The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz"
4.6
(1688)
7,290
hikers
704
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" offer diverse landscapes shaped by past military use and current sheep grazing. This 183-hectare nature reserve, integrated into the European Natura 2000 network, features a variety of habitats including lean grasslands, calcareous grasslands, shrubs, orchards, and smaller forest areas. Hikers can explore the floodplain of the Hollenbacher Steingraben and numerous small water bodies, providing varied scenery and ecological zones. The interconnected network of these habitats forms the basis for rich biodiversity, making…
Last updated: May 13, 2026
4.8
(51)
151
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
40
hikers
5.94km
01:35
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
4.1
(11)
33
hikers
5.64km
01:30
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
22
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(6)
28
hikers
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
Tips from the Community
Planted in 1992 by forester Pippert, the small sequoia has already shot up considerably
0
0
Avoid in autumn
0
0
The Wendel Hut in the Unstrut-Hainich district offers a comfortable place to rest.
0
0
a beautiful place to rest
0
0
One of several new shelters has been built in the forest here. It's really beautifully done and the location is perfect. You can relax here and enjoy the view of the forest and meadow. Before, there was only a small wooden bench here, which can be seen in the first picture.
0
0
A place steeped in history....
1
0
In July 1934, the Thiel brothers, a watch and detonator manufacturer from Ruhla, acquired a 22-hectare plot of land in the Mühlhausen city forest in northern Thuringia to expand production and accept further armaments orders. After completion, the newly founded company "Gerätebau GmbH", a subsidiary of the Thiel brothers GmbH, began producing detonators in December 1937. As early as the end of 1940, Gerätebau GmbH was planning to use concentration camp prisoners, but this was not yet feasible due to a lack of accommodation options. From 1942 onwards, both the conscription of German specialists and special forces for military service and the expansion of the armaments industry throughout the Reich led to the increased use of Eastern European and Russian forced laborers, who were housed in the B camp of Gerätebau GmbH in the city forest. Up to 696 female, Jewish prisoners between the ages of 15 and 33 were forced to work there. To distinguish the camp inmates from the foreign workers, they were marked with red paint on their backs. Four years later, the company again applied for the allocation of concentration camp prisoners and the hiring of guards. On September 3, 1944, 300 predominantly Polish and Hungarian Jewish women from Buchenwald arrived at the Mühlhausen II subcamp (code name Martha II). Two days later, eight female guards from the Ravensbrück concentration camp arrived, reinforced by 15 more on September 19. In October 1944, another 200 women from the Auschwitz concentration camp arrived at the subcamp. In 1947, the Soviet occupying forces blew up the factory halls and prisoner barracks. Remains of the production hall foundations can still be seen today. (Source: Wikipedia)
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz"?
Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" offers a wide selection of routes suitable for families, with over 700 hiking trails in total. More than 400 of these are rated as easy, making them perfect for outings with children.
What kind of natural features can we expect to see on family hikes in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz"?
The reserve boasts a diverse landscape, perfect for curious young explorers. You'll encounter lean and calcareous grasslands, scattered orchards, small forest areas, and numerous small water bodies. The floodplain of the Hollenbacher Steingraben also adds to the varied scenery, offering a rich environment for observing nature.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, many of the family-friendly trails are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the easy Günther Eiche – Schäfersbrunnen Rest Area loop from Dörnaer Platz is a great option, covering about 5.9 km.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the family trails here?
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz", with an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,600 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse natural landscapes, the peaceful atmosphere, and the well-maintained paths that make it enjoyable for all ages.
Are there any trails with playgrounds or picnic areas?
Absolutely! Some routes are designed with family amenities in mind. Consider the moderate Covered Picnic Shelter – Playground With Barbecue Area loop from Dörnaer Platz, which includes a playground and barbecue area, perfect for a family break.
Is Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" suitable for hiking with a stroller?
While many trails are generally accessible, the terrain in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" can vary, including grasslands and forest paths. For stroller-friendly options, we recommend choosing the easier, shorter routes and checking the route details for surface information to ensure suitability for your specific stroller type.
Can I bring my dog on the family hikes?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the hiking trails in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz". However, as it is a nature reserve, please ensure your dog is kept on a leash to protect wildlife and respect other visitors. Always carry bags to clean up after your pet.
What is the best time of year to visit for family hiking?
The reserve offers unique beauty throughout the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for longer days and warmer weather, though shaded forest sections provide relief. Consider visiting during spring or early autumn for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
Are there any easy, shorter routes for families with very young children?
Yes, for families with very young children or those looking for a shorter stroll, the White House Forest Inn – Wendel Hut loop from Dörnaer Platz is an easy option, approximately 5.6 km long and taking about 1.5 hours.
Where can we park when visiting Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" for a hike?
Parking availability can vary depending on your chosen starting point. Many trailheads and popular access points around Dörnaer Platz offer designated parking areas. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for parking information related to your chosen family hike.
Are there opportunities for wildlife spotting in the reserve?
Absolutely. The diverse habitats, including grasslands, forests, and small water bodies, support a rich variety of species. Keep an eye out for birds, insects, and small mammals. The area's past as a military training ground and current sheep grazing have created unique ecological niches that foster biodiversity.
Most popular routes in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz"
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Hikes in other regions.
