Oehrenstock is located in the Thuringian Forest at an elevation of around 575 metres. The Oehre, a tributary of the Schorte, flows through the village. Alongside these landscape features, three ski trails shape the character of the destination: they offer different lengths and described routes, providing practical guidance for planning.
Landscape and local history
Kienberg, which is 774 metres high, lies south of Oehrenstock. Compared with the approximate elevation of the village, it is around 200 metres higher, providing a second, higher reference point in the southern surroundings. Together with the Oehre, which flows through the village, it is possible to locate Oehrenstock in terms of both its elevation and a named watercourse.
Oehrenstock was first mentioned in 1311. This year is a historical milestone for the village; it marks its first mention, not a documented year of foundation. The village’s history thus adds a chronological perspective to its landscape features.
Compare ski trails by length and route
All three described ski trails start at the Oehrenstock sports field. Their lengths and waypoints differ, so the routes can be compared using these details.
The Oehrenstock I ski trail is 8.7 kilometres long. From the sports field, it leads to Carl-Marien-Höhe in Gehren and back.
The Oehrenstock III ski trail covers 9.5 kilometres. Its route passes Hochzeitswiese and Erhardstanne, circles Pferdeberg to Keynhaus, and returns to Erhardstanne.
At 16.8 kilometres, the Oehrenstock IV ski trail is the longest of the three. From the sports field, it leads via Hochzeitswiese, Ehrhardstanne, Keynhaus and Roter Stein to Dreiherrnstein and back.
In terms of length, route I is the shortest, route III falls in between, and route IV is the longest. The destinations described also differ: I leads to Carl-Marien-Höhe in Gehren, III circles Pferdeberg to Keynhaus, and IV goes as far as Dreiherrnstein. This allows you to consider route length and named waypoints together when making your choice. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.
In the wider destination of Ilmenau
Ilmenau offers its own mix of landscapes, activities and culture. Kickelhahn is Ilmenau’s local mountain and is 861 metres high; its 21-metre observation tower is one of the city’s landmarks. The Trailpark Lindenberg has three different trails for mountain biking. Check current local information before setting out.
The 20-kilometre Goethewanderweg connects places associated with Goethe’s work, from Ilmenau to Stützerbach. In winter, numerous ski and winter hiking trails run from Ilmenau to the Rennsteig and from Auerhahn to Kickelhahn. Snow conditions and trail availability can vary seasonally; take current conditions into account when planning.
The cultural venues also offer different perspectives. Münzkeller is right next to Alte Münze and offers insights into the 16th century. At Sturmheide, Bergmannskapelle stands in the middle of the former Ilmenau copper and silver mining area, below the spoil heap of the former Gottes Gabe mine. It houses an exhibition on Ilmenau’s copper shale mining.
For the wider travel overview: Langewiesen.
