The start of the Rennsteig via the Stedtfelder Bergbaulehrpfad loop near Eisenach – Thuringian Forest

The start and finish was the train station in Hörschel. Out of the air-conditioned train into the blazing sun, we thought what were we thinking today. It was also a steep climb up to the Eichelblick. Luckily there was a lot of shady forest and plenty of covered seating and rest areas on the whole tour. The tour can also be done easily by bike (MTB). But we were still happy when we got back to the train station and Cantus was on time. Oh yes and collected 3 Touringen stamps.

Today a very nice hike 🥾🥾🌳🌲 from the start of the Rennsteig. Over the Stedtfelder. Mining ⛰️⛏️ nature trail.

It's great that there is this stamp booklet from Thuringia. I wouldn't have known where the Rennsteig begins...😱😂😂😂 You discover hiking trails that I would never have thought of. Just like this one, a very beautiful hiking trail with lots of ascents and descents. Good training for the calf muscles!!🤪😱 Some of the trails are only passable when it's frosty or dry. Lots of beautiful viewpoints, like the Wartburg, just beautiful!!👍👌

Points, or rather stars, are deducted for the last few kilometers along the road... and for the very special announcement at the "start of the Rennsteig" to my leashed dog, who encountered the 3 free-running farm dogs. Perhaps the stamp box should be placed in front of the house! This last impression somewhat spoils the tour... 😕

One of my favorite hiking areas is and remains the Thuringian Forest. Today we met up with our friends from Erfurt in Thuringia and went on a short hike. The start of the Rennsteig in Hörschel and the Stedtefeld mining area was our destination today. I discovered this tour from our hiking friend Michel, who also travels through this region from time to time. Thanks for the tip. Have fun hiking!

Tour template: https://www.tourenportal-thueringer-wald.de/mobile/de/tour/wanderung/rundwanderung-vom-rennsteigbeginn-ueber-den-stedtfelder/32060457/ Ok at the end of the day.

Here in Hörschel, directly at the confluence of the Hörsel and Werra rivers, lies the start and finish point of the 170 km long Rennsteig Trail. Traditionally, a stone is carried from the Werra to the Seibitz and then to Blankenstein. However, the stones are not sought out from the Werra; these days, they are kept in a bowl, ready to hand. And, of course, this is where the first stamp of the day was obtained. After hiking the first few kilometers of the Rennsteig, through the former restricted zone, then via the Wartburgblick and the mining trail, back to the Werra.

Where do I even begin today? 🙄 One thing's for sure: this hike definitely needs to be done again in better conditions. 🤩😎👍 First off, I want to mention the challenging trail conditions, which demanded utmost attention, especially on the downhill sections. I could have really used my "snow chains" for my boots. Unfortunately, they were at home, so my hiking poles had to do the job. 🙃😉😁 The uphill sections with ice and snow were manageable, but from the "Iron Gate" onwards, there were hardly any places without a slippery surface. Constantly going downhill under these conditions was very strenuous. And I certainly didn't look very stylish with my tiny, mincing steps. 😉🤣🤪 In retrospect, I see today's hike as a challenge that I faced and overcame. 👍👋 Now for the actual tour. From the Rennsteighaus, I passed the Käsegraben (Cheese Ditch) and immediately began the first climb on the red trail. I left the large birch tree and the "copper holes" to my left and was greeted by the Wartburg Castle and the Burschenschaft Monument on the large Eichelberg hill. A short break for photos and a breather, then I continued past the "Flüchtiger Hirsch" (Fleeing Stag) shelter and the "Eisernes Tor" (Iron Gate) to the "Wartburgblick" (Wartburg View) viewpoint. The mining trail begins at this beautiful spot. And although the previously described challenging path started here, it also held some great surprises at the individual stations. The traces of five hundred years of mining history are extremely impressive in their original form, and the replicas of old machinery are so lovingly realistic that I was constantly amazed. This is also the main reason for doing this loop again with friends. I certainly knew nothing about this history until today and want to share the experience with others. ' ... 👋🤩😃👏❄️☺️🤗 With so many impressions, the stamps from Touringen faded into the background. But I still collected them... 😉♟️😉♟️😉♟️