Circular Hiking Trail Sonneberg

First, follow Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-Straße northwest to Bettelhecker Straße. Here, cross the street at the roundabout and hike "Am Eichberg" up to the lower Eichbergweg, which you then follow. Hikers are rewarded here with wonderful views of Sonneberg and the Franconian lowlands. Several sections offer views of the impressive railway viaduct on the Sonneberg - Eisfeld line, built at the beginning of the 20th century.

Follow the lower Eichbergweg to the Frog Pond. From here, hike the wildly romantic Teufelsgraben, a dry valley in Buntsandstein sandstone, on a narrow path uphill. Upon reaching the lightly trafficked Forschengereuther Straße, turn right and follow it to the "Ziegelhütte" intersection.

In sight on the right is the Schlossberg with its castle-like buildings. A detour there is worthwhile. Since Schlossberg rises over 500 meters above the town, charming views of Sonneberg and surroundings open up here.

Back at the "Ziegelhütte" intersection, follow the signs and hike a narrow path down into the Röthengrund, which you follow initially. At the next fork, Teddy and Doll guide you right uphill onto the Philosophenweg. This path fascinates with varied views that can be enjoyed at the "Freysoldsruh" during a rest. Later, the route leads over the Stadtberg to the heights of the Neufang district (630 m). Upon arriving at the bus turnaround (end of city bus line C), turn into Sternwartestraße and soon reach what was once Germany's highest observatory with Astronomy Museum on Erbisbühl (637 m). The path continues through Neufang past the cemetery and onto Waldstraße toward Schönberg, where the zoo with petting enclosure invites a stop. From the zoo height, the tour runs parallel on the forest path to the "Waldhaus". During a rest, enjoy wonderful views of Sonneberg and far into the Sonneberg lowlands. In good weather, Veste Coburg can also be seen in the distance.

The hike continues back into town. After a few meters through the "Waldhaus" garden area, cross Schönbergstraße and reach Lutherhaus, a restaurant with a historic atmosphere. Upon reaching Kirchstraße, the Protestant town church St. Peter is visible on the right. Before that, turn left onto Beethovenstraße. Here you arrive directly at the German Toy Museum, Germany's oldest special collection for toys (1901). A visit is highly recommended!

Via Juttaplatz and Bahnhofstraße, you finally return to the town center and your starting point.