Circular hiking route - Three Rocks Path - Zella-Mehlis - Thuringian Forest

The starting point is at the Sportplatz Alte Straße - here you can also park your vehicle in the public parking lot.

At Stachelsrain, you pass the "Hans Renner" ski jump facility and then follow the nature trail for about 1.5 km. Watch for the junction on the right; it is a path that leads over the next 2.5 km to three rock formations that, once climbed, offer magnificent views over the Zella-Mehlis basin and the Thuringian Forest reaching up to the Rhön Mountains.

At Heinrichsbacher Stein (750 m), you can try climbing routes ranging from difficulty level 3 to 9, a paradise for climbing enthusiasts!

It is interesting to know that the brave mountaineers from Zella-Mehlis used this 18-meter-high wall even before the Second World War to prepare for alpine mountain tours.

The path continues to a distinctive junction. A lovingly carved bench invites you to take a short break and enjoy the view. Here you can relax and absorb the sounds of the forest.

After this relaxing rest and a bit further along the path, you reach the "Kaltenbrunner Stein" (849 m). The view from this rock is somewhat limited because it lies hidden in dense forest. The surrounding trees and the gentle light filtering through the leaves give this place a mysterious atmosphere. A mystical feeling spreads as you perceive the beauty of the forest around you.

After about 200 meters, you turn left at the Rennsteig – Dolmar – path and shortly after right to reach the "Gebrannter Stein" (897 m). Here the view opens in all directions – from the legendary Rennsteig to the "High Rhön". The path now winds along the ridge and after a short descent you reach the Rennsteig – Dolmar – path again.

And now comes the comfortable part: at the rustic Bergbaude Veilchenbrunnen, you can refresh yourself and reflect on the experiences of the hike.

The path leads back to the starting point via the Dammwiese.