Eisenach primeval forest trail - Thuringian primeval forest trails

The entrance portal to the Eisenach primeval forest trail is located a few minutes south of the Wartburg P3 parking lot (alternatively, you can also use the P1 or P2 parking lots). From the parking lot, follow the footpath (Wichmannpromenade) out of town in the direction of Landgrafenschlucht. After around 300 m you will reach the starting point of the Eisenach primeval forest trail, where you will find a large wooden sculpture and two information boards. Here you can find out about the route and the special features of the "wild Eisenach forests".

The primeval forest trail is signposted with a black and white beetle symbol. Walking at a brisk pace, the tour takes around 2:30 hours. If you want to take a little more time to enjoy nature and the beautiful views, you should allow 4 hours.

The starting point is also the destination of the circular hiking trail. A few meters after the wooden art stele, you have to decide in which direction you want to walk the trail. This description follows the route in an anti-clockwise direction.

Keep to the right and follow the Wichmann Promenade straight ahead to the entrance of the Landgrafenschlucht gorge. From here, the path leads uphill through the gorge. Follow the signs in the direction of Weinstraße, cross it and continue in the direction of "Großer Drachenstein". Seating and the view towards the Thuringian Forest invite you to linger here. The Großer Drachenstein is the highest point of the hike (470 m above sea level). From here, follow the path until you reach a crossroads with a small refuge. From here, follow the wine road in the direction of Eisenach. After about 1 km, turn left towards Carolinenblick, which you will reach after about another kilometer. Here you have a fantastic view over the treetops towards Wartburg Castle.

A little later, you will reach the Herzogseiche oak tree, near which a set of seats invites you to take a break. Seven paths cross here. Follow the signs in the direction of Dornheckenweg. This path leads you above and parallel to the Landgrafenschlucht gorge back to the starting point.

You can reach Eisenach by car via the A4 highway (exit Eisenach-West or Eisenach-Ost) or via the B7, B19 and B84 federal highways.

The starting point for the hike is in Mariental on the southern outskirts of Eisenach on the B19. Enter the following address in your navigation device: Mariental 33, 99187 Eisenach. This is the address of the Wartburg P3 parking lot (see below)

Use the Deutsche Bahn travel information service. This portal also lists all regional transport providers.

Eisenach city bus: Line 3 from "ZOB/Hauptbahnhof", "Karlsplatz" or "Ernst-Abbe-Gymnasium" to the stop "Mariental (Drachenschlucht)" or with the regional bus line 190 from "ZOB/Hauptbahnhof", "Karlsplatz" or "Ernst-Abbe-Gymnasium" to the stop "Mariental (Drachenschlucht)"

City bus route: 3

Regional bus line: 190

Current route network map (overview)

Current timetable for line 3

Current timetable for line 190

Parking lots:

P+R parking lot at the Phantasie

P+R parking lot Mariental

Parking lot at Prinzenteich

Parking lot Eisenach Zentrum "Alte Brauerei" (line 3 or 190 from/to Ernst-Abbe-Gymnasium)

Parking garage Tor zur Stadt (line 3 or 190 from/to ZOB)

Thuringian primeval forest trails

Thuringian primeval forest trails - Eisenach

Would you like to not only experience nature, but also protect it? Find out everything you need to know about the"Hiking for biodiversity" fundraising hike in the fall here