Hainich National Park Overview

Although Germans are no strangers to the well-worn paths of the Thüringer Wald, most are unfamiliar with the richly forested northwestern corner of the woods that is the Hainich National Park, which became Germany’s 13th national park in 1997. From the moment you venture inside, the rest of the world couldn’t seem farther away. Towering beeches shelter wildcats, bats, and wild boars, and cast a rich green light over the forest floor.

• Transportation

FROM MÜHLHAUSEN, AND EISENACH. From the Mühlhausen bus and train stations, take bus #152 to “Kammerforst, Eichsf.-Str.” (30min.). Bus #30 leaves from Eisenach’s bus station, stops at “Berka ...more

• Practical Information

National Park Information Centers: The principal office is located in Bad Langensalza; it is the best source for information on tours and transportation. Maps can also be found at the tourist offices in ...more

• Accommodations And Food

Camping is prohibited within the park, but there is a facility on the outskirts in Weberstedt. Your best bet is to stay in a nearby town and take daytrips—the park center in Bad Langensalza can refer ...more

• Hiking

Seventeen well-groomed trails innervate Hainich, ranging from short 2-3km jaunts to the formidable 42km Waagebalkenweg. Trail maps, available at park information centers, make mixing and matching easy ...more