Circular hike - 3 peaks, 3 inns - Manebach - Thuringian Forest

The region around the upper Ilm valley has a very special reputation in the Thuringian Forest. The deeply cut valley between Stützerbach and Ilmenau offers not only a special hiking atmosphere but is also very well developed gastronomically. Not only the inn "Zum Reifberg" made the famous potato dumplings with fries world-famous, but also one of the best steakhouses in Thuringia is located in the Ilm valley.

The idyllic circular hike leads along the western heights from Schöffenhaus up above Manebach to the Hohe Warte near Elgersburg and back through the Mönchhof in the middle of the forest. On the nearly 10 km long route, you circle the 3 peaks of Heidelberg, Rumpelsberg, and Bundschildskopf.

Along the Manebach cliff, the route leads you first to the shelter at the Steiger. There, you leave the Rennsteig ladder and follow the Kirsthüttenweg to the Hohe Warte. From the 1911 inaugurated Carl-Eduard-Warte observation tower, you have a fantastic view towards Elgersburg and the Thuringian Basin. In the inn right next door, the hungry hiker’s heart beats faster. Not only the excellent Thuringian cuisine is remarkable but also the very cozy atmosphere. For larger groups, the legendary knight’s feast is offered upon reservation.

Refreshed, you go parallel to Salzmannstraße through the forest up to the Mönchhof. In the historic inn, built on the foundations of an old chapel, you can even stay overnight. The gastronomic offers range from classic Thuringian dumplings to fresh seasonal game in the autumn – a culinary revelation. On weekends, it is advisable to reserve by phone as the excursion destination is well known far beyond the region.

Let your soul dangle as you leave Mönchhof behind. The next destination, the Echo Meadow, lives up to its name. The fitting lines from the famous Rennsteig song by Herbert Roth read here:
"I yodel joyfully into the valley, the echo brings it back."
... indeed, the acoustics alongside the view toward the central Thuringian Forest are breathtaking.

Around Bundschildskopf and past Emmasstein, you reach the Marien Spring as the last hiking highlight. Its name goes back to the dedicated wife of a former spa director in Elgersburg.

The last kilometers lead the hiker on the backside of Heidelberg back to Schöffenhaus. The descent is slightly steep in the last meters but no challenge with the right footwear. The forest inn above Manebach is a popular destination for hiking groups and offers rustic overnight stays in Finnish huts. Especially in the winter months, a real experience.