Best Sections of the Rennsteig Hiking Trail for Beginners

The best sections of the Rennsteig for beginners are the Eisenach to Ruhla-Ascherbrück stretch, which is around 19 km with manageable elevation gain, and the Ebertswiese to Oberhof section, a comfortable 22 km walk through the Thuringian Forest with less strenuous climbs. Other easier options include starting near the Hohe-Masse-Rennsteig-Hütte or the Rennsteig Garden in near Masserberg, which are easily accessible and offer shorter, scenic hikes.

Here are the best sections of the Rennsteig trail for beginners, from short walks to manageable day hikes.

1. Best for Short, Scenic Hikes (Under 10km)

If you want a rewarding, low-effort walk to experience the trail’s beauty, these are your best bets. They are accessible and don’t require a full day of trekking.

Rennsteig Garden (Near Oberhof): This is an excellent, easy destination. Located near a major roundabout on the trail, the botanical garden (Rennsteig-Garten) showcases over 4,000 mountain plant species. The walk to and around the garden is gentle, well-maintained, and offers a great reward for minimal effort.
Around Masserberg: Masserberg is a spa town located right on the trail. The surrounding area offers numerous well-marked, beginner-friendly loop trails that connect to the Rennsteig. You can take short, scenic hikes to viewpoints like the “Hohe-Masse-Rennsteig-Hütte” and explore the scenic Vessertal nature area without committing to a long-distance trek.

2. Best for a Full Day Hike (14-22km)

For a beginner who wants the “full day hike” experience, these two sections are your best options. They are far more manageable than the strenuous opening stage.

The “Comfortable Roof”: Ebertswiese to Oberhof (approx. 22 km / 13.7 mi)This is one of the best suggestions. This section is known as the “roof of the trail” because you start high and stay high. You avoid the long, draining climbs from the valleys. It’s a comfortable walk through the beautiful Thuringian Forest, passing scenic spots like the Wachsenrasen, and ends in the famous resort town of Oberhof, which has great transport and amenities.
The “Easy Finale”: Rodacherbrunn to Blankenstein (approx. 14 km / 8.7 mi)This is the traditional final stage of the Rennsteig and is widely considered the easiest. It’s shorter than other stages and is mostly downhill, with only one or two minor ascents. You get the full sense of accomplishment by finishing the trail at the official endpoint by the Saale River in Blankenstein.

A Note for Beginners: What About the First Stage?

You mentioned the Eisenach to Ruhla-Ascherbrück section. It’s important for beginners to know that this stage, while beautiful, is not recommended for a first-time hiker.

The trail officially starts in Hörschel (near Eisenach) at the lowest point of the entire 170km route. This first 19km stage involves the single biggest and most sustained climb of the entire Rennsteig, as you have to get from the Werra river valley all the way up to the main ridge. It’s a very strenuous day that can be discouraging for beginners.

Summary for Beginners

Section	Distance	Why It’s Good for Beginners
Around Rennsteig Garden	2-5 km	A very easy, accessible walk with the bonus of a beautiful botanical garden.
Around Masserberg	3-10 km	A well-maintained spa town with many short, scenic, and gentle trail options.
Rodacherbrunn to Blankenstein	14 km	The easiest full stage. Shorter, mostly downhill, and has a rewarding finish.
Ebertswiese to Oberhof	22 km	The best “high-elevation” walk. A comfortable full day with minimal net climbing.