Möhrenbach: Hiking, Cycling and Local History

Möhrenbach combines outdoor activities with local history. In its tranquil surroundings, easy hiking routes and flat cycling paths invite visitors to explore year-round. Other highlights include the centrally located Pferdeteich, an old half-timbered house and several historic memorial sites.

Hiking, Cycling and Route Guidance

When hiking, the emphasis is on the easy nature of the routes; when cycling, it is on the flat terrain. Both options are available year-round. This lets you plan your day around your preferred activity without conflating the different characteristics of the routes.

Near Möhrenbach, the circular route “Möhrenbach to the Langen Berg and Back” first follows the Ilm-Rennsteig cycle path in the direction of Gehren, then continues along the “Wurzelkurtpfad.” It is marked with a yellow bar on a white background. Conditions may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

Another point of reference is the Linke-Greiner-Hütte at the front of the Schmiedehaupt. It can be reached via the Gykelberg, passing the war memorial. So, in addition to the named circular route, there is a specific route description for reaching this hut.

Pferdeteich and Architectural History

The Pferdeteich, centrally located in Möhrenbach, is sometimes also called Schwanenteich. It is more than 100 years old and was originally an unfortified natural pond. Its name probably comes from the watering of horses kept for agricultural work. The horses enabled traders to climb the neighboring mountains with their goods and belongings. The possible origin of the name thus links the pond to its former use and to the movement of goods in the area.

Another aspect of local history can be seen in the “Pochwerk” in the upper Porzel: it is Möhrenbach’s oldest little house. This traditionally built half-timbered house, with its small wood-paneled room, was built in 1606. Its construction date, half-timbering and wood-paneled room each offer a distinct historical reference: the year establishes its place in time, while the building features describe its construction.

Bell and Memorial Sites

From 1919 to 1936, the steel bell rang from the bell tower for the people of Möhrenbach. It was later dedicated as a memorial at the front of the Gansleitkuppe. Its history therefore encompasses both its earlier role as the village bell and its later dedication as a memorial.

The war memorial at Hühnerstein on the Gykelberg was dedicated in 1935, near the “Eiche,” on the occasion of the local heritage festival. It commemorates the people of Möhrenbach who fell in the First World War. An ivy-covered gravestone can still be found in the Möhrenbach cemetery.

In the neighboring Wohlrosetal, a small information plaque and memorial stone at the site of the murder commemorate forester Albin Walther. A poacher from Friedersdorf shot Walther on September 5, 1909. On the morning of September 6, he died in Möhrenbach, seriously injured and having lost a great deal of blood. The memorial site lies between Wohlrosetalstraße, near the Ratsmühle, and the “Leidchen” on the Gykelberg.

Ilmenau as a Broader Travel Destination

The broader travel destination of Ilmenau offers additional scenic attractions. Kickelhahn, Ilmenau’s local mountain, is 861 meters high; its 21-meter observation tower is one of the city’s landmarks. The 20-kilometer Goethewanderweg connects places associated with Goethe, from Ilmenau to Stützerbach. At Trailpark Lindenberg, three different trails invite visitors to go mountain biking. Check current local information before setting out, as facilities may change.

Numerous ski and winter hiking trails run from Ilmenau to the Rennsteig, as well as from Auerhahn to Kickelhahn. Snow and trail conditions vary, and availability is not guaranteed. These destinations and conditions are part of Ilmenau; Möhrenbach’s own points of interest remain its quiet paths, the Pferdeteich and the memorial sites described above.

Discover more destinations: Wachsenburggemeinde, Plaue, Großliebringen, Altenfeld, Gräfenroda, Schmiedefeld Am Rennsteig, Elgersburg, Geschwenda.

View the broader travel overview: Ilm-Kreis.