Doctor-Wald-Weg

First the most important thing: Super! But we also had ideal weather and ideal temperatures. The hike, however, was a pain. 'DR-WALD-Weg... what else comes to mind? Well signposted and informative too. We didn't know until now that there was a little train called 'RennsteigShuttle' from EF and back (www.sued-thüringen-bahn.de). So it's easy to get to Rennsteig station and off you go. The way back is also safe. So, we'd be happy to do it again.

On the way with DR WALD - a breath of fresh air for body and soul. A walk in the forest is pure relaxation. What's more: the forest makes you healthy. It strengthens the immune system, gets the metabolism going, reduces stress, slows down and is a treat for all the senses. The DR WALD path invites you to enjoy the relaxing and health-promoting effects of the forest. The 13 km long circular path between Stützerbach, Frauenwald and Schmiedefeld runs right through the UNESCO Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve. You can get on in Stützerbach, at Rennsteig train station or at the hikers' car park there. At weekends, these points are also served by the Rennsteigbahn, which runs from Erfurt directly via Ilmenau to Rennsteig train station. If you start from the hut square in Stützerbach, the route leads out of Stützerbach through the Kneipp facility. Through the species-rich mountain and wet meadows of the Busselbachtal, the panoramic path leads down into the Gläsertal and along the path of silence along the wildlife rest area in the idyllic Roter Grund. The Doctor Forest Trail crosses the Rennsteig, one of the most famous high-altitude trails in Germany, twice. Past protected mountain meadows and moors with valuable plants (such as arnica, rare orchids, peat mosses and cotton grass) and a short detour to the Rennsteig pond, you reach one of the highest terminus stations in Germany, Rennsteig station, where the inn of the same name invites you to stop for a break. Through the Göpferbachtal and along the rushing Lengwitz stream, you return towards Stützerbach. 15 stimulus stations and attractive rest points along the path invite you to enjoy the forest with all your senses. Doctor forest benches, sky loungers and a sky swing allow you to let your gaze wander and unwind. In the Stützerbach Kneipp Park, on the Panoramaweg, at the Massenmühle in the Gläsertal and at the Schwarzwasser rest area, picnic combinations invite you to rest. The circular route can be designed individually - from a relaxed day of bathing in the forest (day trip) to an active hike (4 hours including rest) to smaller circular routes of 3.5 or 6 km. A simple hike between Rennsteig station and Stützerbach station, stops on the Rennsteigbahn, is also possible in two variants (4.9 or 6.7 km). Source: https://www.tourenportal-thueringer-wald.de/de/tour/themenweg/doktor-wald-weg-ein-rundwanderweg-mitten-durchs-unesco-biosphaerenreser/38157754/

How many breaks fit in 15 kilometers? Many. Many many. Today at Stuetzerbach (more on that later) I hiked the “Dr. hiked the forest path”. Even if the name itself doesn't really appeal to me and there have always been broad farm roads on the route, I was very impressed by the path. Except for very few tiny spots where the bark beetle is up to mischief, I have rarely hiked through such a beautiful, healthy-looking forest lately. That was really a blessing! Lush green moss, small wild streams here, a pond there - that was beautiful. These lovingly designed rest areas were the icing on the cake of the tour, I think I used almost all of them to linger. There was no need for spectacular views (even if there were wonderful far-reaching views). What I really liked best was a sun lounger in the middle of the forest. I could have sat here forever and enjoyed the tranquility - which I did for at least an hour. The weather is still summery, but the forest is cool and pleasant. This was the perfect place to recharge batteries. Oh and somehow this hike was also a bit nostalgic. Here in Stutzerbach on one of these slopes my skiing talent has matured to its true size (see pictures) 😅. As a small child I spent many winter holidays here.

All information about the tour can be found on the Thuringian Forest tour portal at www.dr-wald-weg.de

My hike begins at a bus stop in Stützerbach in the Thuringian Forest. I walk into the town to the start of the Doctor Forest Trail, a 13 km long circular trail between Stützerbach, Frauenwald and Schmiedefeld, which runs right through the UNESCO Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve. There are numerous impulse stations, recognizable by the orange signs, which provide information about how forests and nature can have a positive effect on our bodies and heal us.👈🏻

Doktor-Wald-Weg - A circular hiking trail through the middle of the UNESCO biosphere reserve 🌲Thuringian Forest🌲 ------------------------------ https://www.tourenportal-thueringer-wald.de/de/tour/themenweg/doktor-wald-weg-ein-rundwanderweg-mitten-durchs-unesco-biosphaerenreser/38157754/#dmdtab=oax-tab1 ------------------------------ https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/thueringen/sued-thueringen/ilmenau-ilmkreis/wanderweg-wald-stuetzerbach-frauenwald-schmiedefeld-100.html

The DR WALD Trail is an excellent and well-planned hiking trail with plenty of inspiration and humility towards nature! You can start at various points and choose your own direction. It's essential to walk the entire trail, otherwise you'll miss a beautiful meadow, a view, an oasis, a resting place, a breath of fresh air, the beauty of a stream, etc.

Today I took advantage of the good weather and hiked the Dr. Wald Trail; it's been on my list for a while. A very nice trail, with its various signs on the topic of forests/people/life, that's thought-provoking. Plenty of panoramic views along the way 🥰. A highly recommended tour here at home in the Thuringian Forest 💚