Circular route Geo-trail Zechstein Reef Pinsenberg - Thuringian Forest

Parking lot Town and Castle Ranis - Wisent Open-Air Enclosure - (Devil's Pulpit - Hertha Cave) - Krölpa - Pinsenberg - Buchenberg "Green Classroom" - Hausberg - Castle district Brandenstein - Brandenstein Pond - Pfaffensteig - Parking lot Town and Castle Ranis

Note the typical dangers of the forest!

Walking is at your own risk!

We wish you a relaxing and exciting hike!

Coming from the A9 you can reach Krölpa or Ranis via exit 26 Triptis.

Continue on B281 past Neustadt an der Orla and Pößneck to Krölpa.

At the hiking start in Ranis, drive from Pößneck further on Raniser Straße to the destination.

Coming from the A4, take exit 53-Jena-Göschwitz and drive on B88 towards Kahla.

Then drive through Kahla to Zeutsch on L1107. On K204 via Hütten, Herschdorf, and Tannroda you arrive directly at the start in Krölpa or continue on L2367 to Ranis for the start of the circular hike.

Starting in Krölpa - by train to Krölpa-Ranis station (line RB22 or RE12) or bus (line SEV)

Starting in Ranis - by bus to the stop Ranis, Under the Castle (lines 965 or 966)

Tip: For planning your train trip, use the DB Navigator of Deutsche Bahn to the destination station Krölpa-Ranis (DB Navigator).

At both starting points, there are sufficient parking spaces for cars.

The path is well suited for families with children, but only partially paved and therefore only limitedly usable for strollers or wheelchairs.

Further information can be found at:

Geopark Schieferland - Geo-adventure trail Zechstein Reef Pinsenberg

A clockwise hike is recommended.

Complementing the hike, a visit to the permanent exhibition "Geology and Mining of the Orla Valley" and "View into the Ice Age" at the Museum Castle Ranis is suggested.

The Café Ilse in Ranis is directly on the route and invites you to linger with homemade ice cream and delicious cakes.

Alternatively, the "Snack Ranis" at the castle parking lot can be used for a refreshment.