Schleusingerneundorf: Forest Meadow and Circular Hiking Trail

Schleusingerneundorf is in the southern part of the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. Both offer concrete points of reference for planning: a forest meadow with a place to rest and a circular route with several named sections.

Gerswiese Meadow and Circular Hiking Trail

The Gerswiese, also called Gerschwiese, is a natural forest meadow. You can take a break at its hiking hut. The circular hiking trail’s name uses the variant “Gerschwiese,” so this landmark can also be found in the trail’s name.

The Gerschwiese–Fünfmännerweg–Wegspinne circular hiking trail passes through the Gerswiese, along the Hoher Stieg, the Fünfmännerweg and the I-Linie (Wegspinne). A forest path then leads back to Schleusingerneundorf. As a circular route, it therefore comprises several named sections and the return leg; the Gerswiese is part of the route, not the entire route. Check current information about the trail before setting out.

For planning, it is helpful to distinguish between a resting spot and a hike: the Gerswiese refers to a specific place to take a break, while the circular trail includes other sections and the return leg. This can help you decide whether to consider the meadow as your destination or the entire loop as part of your stay.

Bus services from Suhl, Schleusingen and Hinternah are one option for travelling to Schleusingerneundorf. Check the current timetables for your travel date before planning your journey around them.

Culture in the wider destination of Schleusingen

In the wider destination of Schleusingen, Bertholdsburg Castle is a cultural attraction in its own right. Flanked by four towers, this magnificent Renaissance building features ornate portals and was the seat of the Counts of Henneberg until 1583. Today, the castle houses the Natural History Museum.

The Natural History Museum uses three large exhibitions to showcase nearly 2,000 m² of space in the castle’s east, north and west wings. Highlights include 5- to 6-metre-long skeletons of dinosaurs from southern Thuringia. As the exhibits on display may change, check the latest visitor information before your visit.

In the centre of Schleusingen lies the market square, lined with lime trees. It is adorned by a market fountain dating from 1710, with a statue of Countess Elisabeth of Henneberg. This adds a distinct point of interest in the town centre to complement the castle.

Held annually on the second-to-last weekend before the summer holidays, the Abitaufe is a highlight of Schleusingen’s town festival. Graduates of Hennebergisches Gymnasium “Georg Ernst” are pulled through town in brightly decorated handcarts and then ceremonially “baptised” after Countess Elisabeth on the market fountain has veiled her face. Because the date is set in relation to the summer holidays, check the calendar for the relevant year when planning.

For planning, you can weigh these options separately: hiking in Schleusingerneundorf or the castle, museum and town attractions in the wider destination of Schleusingen.

Discover more destinations: Bischofrod, Masserberg, Suhl, Themar, Goldlauter, Ehrenberg, Ummerstadt, Biberschlag

To the wider travel overview: Hildburghausen-Suhl.