Frauenwald offers three distinct reasons to visit: year-round, expert-guided wildlife watching, a monument commemorating local history, and two ski hiking trails with different routes. The wider destination of Ilmenau also offers independent attractions for mountain, hiking and cultural interests.
Nature and Local History
Frauenwald lies in the heart of the Thuringian Forest UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Here, you can watch wildlife in its natural habitat year-round from an observation platform; the experience is led by an expert guide. Unlike the ski hiking trails, this guided tour is part of the offering. It is best to confirm the booking details for the wildlife watching before your trip.
The monument at the drilling rig stands at the entrance to the town and is Frauenwald’s landmark. It was inaugurated on July 25, 1937. Three of its sides depict the history of the town from 1218 to 1918. The dates serve different purposes: 1218 to 1918 marks the period of the history depicted, while July 25, 1937, is the date of the inauguration.
Two Ski Hiking Trails
One ski hiking trail loops around Frauenwald, passing Rennsteig station before returning to the parking lot at the monument in Frauenwald, where it begins. Another starts at the Monument parking lot, goes over MeisenhĂĽgel toward Forsthaus Allzunah and offers sweeping views. To choose between them, consider the route: a loop that returns to its starting point, or a trail that goes over MeisenhĂĽgel toward Forsthaus Allzunah. Check current snow and trail conditions before setting out.
Ilmenau: Mountains, Trails and Culture
In the wider destination of Ilmenau, Kickelhahn, Ilmenau’s local mountain, is 861 meters high. Its 21-meter-high observation tower is one of the city’s landmarks. The 20-kilometer Goethewanderweg connects places associated with Goethe, from Ilmenau to Stützerbach. These figures refer to different measurements: 861 meters is the height of Kickelhahn, 21 meters is the height of the tower, and 20 kilometers is the length of the hiking trail.
At Trailpark Lindenberg, three different trails invite you to go mountain biking. As facilities may change, check current local information before riding. Numerous ski and winter hiking trails run from Ilmenau to the Rennsteig and from Auerhahn to Kickelhahn. Snow and trail conditions can vary seasonally, and availability is not guaranteed; therefore, check the current conditions before setting out.
Ilmenau’s cultural sites also offer different points of interest. Münzkeller is right next to Alte Münze and offers a glimpse into the 16th century. Bergmannskapelle is on Sturmheide, in the middle of the former mining area for Ilmenau’s copper and silver mining and below the spoil heap of the former “Gottes Gabe” mine shaft. It houses an exhibition on Ilmenau’s copper shale mining.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
When choosing where to stay, it helps to first decide what your priorities are. If they are wildlife watching, the monument or the ski hiking trails, focus your search on Frauenwald. For Ilmenau’s cultural and trail attractions, use Ilmenau as a separate destination.
Discover more destinations: Gehren, Ilmenau, Kirchheim, Behringen, Wolfsberg, Friedersdorf, GroĂźliebringen, Neustadt Am Rennsteig
Return to the overview of destinations: Ilm-Kreis.
