Rennsteig 2019 Tag 1+2

The Rennsteig The oldest and probably one of the most popular multi-day hiking trails in Germany. The trail stretches over 170 km across the Thuringian Forest, extending into the Thuringian Slate Mountains and the Franconian Forest. The Rennsteig follows the ridgeline of the Thuringian Central Uplands from northwest to southeast, mostly at altitudes of around 500 to 970 meters. It also crosses the former inner-German border six times. The trail markings are consistently excellent, usually a white "R," often called "Mareile." Since 2008, at the request of hiking clubs, six local alternative routes have been signposted, avoiding main roads or connecting to scenic viewpoints. These alternatives are approximately 22 kilometers long in total and are marked with a blue "R." Along the Rennsteig, there are numerous rest areas and small, open shelters roughly every 5 to 10 kilometers [feels like every 2 km]. #Longdistancehiking #Rennsteig #Trekking