Trusetal-Laudenbach combines a tangible mining history with several hiking trails that take in the area in different ways. Iron ore was found at the Klinge; the abundance of ore there provided the basis for the mining settlement of Laudenbach. The trails described in detail include the Rennsteig-Leiter Trusetal, the “Panoramablicke” circular trail and the Triniusweg. Their routes have different focuses—from named stops and a view over the Werra Valley to woodland paths through the Bairodaer Aue.
Ore and the Origins of the Village
The link between natural resources and the development of the settlement is a striking part of the village’s history: iron ore was found at the Klinge, and the abundance of ore provided the basis for the mining settlement of Laudenbach. The Mining Educational Trail is also a named stop on the Rennsteig-Leiter Trusetal. This means you encounter the subject of mining both in the story of the village’s origins and along a hiking trail. The Klinge and the educational trail are distinct points of reference: the abundance of ore at the Klinge is linked to the development of the settlement, while the educational trail appears as a stop along the route.
Hiking Trails with Different Focuses
The Rennsteig-Leiter Trusetal leads from the waterfall via Fünf Gärten and Laudenbach. In Laudenbach, the route includes the village square and the Mining Educational Trail; it then continues to Hohe Klinge, Judenkopf and Dreiherrnstein, or the Rennsteig. This gives you a sequence of named places and destinations that makes it possible to follow the hike’s route. In this sequence, Laudenbach lies between Fünf Gärten and the destinations mentioned next.
The “Panoramablicke” circular trail offers a different perspective on the surroundings. It leads to a barbecue area with a view over the Werra Valley and passes the “Green Classroom.” There you will find information about flora and fauna; the information on site may change. Conditions for the view from the barbecue area can also vary. The route thus combines a named place to stop with a nature theme and a view over the valley.
Woodland paths shape the route described for the Triniusweg: it runs through the Bairodaer Aue, climbs to Laudenbach and continues to the Trusetal Waterfall. The route may change, so check it before setting out. The trails can be distinguished by their described focuses: the Rennsteig-Leiter follows a sequence of named stops, “Panoramablicke” combines nature information with a viewpoint, and the Triniusweg passes through the Bairodaer Aue to Laudenbach.
More Destinations in the Brotterode-Trusetal Area
In the wider Brotterode-Trusetal area, the Trusetal Waterfall plunges 60 metres over a granite formation in three cascades; it is switched off in winter. Visitors can also climb a staircase with 228 steps beside the waterfall. The Wallenburger Tower, a monument to Romanesque architecture dating from the 13th century, stands on the outskirts of Trusetal. The local history museum in Trusetal was established and is run by the Trusetal Mining and Local History Association.
Other activities there are also linked to specific places: after a guided tour of the “Hühn” visitor mine, visitors can search for mineral stones at “Klonike am Hühn.” A hut by the nature park trail near Pfingstweide offers a place to rest. The Inselsberg Cycle Route is about 17 kilometres long and starts at the bus station in Brotterode. These details add a range of themes to your orientation in the wider Brotterode-Trusetal area: a waterfall and staircase, Romanesque architecture, a local history museum, mineral searching, a rest stop and a cycle route.
Discover more destinations: Frankenheim/Rhön, Kühndorf, Sülzfeld, Rosa, Fambach, Kleinschmalkalden, Erbenhausen, Brotterode-Trusetal
Go to the main travel overview: Schmalkalden-Meiningen.
