Oberhof brings together a variety of sporting experiences: a hike across a raised bog, a break on the Rennsteig, and a thrilling ride down the luge and bobsled track in winter. Specific route lengths and a look at seasonal conditions can help you decide. This lets you plan your stay around hiking, winter sports, or a mix of activity and rest.
Compare hikes by route length
The 8 km hike from Oberhof to Veilchenbrunnen crosses the SchĂĽtzenberg raised bog and its moor nature trail. You can stop at an inn along the way. Another option is the Oberhof Sports Facilities Hike, which is about 12 km long. Comparing the routes by distance, the route to Veilchenbrunnen is the shorter of the two.
The routes have different thematic focuses: the route to Veilchenbrunnen passes through a bog and along its nature trail, while the Sports Facilities Hike puts the sports facilities front and center, as its name suggests. Route conditions may change with the seasons. Check conditions before your hike; on the Sports Facilities Hike, you should also pay attention to the trail markers on site.
Take a break on the Rennsteig
The Rennsteighaus at Grenzadler is a specific place to stop for a break during a tour on the Rennsteig. Hikers, cyclists and skiers can stop there. The house has toilets, showers and lockers for guests and athletes. It adds a convenient place to rest to your route planning. Whatever activity you choose, a break on the Rennsteig can be combined with hiking, cycling or skiing, while the two hikes above can be compared by their route lengths.
Winter rides and biathlon
Visitors can enjoy a thrilling ride on the Oberhof luge and bobsled track. During the winter months, they ride in an ice rafting boat with nine other passengers. This seasonal experience is quite different from a hike; check the latest operating arrangements before you travel.
Another activity is trying out a biathlon rifle: visitors can regularly take a shot under the guidance of an experienced shooting instructor and test their skills in a small competition. This guided activity adds a different focus to the bobsled ride. Check the dates in advance rather than assuming there is a fixed schedule.
Schmalkalden-Meiningen as a wider regional setting
The wider destination of Schmalkalden-Meiningen includes four varied landscapes: the Thuringian Forest, the Rhön, the Werra Valley and the Grabfeld. They can be explored on foot, whether for sporting activities or relaxed family outings. The Werra Valley Cycle Route is well suited to multi-day cycling tours, while canoe trips on the Werra offer a different perspective on the river. These regional themes provide a different focus from Oberhof’s hiking and winter sports.
The wider destination also has attractions for culture enthusiasts. In Schmalkalden, visitors can see how smooth, melt-in-the-mouth nougat is made at the Viba Nougat World’s glass-walled factory. Hands-on confectionery classes include pouring chocolate, decorating nougat and creating pralines; check class times and booking conditions in advance.
The Neue Hütte blast furnace museum in Schmalkalden presents another side of the region’s history. From 1835 to 1924, its blast furnace smelted local iron ore using charcoal. The exhibition covers the nearly 1,300-year history of iron and steel goods production in the Schmalkalden region, including the well-known “Schmalkalder Artikel” (Schmalkalden products). A 45-minute guided tour focuses on the history and operation of the blast furnace.
Discover more destinations: Rosa, Brotterode-Trusetal, Oberschönau, Brotterode spa resort, Kleinschmalkalden, Henneberg, Friedelshausen, Unterkatz.
Back to the wider travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.
