Route of beautiful views // Schneekopf central Thuringian Forest

MTB: All Terrain; E-MTB

Route use & forest restructuring

In times of bark beetle infestation and forest restructuring, we ask for your understanding that not every path is always perfectly passable; you might have to dismount or accept a detour. We are in exchange with ThüringenForst and all forest owners and are doing our best to ensure that recreation in the forest remains possible for everyone. Thank you for your understanding and mutual consideration… our forest concerns us all!

RIDE ONLY ON PATHS

Never ride off-trail; otherwise, you harm nature! Respect local path closures! Forestry, cattle drives, and conservation concerns justify these. Local closures can also be justified in recreational areas. The way you ride determines the actions of authorities and administrations. On private property, you are often only tolerated.

LEAVE NO TRACE Do not brake with locking wheels (except in emergencies)! Locking brakes promote soil erosion and cause path damage. Adapt your riding style to the ground and path conditions. Not every path tolerates every braking maneuver and riding style.

KEEP YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE UNDER CONTROL Inattentiveness, even for a few seconds, can cause an accident. Adjust your speed to the situation. Pedestrians, obstacles, or other bikers may appear at any time in blind spots. You must be able to stop within sight! For your safety and that of others.

RESPECT OTHER NATURE USERS Announce your passing well in advance. Do not startle other path users! Reduce your speed to walking pace or stop when passing. Keep in mind that other path users may notice you too late. If possible, ride only in small groups.

CONSIDER ANIMALS Grazing animals and all other animals in forest and field require special consideration! Close gates after passing through. Leave the forest early at dusk to avoid disturbing animals during feeding.

PLAN AHEAD Start your route as close to home as possible. Check your gear, realistically assess your skills, and choose the area where you want to ride accordingly. Bad weather or a breakdown can significantly extend your ride. Be prepared for unforeseen situations: think of tools, provisions, and a first aid kit. Wear safety gear! A helmet can protect but is not a life insurance.

Arrival by car

There are various options to arrive by car: via Gräfenroda, Suhl (Schmiedfeld), Ilmenau (Rennsteig station), and Oberhof you can reach the state road between Oberhof and Schmiedefeld. Parking at the Schneekopf hiking parking lot (parking is fee-based, moderate daily charge)

Arrival by MTB
MTB route Rennsteig from and to Elgersburg, Ilmenau, Schmiedefeld, Suhl 

Access by public transport

On weekends, take the Rennsteig shuttle of the South Thuringia Railway to Rennsteig station. Then by train to Zella-Mehlis - bus transfer to Oberhof

Gehlberg (Schneekopf parking lot), Gehlberg (hiking parking lot at Schmücker Straße), Mönchhof (access from Elgersburg), Schmücke (approach via Schmücker Straße)

Trails: Ø S0, max. S1 (var.: S2)

App: Thuringian Forest App

Map: Hiking map Verlag Grünes Herz "Biosphere Reserve Thuringian Forest" Scale: 1:35,000

Arrival by car: on state road between Oberhof and Schmiedefeld, parking at Schneekopf hiking parking lot (parking is fee-based, moderate daily charge)

Arrival by MTB: MTB route Rennsteig from and to Elgersburg, Ilmenau, Schmiedefeld, Suhl (see also roadbook)