Goethe-Experience Trail
29,4 km long, 8 hours – enjoying the charming surroundings of the Weimarer Land
In a tome “How love came into the world.” this hike would not go unmentioned. The young J. W. Goethe hiked all too often from Weimar to Großkochberg Castle to visit his beloved Charlotte von Stein. Today it is still a hike that follows love. With sweeping views of the charming surroundings of the Weimarer Land, it’s a dream come true.
Blick auf Schwarza| © Kreis Weimarer Land
Goethewanderung| © Uwe Germar
Rastplatz bei Hochdorf| © Isabell Daniel
© Weimarer Land Tourismus
Weitblick bei Neckeroda| © Isabell Daniel
Blick auf Taubach| © Kreis Weimarer Land
im Dammbachsgrund | © Kreis Weimarer Land
© Kreis Weimarer Land
Enjoying the Weimar Land
In a tome entitled “How Love Came into the World.” this hike would not go unmentioned. The young J. W. Goethe hiked all too often from Weimar to Großkochberg Castle to visit his beloved Charlotte von Stein. Today it is still a hike that follows love. With sweeping views of the charming surroundings of the Weimarer Land, it’s a dream come true.
In Goethe’s footsteps
On this hiking trail, you follow in Goethe’s footsteps from Weimar to Großkochberg, discovering the charming surroundings of Weimarer Land. From 1775-1788, the young poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe often hiked to the castle “behind the mountains” in Großkochberg. According to his own account, it took him two and a half hours on horseback to cover the distance. On foot, you have to plan 6-8 hours of hiking.
The 28 km long trail bears a large white “G” on a green background as a sign. It leads through green coniferous forests, small villages and past all kinds of sights worth seeing, such as the Buchfarter Felsenburg or the dyer’s and Rundlingsdorf Neckeroda.
Resting benches and rest areas with beautiful views invite you to take a breather along the way. Hungry hikers can stop off at the Balsamine forest inn above Buchfart, the mill shop in Buchfart, Kekek’s hikers’ hut in Hochdorf or the castle restaurant in Großkochberg.
The Traditional Goethe Hike
On the first Saturday in May, the traditional Goethe hike takes place from Weimar, alternatively from Bad Berka or Blankenhain, to Großkochberg. The number of participants increases from year to year, most recently more than 300 hikers.
