Those choosing Herschdorf for a stay can pick from several types of route and a cultural highlight: one suggested circular route leads to the Lange-Berg monument and back, while other routes head towards Barigau or Neustadt am Rennsteig. There are also mountain bike tours on unmarked trails, the Wichelpfad between Herschdorf and Gillersdorf, and the Church of the Lamb of God, which occasionally hosts concerts. This makes it easy to plan activities around a specific circular route, a named direction or a church-history focus.
A circular walk on the Langer Berg
The suggested circular route to the Lange-Berg monument starts at the Langer Berg hiking car park in Herschdorf. Following the yellow markings, it leads to the monument at an elevation of 809 m and returns to the Herschdorf hiking car park via the Panoramaweg. The total distance is approximately 6 km. There are three hiking car parks in Herschdorf and Willmersdorf, directly on the Langer Berg. The approximate distance gives you an idea of the route’s length; trail conditions may vary, so it is advisable to check the current situation before setting out.
More trails, different directions
Another suggested hiking trail leads from Herschdorf via Dröbischau towards Barigau, following the hiking trail signs. The Pilzsteig leads from Herschdorf towards Neustadt am Rennsteig. The Thuringian Nature Park Route also passes through Herschdorf; viewpoints are cited as a reason for its route. The routes therefore differ in their layout: the description of the circular route to the monument includes the return via the Panoramaweg and the approximate total distance, while other suggestions indicate a direction.
The suggested route to the monument is marked in yellow; hiking trail signs are mentioned for the route via Dröbischau. Check the current trail conditions before setting out. Mountain bike tours of varying difficulty are also possible on unmarked trails around Herschdorf. The Wichelpfad between Herschdorf and Gillersdorf is suitable for families with children. It is also advisable to check the current condition of this trail before your visit.
Church and occasional concerts
The Church of the Lamb of God in Herschdorf on the Langer Berg was built between 1687 and 1691. It replaced a predecessor church that had been demolished because it was too small and dilapidated. The building’s history thus links its construction to the replacement of an older building. Concerts of various genres are occasionally held in the church. If you would like to plan a concert visit, check the current dates before your trip; the concerts are not listed as taking place on a regular schedule.
GroĂźbreitenbach: a distinct regional highlight
In the wider destination of Großbreitenbach, St. Trinitatis Church in Großbreitenbach is a distinct cultural and historical landmark. Built from 1679 onwards, it replaced the dilapidated St. John’s Church. The latter was built in 1570 and collapsed in 1771, apart from its church tower. St. Trinitatis Church was built to the plans of Andreas Rudolphi, the regional master builder of Saxe-Gotha, and was consecrated in 1690. The building is completely clad in slate; a striking hexagonal roof turret sits atop the steep roof of the broad nave. With 600 seats, it is the largest half-timbered church in Thuringia. The wooden baptismal stand dates from 1677 and was transferred from the old St. John’s Church.
Discover more destinations: Großbreitenbach, Schmiedefeld Am Rennsteig, Frankenhain, Frauenwald, Ichtershausen, Großliebringen, Elleben, Gräfenroda.
Go to the overview of the wider destination: Ilm-Kreis.
