Winter hiking in the Thuringian Forest

Thuringia, this enchanting green region, turns into a paradise in winter for those who love forests, mountains and snow. The snow-covered heights attract many visitors and winter sports enthusiasts every year. Wonderful viewpoints are waiting. In addition to downhill skiing, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and snow hiking, winter hiking is a sport that is becoming increasingly popular.

Hiking in winter – healthy and relaxing

Crunching snow under your feet, a fairytale snow-covered landscape, cleared paths through lonely forests – once you have discovered winter hiking, you will enjoy it with all your senses. Relatively risk-free and on dignified hiking trails, every step is a pleasure.

On foot you can discover snow-covered or even snowless mountain landscapes. On carefully and reliably cleared paths you can go out into nature on snow or hiking boots. Whether during the day in bright sunshine or even on white full moon nights, winter opens up attractive perspectives for all those who like to move around outdoors.

Hiking in winter is a wonderful way to extend your sporting activities during the cold season. Throughout the Thuringian Forest there are offers that make hiking and snow walking possible for all age groups. All types of experience, movement and enjoyment are catered for. You can spend the night in hospitable accommodation, for example in a well-kept guesthouse in Oberhof.

 

Hiking routes in wintery Thuringia

Hikers can find all the information they need on the Internet to use their smartphone as a navigation device. The Regional Association of the Thuringian Forest offers this service and also operates a snow information phone. Hikers can obtain up-to-date information on all freshly rolled hiking trails on a daily basis. Uniform signposting facilitates orientation.

Highly romantic winter flair can be experienced around the Rennsteig. Explore the idyllic snow-covered landscape on the rolled hiking trails in peace and quiet and gently strengthen your stamina – a pleasure for all generations.

Holiday days with fresh air and beneficial wellness

In the winter sports resorts of Thuringia, for example in Oberhof, you can spend an excellent holiday and relax. Not only the health-promoting exercise in the fresh air, but also great thermal baths and a wide range of wellness offers make a holiday an experience. In addition, the Thuringian Forest holiday region offers a rich and interesting range of culture and art.

Enjoy cultivated hospitality in Oberhof

In winter it gets dark early. Extensive day trips, which last until the evening, are not as easy as in summer. This makes it all the more tempting to return home after a tour to the warmth of a cosy guesthouse in Oberhof and enjoy cultivated hospitality there. This is especially pleasant when the pension combines a family component with a comfortable offer. It is a feast for all senses to combine an active and sporty holiday with relaxing time out in the wellness area.

What makes hiking in winter so special

Hiking in winter is both enjoyable and interesting. The hiking routes we know from the summer months now look completely different and give new and impressive insights into nature. No one needs to be a particularly experienced hiker to make an extensive walk in the winter landscape.

On clear winter days, landscapes exert their special charm on outdoor enthusiasts. Snow-covered mountains and valleys, wintery meadows and forests, the transformed landscape, all this makes a walk in winter a special experience. The tracks of wild animals that inhabit the mountains and forests are clearly visible in the snow. The flora can also be viewed with different eyes in winter.

Winter walks are a gift for the organism

Hiking in winter not only brings beneficial exercise, but also strengthens the immune system. The even movement in the fresh, clean air and in cooler temperatures stimulates the immune system. The sun’s radiation ensures that the body produces vitamin D, which also contributes to a good immune defence.

Dressing according to the onion principle

No expensive equipment is required for winter hiking. Normal hiking clothes, which are also worn in summer, can be converted for a winter hike with a few extra pieces of easily fitting clothing.

Hiking boots should fit well and protect the feet from cold and wet. It is important to have a grippy sole that holds on to snow and ice. Additional gaiters ensure that no snow gets into the shoes.

The so-called onion principle is recommended for clothing for winter sports of all kinds. Several layers of clothing on top of each other keep the body warm. It is advisable to take an extra layer with you in your rucksack rather than perhaps freezing later.

Functional underwear wicks moisture away from the body. Ideally, a layer that retains warmth should be placed on top of this. This protects the body from cold from the outside. Several thin fleece pullovers on top of each other are ideal for this purpose. The top layer of clothing protects against wind, wetness and cold. Breathable materials are most suitable. They prevent moisture and heat from accumulating on the body.

Safety and good orientation when hiking

Especially in winter, special walking poles provide step stability and safety. Good sunglasses and sufficient sun protection against UV radiation are also important. Snow reflects the sun’s rays very strongly. Despite the well-signposted routes in the Thuringian Forest and on the Rennsteig, it is recommended that you take hiking maps and, if possible, a GPS-enabled device with you to help you find your way around.

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