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Großer Beerberg

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Mountain
—°10
Großer Beerberg (Germany)

Weather…

At an elevation of 982.9 meters, Großer Beerberg is the highest peak in the Thuringian Forest and a prominent landmark within the German central uplands. The mountain is of volcanic origin and consists primarily of rhyolite, which distinguishes its geological composition from the surrounding areas. The Rennsteig, Germany's most famous ridgeway trail, passes directly over the summit and attracts thousands of hikers annually. A unique feature is the raised bog at the peak, regarded as one of the best-preserved wetlands in the region and subject to strict nature conservation rules. From the Plattenbruch viewing platform, located near the actual summit, visitors can enjoy extensive panoramic views across the mountain range as far as the Rhön. Großer Beerberg also serves as a critical habitat for rare animal and plant species.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-1381216191814830
Rain mm634852407665826957566468

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The peak is located near the famous Rennsteig trail and is typically accessed from nearby mountain villages like Oberhof or Suhl. Numerous well-marked regional hiking trails converge around this central high-altitude forested area.
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Best season
Visiting is rewarding throughout the entire year, with summer providing lush green forests and winter offering excellent cross-country skiing. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, while spring allows for quiet, solitary nature walks.
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Terrain & paths
The trails are mostly wide, well-kept forest tracks with moderate, steady inclines rather than steep alpine climbing. The summit area itself is a protected high bog, so visitors must stick exclusively to the raised wooden boardwalks.
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What to bring
Comfortable hiking boots and weather-appropriate outdoor layers are generally all that is needed for a pleasant hike. If visiting during the winter months, thermal clothing and specialized winter traction gear or skis might be required.
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Parking
Several public parking lots are strategically situated along the forest roads and near the main Rennsteig access points. They are usually spacious, but arriving early during winter sports season or sunny weekends is highly recommended.
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Safety
Navigation is straightforward due to excellent signage, making getting lost highly unlikely under normal weather conditions. The primary hazards are mostly limited to slippery wooden boardwalks after rain or hidden ice patches in the colder months.
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Time needed
A typical hike to the summit observation point and back usually takes anywhere from two to four hours. Many visitors incorporate this peak into a longer, full-day trekking itinerary along the extended Rennsteig trail network.

Geography

Elevation
982 m
Coordinates
50.66330, 10.74550

Facts

  • 982.9 m: The exact official elevation of the highest point in Thuringia.
  • Rhyolite: The volcanic rock that primarily composes the mountain massif.
  • Rennsteig: The historic ridgeway trail passes directly through the summit region.
  • Plattenbruch: Name of the prominent viewing platform located near the summit.
  • UNESCO: Großer Beerberg is part of the core zone of the Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve.
  • Raised bog: A rare and protected ecosystem located directly on the mountain peak.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Thuringian ForestThuringian Forest5 km · NWExplore →
📍Zella-Mehlis6 km · WExplore →
SuhlSuhl7 km · SWExplore →
IlmenauIlmenau12 km · EExplore →
📍Steinbach-Hallenberg13 km · WExplore →
📍Schleusingen17 km · SExplore →
📍Ohrdruf18 km · NExplore →
SchmalkaldenSchmalkalden22 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Großer Beerberg (10)

Kernzone Beerbergmoor

Nature reserve in Thuringia, protecting the bog on Beerberg.

Großer Beerberg

Highest point of the Thuringian Forest, Germany, at 983 m.

Plänckners Aussicht

Viewpoint on Großer Beerberg, overlooking the Thuringian Forest.

Unterer Beerberg

Mountain in Germany, part of the Beerberg massif in the Thuringian Forest.

Aussichtsturm auf dem Schneekopf🗼 tower

Observation tower on Schneekopf near Gehlberg, panoramic views.

Schneekopf

Subpeak of Großer Beerberg in the Thuringian Forest, Thuringia.

Am Adler

Viewpoint in the Thuringian Forest, named after an eagle rock.

Teufelskanzel

Viewpoint with rock formation in the Thuringian Forest.

Kernzone Schneekopfmoor

Bog area at Schneekopf, protected natural zone.

Das Wasseredle im Pochwerksgrund

Waterfall or stream in Pochwerksgrund, Thuringian Forest.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How high is the Großer Beerberg?
At 982.9 meters, it is the highest mountain in the Thuringian Forest.
Is there an observation tower on the summit?
Yes, there is an observation platform that gives a wide view over the low mountain range.
Does the Rennsteig trail pass over the mountain?
Yes, the famous Rennsteig ridge trail passes directly through the summit area.
Can you drive to the summit by car?
No, the summit is only accessible on foot. Parking is available at Suhler Ausspanne.
Is the mountain accessible in winter?
Yes, it is a popular destination for winter hikers and cross-country skiers.
Großer Beerberg: where is it located?
Großer Beerberg is located in Thuringia, Germany.
Großer Beerberg: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kernzone Beerbergmoor, Großer Beerberg, Plänckners Aussicht.
Großer Beerberg: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Großer Beerberg: why is it worth visiting?
At an elevation of 982.9 meters, Großer Beerberg is the highest peak in the Thuringian Forest and a prominent landmark within the German central uplands.
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