Circular route - Around the Heyda Dam - Thuringian Forest

Not far from the Goethe and university town of Ilmenau lies the idyllically situated Heyda reservoir. The 7.6 km long circular hiking trail leads both through shady spruce forest and along the shore of the reservoir. There are many benches and seating areas along the way for resting and picnicking. Seven display boards show hikers the current location and interesting information about fauna and flora.

North of Ilmenau, the small Wipfra river originates. It passes through the small forest by the motorway and flows further into the Thuringian Basin. It was once dammed north of the present A71 to create a supply of process water and flood protection for the surrounding towns. The dam near Ilmenau was built from 1980 to 1988 and put into operation in 1989 for irrigation purposes. Other uses are: low water level increase, process water supply, flood protection, and fish farming.

Thus, the present Heyda reservoir was created - THE local recreation destination in the north of the sky-blue city at the gates of the Thuringian Forest. The picturesque circular path around the 95-hectare large reservoir leads through beautiful mixed forests and offers a varied course with many interesting views and places to rest, relax, and swim. You can even get closer to the water by boat.

An ideal starting point for the circular hike is the Hotel and Steakhouse Riverdam directly at the dam of the reservoir. Those who wish can not only stay overnight here but also recharge their "wandering away" energy in the first-class restaurant and savor one of the excellent steaks.

The hike takes about 2 hours and mostly follows the developed shore path. Those who want to take a detour by sailboat on the reservoir will find a contact person at the Sailing Club "Tonne 1" e.V.