The Rennsteig in winter
Winter holidays in the holiday region Oberhof: the fairytale landscape Rennsteig
High above the forests of Thuringia, in narrow river valleys and on the banks of the lively Saale river, the most beautiful hiking trail in the state runs: The Rennsteig trail runs along the ridge of the Thuringian Forest, through the slate mountains and along the river banks. Every summer hikers, mountain bikers and cyclists flock to our green nature. But the Rennsteig hiking trail is beautiful in every season. Holidays in the Thuringian Forest, in the middle of winter: Holidays in the Oberhof region entice families and outdoor fans to dream, with ski trails, ice skating and winter walks under dark fir trees. Find out more about Thuringia’s most beautiful hiking route and its very special attractions in winter.
Ski hiking, snowboard school and snow guarantee in the hall
The holiday region in the Thuringian Forest attracts in winter with great ski routes, passionate sports competitions and outdoor activities for sportsmen and women of all ages. In the Oberhof ski schools, beginners and advanced skiers train on snowboards or cross-country skiing with professional guidance. Slopes at Eisenberg in Schmiedefeld are suitable for beginners, while professionals train at the Salzberg in Suhl. Even the youngest children can make their first attempts in alpine skiing and other disciplines. Between Ascherbrück and Brenneresgrün there is the 140-kilometre Rennsteig ski trail, on which endurance cross-country skiers glide gently through the brilliant white snow. Less ambitious runners will find a dense network of a total of 25 cross-country skiing routes of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty. The ski trails and cross-country ski runs in the Thuringian Forest cover a total of almost 2000 kilometres. Information and flyers are of course available at our hotel.
Experienced guides accompany winter hikers in groups on the Rennsteig routes. Here, too, there is a choice of easy, medium and difficult routes to suit your taste and ability. In between, hikers and cross-country skiers can relax in modern yet rustic ski huts, where they can enjoy a hot drink and panoramic views of the snow-covered mountain ranges of the Thuringian Forest.
By the way: Skiing is available all year round in the Oberhof hall. Cross-country skiers train here on around ten thousand square metres every day, with an absolute guarantee of snow. Snacks and treats are available in the bistro, and from the viewing platform, professional and amateur athletes can be watched comfortably from the warmth of the room as they make their rounds in the hall.
Snowball fight and ice skating fun: Holidays for the whole family
Cross-country skiing and alpine skiing are real magnets for outdoor sports enthusiasts, but the holiday region has also thought of its younger guests, and has turbulent offers for holidays in cold days. From the exuberant snowball fight right in front of the hotel to the first steps on skates, children will have unforgettable experiences here. The toboggan run in Ruhla, the mountain town on the Rennsteig, is illuminated after sunset for safe downhill fun in the dark. If the classic toboggan is too boring for you, you can venture downhill on a thick rubber tyre towards the valley station. “Snow-Tubing” is the name of the trendy winter fun for young and old. In the ice rink, for example in Sonneberg, skate artists do their rounds on bare ice.
With horse-drawn sleighs and huskies through the fairytale winter landscape
After sport, relaxation is the order of the day. A strenuous day on the cross-country ski run can be wonderfully ended with a hot drink by the crackling fireplace in the hotel – or with a relaxing tour through nature. An enchanting journey into the past is a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through the snow-covered forests of the Oberhof holiday region. Warmly wrapped up, the guests sit in the comfortable sleigh and let themselves be driven through the snow-covered forest landscape by snorting four-legged friends. For those who haven’t done enough sport yet, a ride on a husky sledge might be the right thing for you. An adventurous race over the glittering snow, pulled by enthusiastic huskies under the guidance of the knowledgeable husky handler is an unforgettable experience.
Ideas for excursions off the beaten track:
Winter holidays between gingerbread, swimming and magical underground grottos
Besides skiing, sledging adventures and skating, winter holidays in the Oberhof holiday region offer further highlights. The glittering lights of Thuringia’s Christmas markets attract visitors in droves. Whether Erfurt’s traditional Christmas market on Cathedral Square, the fairytale play at the traditional market in the mountain town of Ruhla or the medieval market in Schmalkalden: Here everyone looks forward to the festival of love and lights. Mulled wine and gingerbread, traditional Christmas decorations and arts and crafts gift ideas can be found at the stands under atmospheric Christmas lights. The historic facades shine in festive splendour, warm drinks make your eyes shine and your cheeks glow. Try out the legendary Christmas stollen at the Sühler Chrisamelmart around the Diana Fountain. Or why not try the classic Thuringian bratwurst on the grill? Fans of history and culture are drawn to the historic walls of Wartburg Castle, where Martin Luther once wrote in the parlour. At Christmas time, the inner courtyard is also illuminated by a warm sea of lights. It is also magical underground, in the fairy grottoes in Saalfeld. In winter, the famous stalactite cave in the Fairy World shows young visitors the world beneath the earth. And if you need a little peace and quiet? Then take a trip to the H2Oberhof wellness spa. With its sauna, wellness area and family bistro, you can enjoy a deeply relaxing programme right on the hotel’s doorstep after active hours in the wintery white snow landscape.
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