and most popular long-distance hiking trail, winds its way from Eisenach to Blankenstein near the border with Bavaria. The area is suitable for active holidaymakers as well as for families with children and offers a wide range of activities and attractions for all ages.

365 days a year cross-country skiing

An additional highlight during your winter holiday in the Thuringian Forest is the Oberhof LOTTO Ski Sports Hall, where L.anglauf and biathlon are held all year round. Regardless of whether it’s raining outside or the sun is shining: at minus four degrees Celsius and over an area of 10,000 square metres, there is always optimum snow quality here. Those who wish can try their hand at biathlon in the adjacent shooting range. Visitors can rent skis at any time.

Cross-country skiing in the holiday region Oberhof

Oberhof, however, unfolds its unique beauty in winter, when a thick blanket of snow covers the town and the treetops turn white. Oberhof is a true paradise for cross-country skiers and is characterised by a well-developed network of cross-country trails and prepared ski hiking paths for all levels of ability. Cross-country skiing has a long tradition here, as people were already aware of the unique snow conditions in the Thuringian Forest in the early 20th century. In winter, even the famous Rennsteig trail is transformed into a cross-country skiing landscape. Almost the entire length of the Rennsteig is prepared and opened for cross-country skiers. Thuringia is criss-crossed by a network of around 1,800 kilometres of cross-country trails. As soon as the starting signal is given for the cross-country skiing season, the first visitors are already here. For cross-country novices there are even special learning trails where you can take a basic course. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can glide along one of the many ski trails. In contrast to cross-country ski trails, these are designed for leisure sports. The route “Grenzadler-Suhler Ausspanne” is particularly popular.

You can reach another lift between Oberhof and Rondell via Zellaer Straße. It is called “Alte Golfwiese” and is equipped with so-called circulating bow lifts. Of course there are also parking facilities here. At the “Alte Golfwiese” you can also go tobogganing or enjoy the popular trend sport snowtubing.

Skiing in the Thuringian Forest

Downhill skiers and snowboarders will also find something to suit them in the most popular winter sports resort in the Thuringian Forest: the Fallbach lift glides along the Fallbach slope and takes winter sports enthusiasts all the way to the snow park. On the 800 m long slope there are excellent conditions for young and old. Thanks to the wide range of offers for skiers, Oberhof is also extremely popular among families, as children can try their first tentative attempts at skiing in the Winterlerland while their parents rush down the slope in a lively manner. The attached fun park is mainly aimed at snowboarders, who train complicated tricks here and impress with their daring jumps.

Relax actively: Wellness in the holiday region Oberhof

Visitors to Oberhof can look forward to a comprehensive leisure programme for every taste. In winter, you can enjoy the snow-covered landscape on a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride or indulge yourself in a cosy restaurant with rustic wood panelling. A popular retreat for couples and families is the H2Oberhof. In this wellness pool, guests have access to an adventure pool with waterfall, a grotto and three whirlpools. Adrenalin junkies and active holidaymakers slide down the 110 m long giant tube or play beach volleyball on the outdoor area. Visitors will find rest and relaxation in the extensive sauna area, where infusions are changed hourly.

Hiking in the Thuringian Forest

The famous Rennsteig, Thuringia’s most beautiful hiking trail, runs in the immediate vicinity of Oberhof. It is 170 km long and runs through the Thuringian Forest, the Thuringian mountains and the Franconian Forest. In the Middle Ages the Rennsteig served as a trade route. Its name comes from the fact that merchants were always in a hurry. In the second half of the 19th century the Rennsteig developed into a popular hiking destination. Today you will find historical sights at every turn that remind you of the past of this famous hiking trail. A hotel in Oberhof is the perfect starting point for extended hikes. It is even possible to book hiking packages with guided hikes that explore the most beautiful places along the Rennsteig. One of the highlights of the Rennsteig is without doubt the Schneekopf. Although you have to walk a small loop to reach the second highest mountain in Thuringia, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view. Who is on the way in the Thuringian Forest in the winter holiday, is pleased about the inviting Gehlberger hut on the top of the Schneekopf, where one can strengthen oneself and spend the night in unique authentic atmosphere.

An unforgettable stay in the Thuringian Forest

Finding suitable accommodation is the first step towards a successful holiday. From a comfortable hotel in Oberhof you can explore the surrounding area and, if you wish, make excursions to towns a little further away. In winter it is only a stone’s throw to the cross-country ski runs and the ski slope. The Thuringian Forest is a real destination of longing and is full of surprises. Whether you are a cross-country skier, active holidaymaker, wellness fan, hiker or bon vivant – in this charming region every type of holiday is in good hands. It’s worth booking a suitable hotel in the Thuringian Forest in good time to get the best deal possible.

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