Cross-country skiing in Steinbach am Wald: trails on the Rennsteig

Cross-country skiing in Steinbach am Wald: Trails on the Rennsteig

When snow blankets the forests and plateaus around Steinbach am Wald in white, groomed cross-country trails wind their way through the Rennsteig region. Easy and moderately difficult circular routes lead through the wintry Franconian Forest and offer suitable routes for both beginners and experienced cross-country skiers.

Easy and moderately difficult cross-country trails in the Franconian Forest

A good starting point is the Leisure and Tourism Centre in Steinbach am Wald. This is where the approximately five-kilometre-long Ebersbach trail begins. This easy loop is groomed for both classic and skating styles and is ideal for a relaxed start to a day’s cross-country skiing.

Further trails start at the Schützenhaus on Ludwigsstädter Straße. The short Rennsteig trail runs for around three kilometres through the snow-covered landscape and is groomed for classic style. Those wishing to go for a longer cross-country ski session can, for example, follow the moderately difficult Tippach trail. Over just under eleven kilometres, it alternates between quiet woodland sections, climbs and open stretches.

The Hirschfeld trail is also part of the Steinbach am Wald network of cross-country trails. This medium-difficulty circular route can be skied using either the classic or free technique. Around Kehlbach, there are further trails to choose from, including the easy Kehlbach trail and the longer Ölschnitz trail.

An overview of the cross-country trails around Steinbach am Wald

• Ebersbach Trail: approximately five kilometres, easy, classic and skating styles
• Rennsteig Trail: approximately three kilometres, easy, classic technique
• Tippach Trail: just under eleven kilometres, moderate difficulty, classic technique
• Hirschfeld Trail: medium difficulty, classic and skating styles
• Kehlbach Trail: approximately four kilometres, easy, classic style
• Ölschnitz trail: approximately nine kilometres, moderately difficult, classic technique

Through the winter on the Rennsteig Ski Trail

An alternative to the circular routes is the Rennsteig Ski Trail. One section runs through the Franconian Forest and can be started, amongst other places, at the Schützenhaus in Steinbach am Wald. The classic-style trail combines physical exercise with the tranquil winter landscape along this historic high-altitude path.

As the cross-country trails rely on natural snow, you should check which routes are currently groomed and open before setting off. You can find the latest trail conditions on the Rennsteig Region in the Franconian Forest website.

Travelling by train to Steinbach am Wald for cross-country skiing

Take the train to Steinbach am Wald station. From there, it’s about a ten-minute walk to the Leisure and Tourism Centre, where the Ebersbach cross-country trail begins. For trails that start at the Schützenhaus, you should allow for a longer walk. Which starting point is best depends on the route you’ve chosen and the current snow conditions.