Nature Reserve Guide
Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" is a nature reserve located in the northwest of the Hainich-Dün-Hainleite natural area, characterized by its Muschelkalk (shell limestone) geology. This area features a mosaic of habitats, including lean grasslands, calcareous dry grasslands, scrub, orchards, and small forest sections, shaped by historical use and ongoing sheep grazing. Its diverse terrain and natural features, such as small bodies of water and the Hollenbacher Steingraben Floodplain, provide varied landscapes suitable for several sports like hiking, touring cycling, mountain biking,…
148
Routes
4.7
(718)
Average rating
3080
People visited

4.6
(33)
83
hikers
18.4km
05:04
310m
300m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.8
(8)
28
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(47)
154
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(5)
40
hikers
5.94km
01:35
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

4.7
(244)
870
riders
41.7km
02:33
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(12)
110
riders
29.8km
01:46
150m
150m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(82)
204
riders
40.6km
02:32
420m
420m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(6)
28
riders
44.7km
03:05
540m
540m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

4.6
(31)
146
riders
46.6km
02:01
120m
120m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.6
(9)
91
riders
31.4km
01:33
440m
440m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
47
riders
18.4km
00:50
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(1)
25
riders
134km
06:02
480m
480m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

4.9
(35)
58
riders
28.6km
01:58
300m
300m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

5.0
(2)
11
riders
64.3km
04:36
890m
890m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.5
(4)
8
riders
50.6km
02:56
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(4)
8
riders
30.1km
02:24
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

5.0
(1)
20
runners
9.91km
01:03
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

16
runners
7.82km
00:52
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

18
runners
11.8km
01:15
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

13
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?

5.0
(2)
10
riders
49.7km
03:10
490m
490m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
8
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
7
riders
29.0km
01:59
340m
340m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

5.0
(2)
11
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" is a nature reserve in the northwest of the Hainich-Dün-Hainleite natural area. It is characterized by Muschelkalk geology and features diverse habitats like grasslands, scrub, and small forest sections. The reserve is part of Germany's National Natural Heritage and the European Natura 2000 network.
The reserve offers a variety of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Touring cycling, Mountain biking, Jogging, Road cycling, and Gravel biking. There are more than 100 routes available for exploration.
Yes, the reserve features easy hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels. An example is the "Günther Eiche – Schäfersbrunnen Rest Area loop from Dörnaer Platz," which is approximately 3.7 miles (5.9 km) long. More options can be found in the Easy hikes in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" guide.
Popular hiking routes include the "Covered Picnic Shelter – Playground With Barbecue Area loop from Dörnaer Platz," a moderate route of about 6 miles (9.6 km). Another option is the "TOP-Hiking trail Panorama Effelder," which is approximately 11.5 miles (18.4 km) and considered difficult. Many routes are available in the Hiking in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" guide.
Touring cycling is a popular activity in the area, with routes like the "Unstrut Viaduct – Kanonenbahn Viaduct loop from Bickenriede," a moderate route of approximately 25.9 miles (41.7 km). For more options, consult the Cycling in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" guide.
Mountain biking is possible within the region, offering diverse terrain. A route such as "Anrode Abbey – Kanonenbahn Cycle Path loop from Bickenriede" covers about 17.7 miles (28.5 km) and is rated moderate. Further trails are detailed in the MTB Trails in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" guide.
The reserve features diverse grasslands, scrub, orchards, and small forest areas. Notable natural features include the Hollenbacher Steingraben Floodplain and numerous small bodies of water. Visitors can also find wide views over open land.
The varied habitats support a rich array of species. Notable fauna includes the Yellow-bellied toad and the Northern Crested Newt. Plant species of interest include common juniper and various types of oak.
Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" is a popular destination, with more than 2,600 visitors having explored its routes on komoot. The 106 available routes have an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for the area, including Hiking in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz", Cycling in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz", and Running Trails in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz". There are also guides for specific activities like mountain biking and gravel biking.
Yes, existing paths within the reserve are suitable for jogging. Routes like the "Running loop from Pfafferode," approximately 6.2 miles (9.9 km) long, offer moderate difficulty. More jogging routes can be found in the Running Trails in Naturschutzgebiet "Dörnaer Platz" guide.
The terrain is varied, shaped by Muschelkalk geology and historical land use. It includes lean grasslands, calcareous dry grasslands, scrub, orchards, and small forest sections. The landscape offers diverse conditions for outdoor activities.

