Hiking trails

The Jena city forest is of great importance as a recreational area for the people of Jena and visitors to the city. In order to enable an active experience of nature while at the same time protecting areas that are particularly worthy of protection, there is a 239 km long network of marked hiking trails around Jena.

In addition to the classic hiking trails, this includes the well-known SaaleHorizontale quality hiking trail, four interactive adventure trails, various themed trails and 20 circular trails.

We also look after around 600 benches that invite you to take a break during your hike.

Do you discover broken recreational facilities or signposts? Then please report them via the defect reporter.

You can find an overview of all hiking trails, including descriptions, on the natura jenensis website.

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Urban forest

Jena city forest

Vor dem Neutor 7
07743 Jena
Germany
E-Mail
stadtwald@jena.de

(On foot: from Paradies station, access: Kahlaische Straße via railroad tracks to UniverSaale possible)

Opening hours

Monday, Tuesday: 09:00 - 12:00 & 14:00 - 15:00

Thursday: 09:00 - 12:00 & 14:00 - 18:00

Standort

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"Wanderbares Deutschland" quality trail logo
"Wanderbares Deutschland" quality trail logo

The SaaleHorizontale panoramic trail runs for around 91 km around Jena and through the Saale-Holzland district. Fantastic views and wonderful nature alternate along the way - it is not for nothing that the SaaleHorizontale was voted Germany's most beautiful hiking trail in 2023.

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Logo DSW - Germany's most beautiful hiking trail

The quality hiking trail is divided into nine stages, each of which can be reached by public transport. A description of all sections with a map and a general overview of the SaaleHorizontale can be found here.

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SaaleHorizontale - View of the Fuchsturm

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Forest path

The adventure trails allow you to immerse yourself in bygone times, bring dinosaurs to life and make encounters with shy animals possible. For example, you can discover the life of knights, sky ponds and the animals of the forest. And you can even bring Napoleon and wild boar to life on your smartphone.

The Clever Ux is always with you along the way and has all sorts of interesting and interesting facts to tell.

You can find all the information here.

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Circular hiking trail - Some of the hiking trails are still marked by hand
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Circular hiking trail - Some of the hiking trails are still marked by hand

A total of 20 new circular trails for different levels of difficulty are currently being marked out. Eight of the trails have been marked out so far. The shortest is around 2 km long, the longest around 9 km. The circular trails are ideal for running through Jena's countryside - whether you are a beginner or a pro.

You can easily recognize the markings: a green arrow on a white background with the respective trail number in the middle shows you the way.

You can find all the information here.

There are four designated mountain bike routes around Jena. They are listed in the Jena map portal, among other places.

Cycling in the forest is of course attractive and is also permitted on certain paths that are wide enough according to the Thuringian Forest Act. Due to the large number of protected areas, it is not easy to designate mountain bike trails, as the respective protected area regulations sometimes prohibit cycling.

The city of Jena is aware of the issue and is currently in contact with those involved in the scene.

In any case, respectful interaction with each other and with nature as well as mutual consideration between all forest users should be a matter of course.

Jena city forest

Vor dem Neutor 7
07743 Jena
Germany
E-Mail
stadtwald@jena.de

(On foot: from Paradies station, access: Kahlaische Straße via railroad tracks to UniverSaale possible)

Opening hours

Monday, Tuesday: 09:00 - 12:00 & 14:00 - 15:00

Thursday: 09:00 - 12:00 & 14:00 - 18:00

Standort