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Germany
Thuringia
Landkreis Schmalkalden-Meiningen

Altersbach

Top 20 Natural Monuments around Altersbach

Best natural monuments around Altersbach are situated on the southern slope of the Thuringian Forest in Thuringia, Germany, within the municipality of Steinbach-Hallenberg. This region features lush green landscapes, dense spruce forests, and clear mountain brooks. It offers diverse natural features, including mountain meadows, moors, and hidden natural caves, providing opportunities to explore varied natural environments.

Best natural monuments around Altersbach

  • The most popular natural monuments is Spitterfall, a waterfall that has a drop of 32 meters. It is…

Last updated: May 14, 2026

Violet fountain

Highlight • Natural Monument

Nice little fountain with crystal clear, cool spring water. Right around the corner, a bench with a table invites you to linger. The children enjoy the freshly tapped water. And …

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Ebertswiese Mountain Meadow

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Ebertswiese on the heights of the Thuringian Forest is one of the most beautiful places in the world with its enchanting flora and ideal rest and relaxation options. If …

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Beautiful and with about 6 km a feasible trail with children.

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Spitterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

Idyllic little waterfall. With a drop of 32 meters, it is said to be the highest natural waterfall in Thuringia.

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Schmalwasser Dam

Highlight • Lake

Here you can let your soul dangle. A relatively long circular route with a number of beautiful views and places to rest. There are other great highlights in the vicinity. …

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R☀️n🚲
May 18, 2025, Ebertswiese Mountain Meadow

A beautiful piece of nature.

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The Ebertswiese is always worth a visit.

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A really beautiful dam with many impressive views 😊. You can easily walk around the dam on the dam wall, although you will have to climb a few meters in altitude.

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The Schmalwasser Dam is also known as the Tambacher Meer and was built between 1988 and 1993.

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The Schmalwasser dam is a beautiful excursion destination and has many beautiful views to offer and there are great places to discover, for example the Rölchen.

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Great highlights near the dam are the Röllchen, the Nadelöhr, the Marderbach and the Hulloch, these are worth a visit.

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The Schmalwasser dam was built from 1988 to 1993 and was inaugurated in 1995. The dam has been in operation since 1998. There is a hiking trail around the dam with benches and shelters and beautiful views of the dam. A nice destination for hiking and cycling.

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Karla Chen
October 24, 2023, Veilchenbrunnen

Beautifully designed fountain surround, of course with painted violets

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of natural features can I expect to see around Altersbach?

The region around Altersbach, nestled in the Thuringian Forest, is rich in diverse natural features. You can explore lush spruce forests, flowering mountain meadows, and clear mountain brooks. Notable water features include the Spitterfall, Thuringia's highest natural waterfall, and the serene Ebertswiese Mountain Lake, formed from a quarry operation. The area also features unique landscapes like the Ebertswiese Mountain Meadow and hidden natural caves.

Are there family-friendly natural monuments to visit near Altersbach?

Yes, several natural monuments around Altersbach are suitable for families. The Violet fountain is a lovely spot with crystal clear spring water and a nearby bench, perfect for a short break. The Ebertswiese Mountain Meadow and the Ebertswiese Mountain Lake offer enchanting flora and ideal relaxation options. Additionally, the area around the Tambach-Dietharz Reservoir Inflow provides beautiful, feasible trails for children.

What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?

The Thuringian Forest offers extensive opportunities for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like the 'Hallenburg Castle Ruins – Großer Hermannsberg loop' or 'Moosburg Ruins – Koppenstein Climbing Rock loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes such as the 'Highest Point of the Rennsteig – Wachsenrasen Stone Shelter loop'. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes like 'Hundsrück Tunnel – Hundsrücktunnel loop'. You can find more details on these activities and routes in the hiking guide, cycling guide, and gravel biking guide for Altersbach.

Are there any unique water features to explore around Altersbach?

Absolutely. The Spitterfall is a must-see, known as Thuringia's highest natural waterfall with a 32-meter drop. The Ebertswiese Mountain Lake, formed from a drilled water vein during quarry operations, maintains cool temperatures even in summer and has a distinct charm year-round. You can also visit the Violet fountain for crystal clear spring water, and the idyllic Tambach-Dietharz Reservoir Inflow.

What is the best time to visit the natural monuments around Altersbach?

The natural monuments around Altersbach offer beauty throughout the year. Spring brings flowering meadows, while summer is ideal for hiking and enjoying the cool waters of the mountain lake. Autumn showcases vibrant fall foliage in the forests, and winter transforms the landscape into a serene, snow-covered wonderland, suitable for winter hiking. The Ebertswiese Mountain Lake, for instance, has its own charm at every time of year.

Can I bring my dog to the natural monuments in the area?

Many natural areas and trails in the Thuringian Forest are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or near wildlife, and to clean up after them. Specific rules may apply to certain protected areas, so check local signage.

Are there any viewpoints offering scenic panoramas of the Thuringian Forest?

Yes, the Thuringian Forest, particularly along the historic Rennsteig trail, offers numerous scenic viewpoints. While specific named viewpoints for Altersbach are not listed, the general elevation and ridgeway nature of the region ensure many opportunities for panoramic views of the lush landscapes, dense forests, and mountain meadows.

What makes the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/93495" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Violet fountain</a> a popular spot?

The Violet fountain is cherished for its crystal clear, cool spring water. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to refresh themselves with freshly tapped water. A nearby bench and table invite you to linger, making it a cozy place for a break. It's especially impressive after heavy rain.

Are there hiking trails of varying difficulty levels near Altersbach's natural monuments?

Yes, the region caters to various hiking abilities. You can find easy trails like the 'Moosburg Ruins – Koppenstein Climbing Rock loop' (5.4 km) or 'Meadow View of Rotterode – Arzberg loop' (5.7 km). Moderate options include the 'Hallenburg Castle Ruins – Großer Hermannsberg loop' (9.2 km), while more challenging routes like the 'View of Steinbach Valley – Hallenburg Castle Ruins loop' (18.7 km) are also available. Explore more options in the hiking guide for Altersbach.

What is the significance of the Rennsteig trail in this region?

The Rennsteig is a historic ridgeway trail that stretches approximately 170 kilometers through the Thuringian Forest. It's a significant feature of the region, popular for both hiking and cycling. The trail offers natural paths and passes by many historical and natural sites, providing excellent views from the ridge of the Thuringian Forest. It allows visitors to experience the extensive nature park and its diverse landscapes.

Are there any facilities or amenities near the natural monuments?

Some natural monuments, like the Violet fountain, have benches and tables for resting. The Spitterfall also has facilities nearby. For more extensive amenities such as cafes, pubs, or accommodation, you would typically find these in the nearby villages and towns, including Altersbach itself or Steinbach-Hallenberg.

What kind of flora and fauna can be observed in the Thuringian Forest Nature Park?

The Thuringian Forest Nature Park is a sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. You can observe various bird species, and the forests are characterized by beech, fir, and spruce trees. The region's mountain meadows and small moors, such as those on the Schützenberg moor nature trail near Oberhof, offer opportunities to see unique plant life and specialized wetland species.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Altersbach:

BirxZella-MehlisSteinbach-HallenbergFrankenheim/RhönOberhofBrotterode-TrusetalOberweidBrotterode-TrusetalBenshausenFloh-SeligenthalBermbachRhönblickErbenhausenUnterschönauKaltenwestheimUnterweidRotterodeSchmalkaldenKaltensundheimMelpersBreitungen/WerraFambachViernauAschenhausenOberkatzSpringstilleOepfershausenSchwarzaHümpfershausenFriedelshausenChristesUnterkatzSchwallungenWahnsGrabfeldRosaKühndorfStepfershausenMeiningenSülzfeldRippershausenWasungenMehmelsHennebergVachdorfMetzelsUtendorfDillstädtUntermaßfeldOberschönauObermaßfeld-GrimmenthalRitschenhausenEllingshausenBelriethWölfershausenRhönwald-GrabenbergWesthang Des Dolmar

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