What is the Thüringer Wald Card and What does it include

The Thüringer Wald Card is a visitor benefit card for the Thuringian Forest region in Germany. It comes in two primary forms: a Guest Card provided to overnight tourists and a Purchasable Card available to anyone, including locals and day-trippers.

1. Thüringer Wald Card as a Guest Card (Gästekarte)

This is the most common version for tourists.

How you get it: You receive it automatically and often for free from your host when you check into participating accommodation (hotels, guesthouses) in one of the 32+ partner spa and recreation towns in the region (such as Oberhof, Ruhla, or Frauenwald).
Validity: It is valid for the entire duration of your stay.
Key Inclusions:
- Rennsteig-Ticket: In many of these towns, the Guest Card includes the Rennsteig-Ticket, which provides free use of public transport (like regional buses and shuttles) within the designated network.
- Discounts: It grants discounts at over 200 leisure attractions (museums, castles, pools, etc.).

2. The “All-Inclusive” Guest Card

This is a special, enhanced version of the Guest Card that some (but not all) hosts provide.

How you get it: It is given only by specific, participating “All-Inclusive” hosts (often marked with a special logo). You cannot buy this card.
Key Inclusions:
- One-Time Free Entry: This card provides one-time free admission to approximately 170 participating attractions during your stay.
- Discounts: After using your one-time free entry, the card typically provides the standard discount for any additional visits.
- Exclusive Offers: It may also include access to exclusive experiences not available with the standard card, such as backstage tours.

3. The Purchasable Card (Kaufkarte)

This version is designed for day visitors, locals, or tourists staying in non-participating accommodation.

How you get it: You can buy this card online or at local tourist information centers. It typically costs €15.00.
Validity: It is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Key Inclusions:
- Discounts: It provides discounts (e.g., 20%, 30%, or 50% off) at over 200 partners. These discounts can be used as often as you like within the 12-month validity.
- Child Included: The purchasable card usually includes benefits for one child (up to 12 years old) at no extra cost.
- No Free Transport: This version does not include the free public transport (Rennsteig-Ticket).

What does it include?

The card offers benefits at a wide range of attractions across the Thuringian Forest. The exact benefit (free entry or a discount) depends on which version of the card you have.

Museums & Castles: Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes (Feengrotten), Veste Coburg, Bachhaus Eisenach, German Toy Museum (Sonneberg).
Activities & Leisure: Summer toboggan runs, boat trips (e.g., Hohenwarte reservoir), thermal baths (e.g., SAALEMAXX), and visitor mines.
Sports: Discounts at places like the Ski- and Bikarena Silbersattel.
Shopping: Discounts at regional shops, like the Thüringer Wald Shop.