Hike - Rennsteig - Stage 6 - From Friedrichshöhe to Spechtsbrunn

You start this stage at one of the most idyllic places on the Rennsteig. Friedrichshöhe, with its handful of small slate-roofed houses, already suggests that the region famous for its blue gold is not far. Not only in winter there is lively activity on the skis, but in summer the open mountain meadow on Rennsteigstraße is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists. 

The Rennsteig leads here steadily westwards and runs parallel for the next kilometers to the Panorama Trail Schwarzatal and the Werra Castles Trail. Past Siegmundsburg, you soon reach the small village of Limbach. Above all, the ice cream café is a real recommendation and promises a welcome refreshment, especially on hot summer days. Past the toboggan run with the Greiner tomb, it continues to Steinheid. You do not pass through the town but follow our high-altitude trail northeast to the Steinheider Hut and further towards Neuhaus am Rennweg.

You reach the district of Bernhardsthal directly at the Rennsteig lodge. About halfway through the stage, it is a great place for a lunch break. In addition, at the forest stage, there is a natural swimming lake as well as a playground and volleyball court, so if you want to take off your hiking boots briefly, there are many opportunities here to relax or simply let your soul dangle before continuing.

Over the Herrnberg, the Rennsteig finally leads to Neuhaus am Rennweg. At 832 m, Thuringia's highest train station is located here. Today the South Thuringia Railway runs here hourly. Since 2017, Neuhaus is a very special highlight. The Boutique Hotel Schieferhof is one of the best houses on the Rennsteig and offers not only the most modern overnight accommodations but also a top-class restaurant. Anyone wanting to come at lunchtime must bring a few more people and give prior notice. The restaurant is open from 6 p.m.

Past the Geisslerhaus Museum it goes back towards the forest. Recommended at this point is the Restaurant "Am Waldesrand". It is located not far from the hiking trail at a quiet allotment garden.

Along the forest edge, the Rennsteig takes you to Ernstthal. Once the railway line ran from here on a winding route through the dense forests towards Bock and Teich, further via Gräfenthal and to Probstzella. Today the train changes its direction here for the route to Lauscha and Steinach.

Past Ernstthal, the stage leads on the last section up to the Frankenwaldblick, the Triniusblick, and then on to the Berggasthof Brand. Particularly noteworthy are the Finnish huts that can be rented freely, both in summer and winter. The restaurant is also recommended.

Over the red mountain, you soon reach the stage destination Spechtsbrunn. Anyone wanting to stay overnight here is recommended the Guesthouse and pension "Am Rennsteig". With a cozy inn and guest rooms, every tired hiker will find peace here. You can easily make reservations online.