Exploring the Green: Thurgau's Expanding Trekking and Camping Destinations
Increased accommodation options for trekking tourists in Thuringia - Expanded areas for hiking enthusiasts in Thuringia
Venturing into the Great Outdoors: Thurgau is growing its trekking and eco-friendly lodging options along the Green Belt, as announced by the Ministry of the Environment following a request in Erfurt.
In Thurgau, more than half of the approximately 1,400-kilometer-long former inner-German border strip runs, which is now a nature sanctuary and a reminder of German partition. It holds the status of a natural monument in Thurgau.
Away from crowded camping grounds:
After the introduction of the first official camping sites for campers near Lichtenhain in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt district last year, three more options are planned for 2025: eco-friendly lodging will be available on the outskirts of the Rhön Forest experience world near Kaltennordheim (district of Schmalkalden-Meiningen), in Truckendorf near Schalkau (district of Sonneberg), and at the General's View on the Isaak near the municipality of Frankenblick (district of Sonneberg).
The project was initiated by the Ministry of the Environment, backed by the Nature Conservation Foundation, and coordinated by the Nature Friends of Thurgau. Accommodation will be in tents or under tarp-like shelters amidst nature, away from bustling tourist groups.
"The rustic accommodations serve as ideal starting or ending points for hikes along the Green Belt or in the national natural landscapes," said Environment Minister Tilo Kummer (BSW). "Thurgau's nature has much to offer." The focus is on sustainable and eco-friendly tourism.
Online reservation system:
There is a dedicated reservation platform for trekking offers in Thurgau. According to the ministry, the individual overnight accommodations can host up to five tents, each for two people on ground or wooden platforms. The sites are located near hiking trails and can only be booked for one night.
Beyond the new developments, trekking sites in the Free State can be found at Blankenstein (Saale-Orla district), at the Arche Rhön, and at the Geopfad Pinsenberg in Krölpa (Saale-Orla district).
The Green Belt comprises various biotopes housing a total of 1,200 endangered animal and plant species, as well as the largely preserved patrol road and watchtowers of the DDR border guards.
Escaping the Modern Hustle: Exploring Alternative Accommodations in Surrounding Areas
While Thurgau's camping and trekking accommodation sector benefits from established booking platforms like JetCamp.com, there are currently no widely reported, new official camping sites or booking platforms specifically dedicated to expanding trekking and eco-friendly overnight options in the region. The most notable recent expansions in nature-oriented accommodations are occurring in the neighboring Harz region, where Wildwood Camping has opened new sites emphasizing minimalism, adventure, and year-round access, including cozy cabins and modern facilities. These sites are designed for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts seeking a back-to-basics experience with a touch of luxury. Additionally, holiday flats and vacation apartments, like those listed around Mühlhausen, complement traditional camping, offering varied accommodation for travelers seeking proximity to nature throughout Thurgau and neighboring regions.
- The Ministry of the Environment, alongside other partners, is planning to expand eco-friendly lodging options in the Thurgau region, not only for campers but also for those seeking alternative accommodations, such as in the neighboring Harz region, where Wildwood Camping has opened sites focusing on minimalism, adventure, and year-round access.
- For a unique blend of nature and lifestyle, consider exploring the Harz region, where, in addition to the expanding Wildwood Camping sites, vacation apartments around Mühlhausen offer travelers a chance for proximity to nature while also enjoying modern facilities, complementing the traditional camping sector.
