Urwaldpfad Vessertal - Thuringia's Primeval Forests of Tomorrow

In the Vessertal – on the go in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Central Germany Today I was drawn to one of Central Germany's most pristine areas: the Vessertal valley. This special valley is part of a biosphere reserve and impresses with an exceptional diversity of flora and fauna. As early as 1979, the area was recognized by UNESCO and included in the world network of biosphere reserves. The valley thus serves as a model region for a harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. However, the idea of protection dates back even further: as early as 1939, the near-natural forests, old mountain meadows, and crystal-clear water were placed under protection. When hiking, it quickly becomes clear why. Rare butterflies accompanied me for part of the way – some fluttered up right in front of me and disappeared just as quickly. The shy fire salamander is also said to be at home here, as is the Eurasian lynx. I actually caught sight of one inhabitant of the forest: a black woodpecker. But it too proved to be extremely shy of cameras and quickly disappeared back among the trees. The Vesser river meanders through the valley, fed by numerous small streams. The water is clear and cool, the current surprisingly strong. Large stones and fallen trees lie in the streambed and on the bank – signs of a landscape that is still largely left to its own devices. Perhaps one could even draw and drink water directly from the stream, but I am well prepared for such cases anyway. The paths in the valley are excellent for hiking. I would even claim that the entire route could easily be cycled. It's just a bit chilly down here – which is probably more of an advantage on hot summer days. At the entrance to the village of Breitenbach, I turned right and continued to follow the Breitenbach into the valley. After about three kilometers, I reached a large meadow with a riding stable and a so-called Stutenhaus. The name, however, has less to do with horses and refers to a hotel with a restaurant located on a hill. My impression was that the hotel business was not exactly in the best shape, but there were a few cars parked in the yard – perhaps they belonged to the operators. After a few photos, I moved on. Meanwhile, my hydration – or perhaps my beer levels 🤣 – were calling. An elderly gentleman had told me along the way that the next inn was not far. And indeed: down the hill and at the beginning of the village of Vesser, I spotted the sign on the right. So, straight in. The establishment was small and cozy – perhaps five tables in total. Three of them were occupied, and the guests were bent over their plates with concentration. When I asked if it tasted good, they nodded in agreement without interrupting their chewing. A good sign. The landlady first brought me a dark, smooth beer from Sonneberg. Shortly thereafter, my food landed on the table: a trout, prepared with garlic for me. The choice of garlic was my own – trout is available here in various variations. Fried game dishes were also on the menu, and the prices were quite reasonable. I devoured the fish with great pleasure and then let it swim in two more beers. With a small "speed bonus," I paid 35 euros in the end – money well spent. Full and content, I set off again. The other guests had already left. Shortly before the end of the village, I met one of them again, we exchanged a few words, and then moved on. After another three kilometers, I finally reached my starting point again: Schmiedefeld am Rennsteig. My bus to Ilmenau was supposed to depart in front of the school – but not for about three-quarters of an hour. But it turned out differently. About ten minutes later, a car stopped next to me. At the wheel was the hiker I had met earlier at the inn. We asked each other about our destinations, me for Ilmenau and him for Suhl, so I decided on the spur of the moment to go with him towards Suhl. He took me directly to the train station in Suhl. 👏👍 Once again, many thanks to him – even though he will probably never read these lines. But one thing this encounter shows very clearly: The people in this region are exceptionally friendly and helpful. At the train station, I had just three minutes until departure. Shortly thereafter, I was already on the train to Erfurt and a little later continued on to Zwötzen. Conclusion: A thoroughly successful day. Nature, good food, friendly people – a hiking day couldn't be better. 👍👍

On Saturday we went hiking in the beautiful Vessertal. From Erfurt we took the train to Rennsteig station. When we got to the top, freshly fallen snow and clear, cold air awaited us. The path led through the forest, slowly downhill. There were few people around, we only met someone in three villages. The path mainly led along small streams. There was sometimes more, sometimes less snow. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we were unable to eat a dumpling in the restaurant. We had to catch the last train. CONCLUSION: A challenging route, not only because of its length, but also because it was always uphill at the end.

Primeval forest path Vessertal - Thuringian Forest ------------------------------ www.thueringer-urwaldpfade.de

Lots of forest along the stream... good paths but unfortunately not enough visibility into the distance... Valley hike!? Refreshment available and in hot weather! Good alternative...

Final in the Thuringian Forest. The name of the path today “Primeval Forest Path” aroused great anticipation in me. The landscape was actually very beautiful and the Vesser river flows wildly through a beautiful mixed forest. However, the route didn't really convince me; it was more of a wide path than a path. However, hiking here had something meditative, because the steady physical movement was transferred to my thoughts, which really began to flow. Do you know that? And no, I'm not a person who hugs trees or goes swimming in the forest. But I love the forest and can gain a lot of energy after spending a few days among the large trees, the fragrant forest floor, the rushing water and the chirping of birds. During the four days in the Thuringian Forest I “come down” well and significantly reduced my stress level. That feels really good after a stressful time!

After we hadn't managed to complete the Vessertal loop in one go due to time and weather conditions, the southern part has been on our list ever since. Today we tackled it as a birthday hike. At the southern tip in Breitenbach we then treated ourselves to a gastronomic break to celebrate the day. Fortunately, the path runs directly through the forest for long stretches, so that we were mostly able to hike in the shade. Completely in the sun today would certainly have been sporty. All in all, it can be said: You can definitely walk the Vessertalweg. In the end, however, it was a bit too unspectacular for me. But since it runs almost entirely on sufficiently wide gravel paths, a second round in the #gravel edition is of course haunting my head. Let's see...don't run away. PS: Happy Birthday my darling!😘🦋

A nice round through the Vessertal. Everywhere you can hear the water splashing through the valley, rocks and tree trunks covered with moss of various types, fragrant forest meadows and dense moist forests. Attention: Behind Breitenbach to the Stutenhaus it is about 3 km uphill.

Thuringian Forest-Vessertal Biosphere Reserve...a very beautiful loop. Starting under overcast skies in Vesser, we headed down the valley along the stream through the natural forest to Breitenbach. We met three cyclists and three hikers. In Breitenbach, we climbed back up the other side of the valley, where we took a break at the Stutenhaus with a delicious meal. From there, we returned to Vesser. A very beautiful loop. You can also stay overnight at the Stutenhaus and from there, you can hike this tour, among others.