As Germany’s oldest and best-known long-distance trail, the Rennsteig runs for around 170 kilometres through the loveliest high ridges of the Thuringian Forest – from Hörschel on the Werra to Blankenstein on the Saale. Along the way you’ll find tranquil forests, panoramic ridge paths, traditional walking towns and that special feeling of immersing yourself, day after day, in a landscape that blends peace, space and movement so beautifully. It’s exactly this mix that makes the Rennsteig one of the great classics for a walking holiday in Germany.

This self-guided walking holiday pairs the original appeal of long-distance walking with the comfort of a well-organised tour. You set your own pace, stay in hotels and country hotels, and enjoy the convenience of luggage transfer when changing hotels. That way your mind is free to savour what makes the Rennsteig so special: the fragrant forest air, the wide-open views and the joy of discovering a historic route entirely under your own steam. A route description, walking map, passenger transfers to and from the Rennsteig, and the Rennsteig pin badge are all included. The official Rennsteig website also highlights organised Rennsteig walks and walking without luggage as a particularly comfortable way to go.

What’s especially nice is that you can experience the Rennsteig to match your own ambitions. The sporty 9-day Tour A covers the entire route in 7 walking days from Hörschel via Glasbachwiese, Neue Ausspanne, Oberhof, Neustadt am Rennsteig, Neuhaus am Rennweg and Steinbach am Wald to Blankenstein. The 10-day Tour B spreads the roughly 170 kilometres a little more gently over 8 walking days and includes, among others, Frauenwald and Masserberg. If you prefer shorter stages, choose Tour C for the first section from Hörschel to Frauenwald, or Tour D for the second section from Frauenwald to Blankenstein. If you book both sections together, a rest day is even included in the price. All daily stages are easy to moderate.

This trip becomes much more than a classic point-to-point walk: it’s an active break filled with nature, rhythm and walking tradition. If you want to experience the Thuringian Forest in depth, walk the Rennsteig without luggage and still enjoy smart planning and comfortable accommodation, you’ll find a journey here that combines activity, relaxation and a true long-distance walking feel in a wonderfully balanced way.

The Rennsteig walk - an unforgettable walking tour!