4.6
(5430)
18,782
hikers
107
hikes
Hiking around Lauscha offers diverse landscapes within the Thuringian Forest, characterized by scenic hills and lush woodlands. The region features trails that lead through picturesque valleys like Schwarzatal and into the Thuringian Slate Mountains. This varied terrain provides a backdrop for numerous hiking routes, from gentle paths to more challenging ascents.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
4.2
(21)
69
hikers
18.0km
05:03
240m
490m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(20)
75
hikers
5.95km
01:46
170m
170m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.6
(11)
39
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(10)
61
hikers
6.30km
01:43
90m
90m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(14)
46
hikers
8.51km
02:30
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
It's an extraordinary feeling to walk on the sleepers between the rails!
0
1
A lovely spot to relax and have a picnic. Fresh water is also available for refreshment.
0
0
Around the fountain there are numerous seating options for a rest with a larger hiking group.
0
0
The wire frame gives a good impression of the size of the "traditional costumes". Even though they weren't very heavy, try to imagine walking 20 km with such a huge package in all kinds of weather.
4
2
The 6-meter-high walk-in Christmas bauble at Hüttenplatz in Lauscha is part of a major project by the Christmas Village on the Rennsteig®. Seven illuminated figures bring the authentic history of glassblowing and toy making to life. The red bauble, composed of many individual parts, has a honeycomb-like structure, an open design, and will feature a column of light as its central element. A so-called "master bauble" will be installed on top. This is the Christmas Village on the Rennsteig® motif, which is already featured on postcards, posters, and other materials, thus ensuring brand recognition. The 14.5-ton structure was erected in December 2023. https://www.thueringer-wald.com/w/aufbauarbeiten-begehbare-glaskugel-lauscha
1
0
The current, impressive station building was constructed between 1912 and 1914. Since December 15, 2002, the Süd-Thüringen-Bahn (South Thuringian Railway) has served Lauscha station hourly with Regio-Shuttle light rail vehicles, each with 71 seats and 77 standing places, on the line from Sonneberg via Lauscha and Ernstthal am Rennsteig to Neuhaus am Rennweg. From December 13, 2020, the line has been designated RB 41. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahnhof_Lauscha_(Th%C3%BCr)
0
0
The sculpture by Sonneberg artist Hans-Jürgen Gögel was installed on the Glassblowers' Trail in 2017. With the invention of glass Christmas tree decorations in the mid-19th century, the shortest route from Lauscha to Sonneberg and back became vitally important for Lauscha's glassblowers. It was usually the glassblowers' wives who had to carry the huge baskets the 15 km long way, regardless of wind and weather.
10
2
It depicts a woman on her way in her traditional costume.
1
2
There are over 100 hiking trails around Lauscha, offering a wide range of options for all skill levels. This includes 55 easy routes, 48 moderate, and 4 more challenging paths, ensuring there's something for everyone to explore in the Thuringian Forest.
Yes, Lauscha offers over 50 easy hiking routes suitable for families. The Felsenhäusle Viewpoint loop is an easy option with expansive views over the town. For a unique family experience, the Märchenwald Hiking Trail (Fairytale Forest Hiking Trail) is a short circular path featuring charming fairytale figures.
Absolutely. Many trails in Lauscha are designed as loops. Popular circular options include the easy Felsenhäusle Viewpoint loop, offering great views, and the Finstergrund Viaduct loop, which takes you around the impressive viaduct. The Märchenwald Hiking Trail is also a short, family-friendly circular path.
Lauscha is nestled in the Thuringian Forest, so you can expect scenic hills and lush woodlands. Trails often lead through picturesque valleys like Schwarzatal, featuring diverse scenery including the Scheibe-Alsbach dam and the Schwarza spring. You can also explore routes that venture into the Thuringian Slate Mountains, offering varied terrain and historic paths.
Yes, Lauscha offers several rewarding viewpoints and attractions. The Felsenhäusle Viewpoint provides expansive views over Lauscha. You can also discover natural monuments like Fellberg and the Meurasteine Rock Formation. The Scheibe-Alsbach Reservoir is another beautiful spot to visit.
The region's landscape transforms beautifully with the seasons. Spring offers vibrant colors with flowering meadows, and autumn brings colorful foliage, making these periods particularly enjoyable for hiking due to mild temperatures. While summer is also popular, these shoulder seasons provide a unique charm.
Yes, portions of the Rennsteig, one of Germany's oldest and most famous long-distance hiking trails, are accessible from Lauscha. This trail spans over 170 kilometers along the ridge of the Thuringian Forest and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
The hiking trails around Lauscha are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 290 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse landscapes, the well-maintained paths, and the unique blend of natural beauty with cultural insights, such as the traditional glassmaking heritage.
Definitely. The Lauschaer Glasbläserpfad is a challenging route that offers insights into the region's traditional glassmaking heritage. Additionally, historic paths like the Totenweg (Dead Man's Path) through the Thuringian Slate Mountains, used by glassmakers in the 17th century, provide a glimpse into the area's past.
Yes, Lauscha offers 48 moderate hiking routes. A good example is the Viewpoint Pump – Bockstein – View of Lauscha loop, which covers about 8.5 km and includes some elevation gain, providing a satisfying challenge and rewarding views.
While specific cafes directly on every trail are not listed, many routes, especially those originating from Lauscha or nearby villages, will have access to local establishments. For example, the Bergmannsklause Garden and Guesthouse loop starts near a guesthouse, suggesting options for refreshments or a meal after your hike.
Beyond traditional hiking, the Glass Hiking Trail (Glaswanderweg) offers a unique experience, winding through Lauscha and providing insight into the centuries-old craft of glassmaking. This trail combines natural beauty with cultural immersion, making it a distinctive choice.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.