Hiking the Rennsteig Trail

Hiking on Germany’s most famous scenic trail with the Rennsteigverein

Right in the heart of Germany there’s a historic 100-mile trail running over the ridge of the Thüringer Wald hills. Known and often described since the middle ages, the Rennsteig was discovered as a hikers’ el-dorado in the 19^th century. In 1896, Rennsteig enthusiasts founded the Rennsteigverein in order to cherish and promote the traditions of Rennsteig hiking.

As a result of World War II, Rennsteigverein activities were banned in Communist East Germany and both ends of the trail were closed for all hiking since they were part of the East German no-go border zone. However, even in those days part of the Rennsteig hiking tradition survived in East Germany on the central part of the trail and the Rennsteigverein remained active in West Germany where the trail cut across some miles of Bavarian territory. With the downfall of the border in 1989/90, the whole length was re-opened for the public and local Rennsteigverein branches were re-established all along the trail. Today, the club has about 1,500 members.

A guided 6-day end-to-end walk along the 168,3 km distance is offered by the Rennsteigverein at least twice a year. There is no heavy backpacking, all the hiking group baggage will be transported from inn-to-inn so only a light day-pack is required. This traditional hike is called “Runst” (a funny neologism once formed from “running”, with the “u” vowel pronounced like the double-o in “foot” or “good”).

It starts in the village of Hoerschel on the Werra river near Eisenach in Thuringia, where each hiker picks up a pebble from the river bank to carry it for six days over the hills to Blankenstein on the Saale river, there to give it back to the water. Every second year the Runst will start at Blankenstein, however, so the Werra river banks won’t run short of pebbles. There are some more humorous traditional ceremonies, e.g. the “runner’s accolade” at some prominent point of the trail, where every “freshman” will be given an individual “runner’s name”, thus becoming member of the noble class of Rennsteig runners, and the exclusive Rennsteigverein runner’s badge, known as the mother of all German hiker’s badges.

In addition to this traditional 6-day Runst, numerous smaller hiking activities are being organized by the Rennsteigverein, as well as one really king-size hiking event: The 300-km 10-day “Rheinrunst” that starts on Mt. Inselsberg (916 m above sea level) near Eisenach in Thuringia and follows historic trails to Engers near Neuwied on the Rhine river.

If you should be interested in more information about our activities, please contact us by e-mail. Gut Runst! (i.e., „have a pleasant walk!“)