Best attractions and places to see around Großbreitenbach are found in the southern Thuringian Slate Mountains, a region characterized by forests and waters. Situated about 600 meters above sea level, Großbreitenbach provides access to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Thuringian Forest and the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. The area is known for its natural features, including the Rennsteig long-distance hiking trail, and cultural sites like the St.-Trinitatis-Kirche. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, engage in outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, and…
Last updated: June 22, 2026
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The simple late baroque functional building was hastily erected in the summer of 1783 to serve as a guest house for Karl August and his hunting party. Building materials were obtained from the ruins of Ilmenau Castle and the surrounding forest. Goethe often spent time here as a guest. The museum's exhibition is well worth seeing because it offers insights into the hunting habits and social life of the Weimar court. You can find further information and opening times here: https://www.ilmenau.de/de/freizeit/museen-und-börsen/museum-jagdhaus-gabelbach/.
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Open again since December '22.
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The Werraquelle is a top excursion destination in the Thuringian Forest, a beautiful restaurant with a large terrace and there is also a petting zoo for children
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You simply have to visit the Werraquelle once. Super seating with good food, drinks are of course also available. Centrally located and easily accessible, there is a lot to see there. It's really worth it.
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At this point I would like to quickly say something about the source: To quote the incomparable humorist Heinz Erhardt (1909 – 1979), who was known to a wide audience for his wordplay and “another poem,” with a short quatrain: "There's certainly a lot of beauty in it, on the element, the wet. Because you can drink the water. But you can leave it alone." (H.Erhardt)
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The region around Großbreitenbach is rich in natural beauty, being part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Thuringian Forest and the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. You can visit the Werra Spring Fehrenbach, one of the sources of the Werra river, which features a hut offering Thuringian delicacies. Another significant natural monument is the Werra Spring (Upper Werra Spring), known for its unique leaning tower with a viewing platform. The wildly romantic Schwarzatal (Schwarzatal Valley) is also directly adjacent, offering further opportunities for exploration.
Yes, Großbreitenbach is an excellent starting point for hikers, especially with its proximity to the famous Rennsteig long-distance hiking trail. You can find numerous routes, including easy hikes like the 'Bad Hundertpfund Holiday Village – Dianahütte loop' or the 'Andrea Henkel Biathlon Center – Böhlener Mühle loop'. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Großbreitenbach guide.
The Ilm-Rennsteig Cycle Path passes through Großbreitenbach, and e-bike rentals are available at the Tourist Information. For those interested in gravel biking, routes like the 'Werra Spring Fehrenbach – Werra Spring Hut loop' offer scenic rides. You can discover more options in the Gravel biking around Großbreitenbach guide.
For magnificent vistas, visit the Rennsteigwarte on Eselsberg, which also has dining options nearby. Another excellent spot is the Meuselbacher Kuppe Observation Tower and Guesthouse, offering a superb panoramic view and a cozy restaurant. The Biathlonzentrum "Andrea Henkel" also provides a wonderful view of the Rennsteig, Haubegipfel, and Lange Berg region.
Großbreitenbach offers several historical and cultural sites. The St.-Trinitatis-Kirche is notable as the largest timber-framed church in Thuringia. You can also see Der Alte Turm (The Old Tower), a remnant of the former St. Johannis Church and the oldest building in town. The Thüringer Wald Kreativmuseum, housed in a building from 1730, showcases the region's history and craftsmanship, including the first German dumpling press museum.
Absolutely. Großbreitenbach has a rich tradition in the "Olitätenwesen," focusing on the production of medicinal herbs. This tradition is celebrated annually with the Kram- und Kräutermarkt (Market and Herb Market), where regional herbal products are offered. You can also participate in herbal seminars and guided herb walks. The Thüringer Wald Kreativmuseum also provides insights into the region's craftsmanship.
Families can enjoy the Großbreitenbach Public Swimming Pool, which is the largest public swimming pool in the Ilm-Kreis district, featuring a 4000 sq m water surface and a beach volleyball court. Many of the natural attractions, such as the Werra Spring Fehrenbach and the Werra Spring (Upper Werra Spring), are also considered family-friendly.
Yes, the area around the Werra Spring (Upper Werra Spring) is designed with accessibility in mind. Its unique leaning tower with a viewing platform can be reached via an inclined plane, making it accessible without steps. Additionally, the hiking area around the Eselsberg, near the Rennsteigwarte, includes a circular route specifically signposted as suitable for disabled people.
Consider a visit to the Museum Jagdhaus Gabelbach, a former hunting lodge built in 1783, where Goethe was a frequent guest. It offers insights into the hunting habits and social life of the Weimar court. Another interesting stop is the Böhlener Mühle, a historic mill with a stone grinding mechanism and an overshot waterwheel.
Near Großbreitenbach, you'll find the Biathlonzentrum "Andrea Henkel". In winter, cross-country ski trails are groomed around the center, offering excellent opportunities for winter sports enthusiasts. The center also provides wonderful views of the surrounding landscape.
Visitors frequently praise the magnificent views from observation points like the Rennsteigwarte on Eselsberg and the Meuselbacher Kuppe Observation Tower. The inviting huts at the Werra Springs, offering Thuringian delicacies and a pleasant atmosphere, are also highly appreciated. The natural beauty and the well-maintained hiking trails are consistently highlighted as major draws.
Großbreitenbach hosts various events throughout the year, adding to its cultural vibrancy. A notable event is the annual Kram- und Kräutermarkt (Market and Herb Market), which celebrates the local "Olitätenwesen" tradition of medicinal herb production. During this event, the Thuringian Olitätenmajestät (Herb Majesty) is crowned, and regional herbal products and traditional crafts are offered.


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