Circular hike - Legendary Hörselberge - Great Hörselberg near Eisenach - Thuringian Forest

This hike offers everything that the hiking heart desires on easy to moderately difficult trails: mysterious caves, mystical places, beautiful views, geological and historical highlights, and two places to stop for refreshments.

The highlights of the hike to the Great Hörselberg are undoubtedly the Tannhäuser Cave and the Venus Cave, also called Venus Grotto or Hörselloch. Venus, who lingered there in her enchantingly erotic palace (Venus Grotto) and seduced the Christian knights with her charms, later inspired Richard Wagner's world-famous opera "Tannhäuser". The cave can still be partially accessed today. Other mystical legends from prehistoric and early historic times are also associated with the Hörselberg. The mountain is said to be the home of gods, the seat of the "Wild Hunt," and the "forecourt to hell." Frau Holle also had her home here. The cult of Frau Holle, documented through several folk tales, is linked to the Hörselloch; later this gave rise to the aforementioned Venus legend.

A Christian legend about a thirsty shepherd and his flock is also associated with the Hörselberge at the Jesusbrünnlein. Near the Jesusbrünnlein lies the so-called Apothecary Meadow with numerous medicinal herbs and health-promoting plants. Other plants can also be discovered during the hike, such as silver and gold thistles, gentians, various orchid species, and wild fruit varieties. Various animal species also thrive on the slopes of the Hörselberg, e.g., wildcats, eagle owls, various songbirds and butterfly species, as well as bat colonies in the caves.

Along the route, you pass two gastronomy businesses, the Hörselberghaus and the Gasthof Zapfengrund. Additionally, in Schönau, there is the Mühlencafé Hörselmühle and the Hörselberg Museum.

You can also start the route at the small Hörselberg, which also offers very nice views. Link to route