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Luther Trail: Section 01 – From Glasbachgrund to Eisenach

Hiking Trail · Thüringer Wald

Responsible for this content
Lutherweg - Thüringer Tourismus GmbH

/ Luther memorial from 1857 near Steinbach
Photo: Metilsteiner, Wikimedia Commons Licence CC BY-SA 3.0
/ Schloss Altenstein
Photo: Rainer Lippert, Wikimedia Commons
/ Lutherdenkmal - Möhra
Photo: Paul Hentschel, Lutherweg - Thüringer Tourismus GmbH
/ Schloss Wilhelmsthal - Eisenach
Photo: Paul Hentschel, Lutherweg - Thüringer Tourismus GmbH
/ Wartburg Eisenach Palas
Photo: Paul Hentschel, Lutherweg - Thüringer Tourismus GmbH
/ Georgenkirche Eisenach
Photo: Paul Hentschel, Lutherweg - Thüringer Tourismus GmbH
/ Parkanlage am Schloss Glücksbrunn - Schweina
Photo: Metilsteiner, CC BY-SA, By Metilsteiner (Own work) [CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Discover the Luther Trail starting from the place of Luther’s kidnapping walking along the southern slopes of the Thuringian Forest via the Luther family’s place of origin to Wartburg Castle in Eisenach.

moderate

Distance 33.4 km

10:00 h

482 m

818 m

563 m

224 m

The Luther Trail starts at the Luther memorial in Glasbachgrund. It was here in 1521 that Luther was taken into protective custody by the men of Prince Elector Frederick the Wise of Saxony and taken to Wartburg Castle. Going via Altenstein Castle, the trail takes you to Möhra where Luther’s father came from. Continuing past Wilhelmsthal Lake, you reach the Hohe Sonne site and then take the Pummpälz Trail north to Wartburg Castle.

“…no other town knows me better”, said Luther of Eisenach, the town of his school days and his later years and of Wartburg Castle where he translated the Bible.

Today Eisenach is known as ‘Europe’s Reformation Town’.

Author’s recommendation

A visit to the little Luther Church in Möhra is a must.

Author

Paul Hentschel

Update: August 06, 2021

Difficulty

moderate

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

563 m

Lowest point

224 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Rest Stop

Hotel Glockenhof - Eisenach
Gaststätte Seeblick im Campingpark Eisenach am Altenberger See

Safety information

The route is clearly signposted. Please follow the signs with the green ‘L’ on the white background. Ensure that you have sufficient sun protection as the first part of the route takes you over open country.

Tips and hints

Altenstein Castle website (German only)

Möhra town website (German only)

Wartburg Castle website (German only)

visit-thuringia.com

Start

Luther memorial in Glasbachgrund near Steinbach (559 m)

Coordinates:

50.850682, 10.377496

DMS

50°51'02.5"N 10°22'39.0"E

UTM

32U 596966 5634124

w3w

///left.thrilled.provisional

Destination

Thüringian Museum Predigerkirche church - Eisenach

Turn-by-turn directions

Glasbachkopf - Luther memorial in Glasbachgrund - Steinbach - Altenstein Castle - Schweina - Möhra - Etterwinden - Altenberg Lake - Wilhelmsthal Palace - Hohe Sonne site - Wartburg Castle - Eisenach

Note

all notes on protected areas

Public transport

Public-transport-friendly

The starting point of the tour is located in the middle of the forest, but you can get there easily by bus from Eisenach. Take bus number 71 from the bus station opposite the railway station towards Bad Salzungen. TIMETABLE

Get off at ‘Ruhla, Glasbach’ and follow the Rennsteig Trail east. Not far away is a car park near the Schillerbuche beech tree, head south here and leave the Rennsteig Trail. After around 800 m turn right and follow the signs to the Luther memorial (Lutherdenkmal).

The end of the tour is also in Eisenach. To get back to the station from the end point, head east through the old town over the market square and Karlsplatz square.

Getting there

By car from the A4 take the Eisenach Ost exit and follow the B19 into the town.

Parking

Parking spaces are available at the railway station.

Coordinates

50.850682, 10.377496

DMS

50°51'02.5"N 10°22'39.0"E

UTM

32U 596966 5634124

w3w

///left.thrilled.provisional

Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Author’s map recommendations

Verlag Grünes Herz - Hiking Map Eisenach & Ruhla - ISBN 978-3-929993-14-1

Equipment

Sturdy shoes, hiking sticks, sun protection

Basic Equipment for Hiking

Sturdy, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots or approach shoes
Layered, moisture wicking clothing
Hiking socks
Rucksack (with rain cover)
Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket and suitable legwear)
Sunglasses
Hiking poles
Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
First aid kit
Kit para bolhas
Bivy / survival bag
Survival blanket
Headlamp
Pocket knife
Whistle
Cell phone
Cash
Navigation equipment / map and compass
Emergency contact details
ID

The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.

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Photos from others

Difficulty

moderate

Distance

33.4 km

Duration

10:00 h

Ascent

482 m

Descent

818 m

Highest point

563 m

Lowest point

224 m

Public-transport-friendly Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Linear route Botanical highlights

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