Lichtenau lies on the eastern bank of the Schleuse, just above its confluence with the Biberbach. Two different routes provide a practical framework for a stay: a circular hiking trail passes through the village, while the Schleusetal Cycle Path runs from Schönbrunn to Lichtenau. You can therefore plan your trip around a walking route, a bike ride, or the region’s landscape features.

Hiking: a 10-kilometer loop

The ten-kilometer circular trail “Schönbrunn Circular Trail – Steinbach-Langenbach Nature Theater – Schönbrunn” passes through Lichtenau. The route runs from Schönbrunn via the Steinbach-Langenbach Nature Theater and back to Schönbrunn, with Lichtenau along the way. If you want to plan a hike with a clearly stated distance, this loop offers a practical option. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Cycling along the former Gründerla railway line

The Schleusetal Cycle Path offers a different experience: from Schönbrunn, it follows the former Gründerla railway line to Lichtenau and passes through Adlernest. This puts a walking loop and a cycling route along the former railway line side by side as different ways to explore the area. If you are considering both, note that they follow different routes; check current conditions in advance before finalizing your plans.

Scenery in the Bibergrund

Near Lichtenau, the Bibergrund lies between Masserberg on the Rennsteig and the village of Lichtenau in the municipality of Schleusegrund. Pronounced nighttime cold-air dynamics have been observed there. The term draws attention to the movement of cold air at night and adds a landscape process to the area’s waterways and trails. If you are interested in regional connections as well as the routes, this offers a distinct topic to explore.

Schleusegrund as the wider regional setting

The wider destination of Schleusegrund lies on the southwestern slope of the Rennsteig, in side valleys at elevations of 450 to 800 meters. It is counted among the most attractive recreation areas in the Thuringian Forest UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The certified Schleusegrund Tourist Information Center is located in Schönbrunn and serves as a local information point.

The Terrassenbad is also located in Schönbrunn, within the wider destination of Schleusegrund. It has a sports pool, a non-swimmer area with a stainless-steel slide, and a toddler area. It offers a different kind of outing from the routes mentioned above. If you plan to visit the pool, check current visitor information beforehand.

Combine your accommodation search with your travel plans

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Lichtenau, you can use your preferred activities as a guide. The hiking route passes through the village, while the cycling route ends there. First decide whether the walking loop or the former railway line by bike is a better fit for your trip. Then you can compare the location of any accommodation you are considering with your own itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Biberschlag, Hildburghausen, Heldburger Unterland, Reurieth, Sachsenbrunn, Auengrund, Schleusingerneundorf, Straufhain

View the wider travel overview: Hildburghausen-Suhl.