Thüringer Wald

Destinations

Explore destinations in this region

• Arnstadt & Plaue

  Includes: Arnstadt, Plaue, Stadtilm

  Arnstadt is one of Germany's oldest towns and forms the northern gateway to the Thuringian Forest. The compact old town is easy to explore with a dog, surrounded by quiet forest trails that lead directly into nature. Nearby Plaue and the peaceful valleys towards Stadtilm offer simple, relaxed walks — ideal for less active dogs or a gentle stopover.

• Frauenwald & Rennsteig

  Includes: Frauenwald, Allzunah , Neustadt am Rennsteig

  Frauenwald is the oldest village on the Rennsteig, perched on a ridge at nearly 800 metres altitude, surrounded by dense spruce and beech forest. The village holds official resort status and revolves entirely around nature and outdoor tourism — making it a natural fit for a dog holiday. From Frauenwald you can reach the Rennsteig trail on foot, along with the historic Dreiherrenstein and several viewpoints above 750 metres. In winter, Frauenwald hosts the Trans-Thuringia, central Europe's largest sled dog race — a unique experience for dog lovers. The area sees little mass tourism and is peaceful year-round.

• Ilmenau & Stützerbach

  Includes: Stützerbach , Manebach , Heyda

  Ilmenau is the cultural heart of the Thuringian Forest — famed for Goethe, who stayed here regularly and wrote his celebrated Wanderer's Night Song on the Kickelhahn summit. At 861 metres, the Kickelhahn is an accessible peak hike for dogs, with sweeping views over the town and surrounding ridges. South of Ilmenau lie Stützerbach and Manebach, small spa villages in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Vessertal with crystal-clear streams and quiet forest routes. The Talsperre Heyda reservoir is a paradise for water-loving dogs — dogs are explicitly permitted at the water's edge.

• Oberhof & Zella-Mehlis

  Includes: Zella-Mehlis, Brotterode, Tambacher Distrikt

  Oberhof and Zella-Mehlis sit right on the Rennsteig ridge at over 800 metres altitude and together form the sporting heart of the Thuringian Forest. Oberhof has been a popular destination for hikers and winter sports enthusiasts for centuries, known for its snowy winters and cool summers. Neighbouring Zella-Mehlis offers a quieter alternative with direct access to the same vast spruce forests and hiking trails. Dogs are welcome on virtually all routes in the area — from both villages you can walk directly into nature. In winter, cross-country ski trails are within walking distance, and the Rennsteig offers spectacular views year-round.

• Suhl

  Includes: Suhl, Gehlberg, Vesser, Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig

  Suhl sits at the heart of the Thuringian Forest and makes an excellent base for a dog holiday in central Germany. The town itself is quiet and compact, but the real draw is the surrounding landscape: dense forests, peaceful valleys and well-marked hiking trails that start right from the town centre. Nearby Gehlberg — a small forest village at 700 metres altitude — gives direct access to the Rennsteig ridge trail and the Schneekopf, the region's highest peak. Dogs are welcome on virtually all trails, and the area sees little mass tourism, making for calm and relaxed walks.