Circular hiking route – "City and countryside route" – Ohrdruf - Thuringian Forest

The start is the parking lot at Ehrenstein Castle. After crossing the Ohrabrücke, you have to decide whether to choose the direction toward the Market Square or the City Park. We now choose the direction toward the Market Square. It can be reached via the newly reconstructed Katz Staircase. The market is dominated by the Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) town hall. The square is lined with impressive and mostly lovingly restored farmer's houses. In 1753 and 1808 there were major city fires causing severe damage. On many houses around the market, the construction year 1808 is therefore indicated. Passing the Shoemaker Fountain, you reach St. Trinitatis Church. The bus station is located there. At this point, you can also start the loop in both directions. Via Waldstraße you reach the White Path, which leads to Castle Hill. It separates a pasture landscape and a species-rich mixed forest. A special feature is the Kuhhalter Meadow nature monument. From there you move through a mixed forest of mighty spruces, beeches, and larches. With some luck, the black woodpecker can also be observed in this area. The Forest Guesthouse Scherershütte is not far away. The Staff Bushes give pleasant shade on the further way to the lawn pond. The lawn pond is a very species-rich biotope where a longer break is always worthwhile. Along Birkenweg and Scherershütte Street you get back to the city. The next stop is the City Park with the monument to the Bach musician family. Along the city wall, the route continues back to the starting point at the Castle Park.