Best mountain peaks around Plaue are found in the picturesque Thuringian Forest, offering access to several notable elevated points and the prominent Reinsberge mountain range. This area is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and unique geological formations, primarily Muschelkalk. The region provides diverse microclimates and rich vegetation, including various orchid species and juniper bushes. These features make the area a significant natural landmark for exploration.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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September 25... Unfortunately still closed.
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From the 33-meter-high observation tower, in clear weather, you can enjoy excellent views of the Schneekopf with Gehlberg, the Inselsberg, Oberhof, Gotha and Erfurt, the Ettersberg near Weimar, Ilmenau, as well as the surrounding towns of Geschwenda, Geraberg, and Elgersburg with the "Zahme Gera" and "Reichenbachtal" motorway bridges. There is also a restaurant with a beer garden at the summit, where tickets for the tower climb are also sold.
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In addition to the beautiful view, the tower and the restaurant there invite you to linger.
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Open it would have been even nicer, start of the IXS descent
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Unfortunately not always open.
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A very nice and beautifully located excursion restaurant with super nice staff and great kitchen. There are also vegan dishes. We even stopped in twice during our snow shoe tour 😊 The fireplace was on 🔥 it was very cozy.. Very nice highlights all around...❄❄❄
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The Kickelhahn is a historic tower above Ilmenau, when the weather is nice you have a wonderful view of the Schneekopf, the same mountains and the Blessberg
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Very good seasonal cuisine, right at the starting point of the official IXS downhill route from Ilmenau.
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The most prominent elevated areas around Plaue are found within the Reinsberge mountain range, located directly east of the town. This range includes significant points like Kanzel (The Pulpit), known for its panoramic views, Reinsburg with its castle ruins, and Halskappe, the highest point in the range. Additionally, the hill leading to Gleichenstein Castle offers historical interest and scenic vistas.
The Reinsberge are characterized by their unique geology, primarily Muschelkalk (shell limestone) formations. These have created partly very steep rock faces and deeply incised valleys, contributing to a diverse microclimate. You can observe a rich variety of plant life, including various orchid species, silver thistles, and juniper bushes, making it a fascinating area for nature exploration.
Yes, several spots offer excellent panoramic views. Kanzel (The Pulpit) within the Reinsberge is a well-known viewpoint providing extensive vistas of the Wachsenburg area, the Gosseler Plateau, and the Thuringian Mountains. The climb to Gleichenstein Castle also rewards visitors with breathtaking views over the valley. For another perspective, consider the Carl-Eduard Tower on Hohe Warte, which offers a beautiful outlook.
The region combines natural beauty with historical significance. On Reinsburg, the second-highest elevation in the Reinsberge, you can find the ruins of a castle. Furthermore, a demanding but rewarding hike leads to Gleichenstein Castle, a historic site situated on a significant elevation that offers compelling views.
Yes, there are options suitable for families. While some ascents can be demanding, many trails in the Reinsberge cater to various fitness levels. For example, the ascent to Kanzel from Plaue takes approximately 40 minutes and is part of the Art Hiking Trail, making it an accessible and rewarding hike for many. Highlights like the Bobhütte Mountain Inn on Lindenberg are also categorized as family-friendly and offer great views.
The area around Plaue offers a diverse network of hiking trails. The Reinsberge feature numerous paths, including sections of the long-distance "Bach to Goethe" trail and the "Art Hiking Trail" near Kleinbreitenbach. These trails lead to points like Kanzel and vary in difficulty from moderate to more demanding climbs. You can find more details on specific routes in the Hiking around Plaue guide.
Absolutely. For those seeking less strenuous options, there are several easy hiking routes available. These trails allow you to experience the beautiful mountain scenery without significant challenges. You can explore a selection of these routes in the Easy hikes around Plaue guide.
The highest point within the Reinsberge mountain range is the Halskappe, which reaches an elevation of 605.4 meters above NHN (Normalhöhennull). It is part of the Heydaer Berg and is a significant landmark for hikers aiming to conquer the highest elevations in the area.
Visitors frequently praise the exceptional panoramic views, especially from spots like Kanzel and Gleichenstein Castle. The diverse hiking opportunities, ranging from moderate to challenging, are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the unique geology and rich biodiversity, including rare orchid species. The historical elements, such as the castle ruins on Reinsburg, add another layer of interest to the natural beauty.
Yes, the region around Plaue also offers opportunities for mountain biking. There are various MTB trails that allow you to explore the forested hills and elevated areas. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, you can refer to the MTB Trails around Plaue guide.
The area is beautiful throughout the year, but spring and autumn are particularly recommended for hiking. In spring, you can witness colorful flower meadows and lush greenery, while autumn offers stunning golden foliage. These seasons generally provide pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities and showcase the region's natural splendor.


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