The best running trails around Natural Park Gleichberge

Historic paths with reminders of the division of Germany

The stone dumps of the Steinsburg on the Kleiner Gleichberg near Römhild in Thuringia are a sea of volcanic rock formed by the eroding basalt blocks of the former volcano. They line the slopes of the basalt cones and are a typical feature of the crumbling volcanic ruins of the Gleichberg Mountains. The term "Steinsburg" probably derives from these large stone fields surrounding the mountain plateau. In Celtic times, these basalt blocks were used to build dry-stone walls for the oppidum (hilltop settlement) built around the mountain.

The popular Hotel Waldhaus Römhild (formerly Keltenhotel Waldhaus), with its popular restaurant, has always been a popular destination in the region and is popular with those seeking relaxation. Here, you'll experience pure nature. Extensive hiking trails and beautiful cycling routes invite you to an active holiday. The hotel is often booked for seminars and celebrations of all kinds. The hotel impresses with friendly, attentive service and simply yet comfortably furnished rooms where you'll feel at home. Hotel guests can use the hotel's Wi-Fi network and parking free of charge. Pets are welcome – but please inquire in advance. Source: https://keltenhotel-waldhaus.de/

On the state border near Trappstadt, the Altenburg Castle there and a landwehr fort on the Thuringian side with the Wartberg near Gompertshausen bear witness to the centuries-long border between the two towns. Unfortunately, only remnants of the landwehr remain here, as the former zone border was recklessly established. The plaque does not provide information about the Spanshügel itself, but rather about the former landwehr fort that runs along the Spanshügel. The pictures are clearly legible.

quite large complex to commemorate the fallen

During the Nazi era, from August 1943 to March 1945, a labor education camp was located in the Römhild quarry, in which a maximum of around 400 "foreign ethnic" forced laborers who had violated their contracts were interned. The prisoners had to work in the basalt quarry or in the basalt works at Römhild train station. They were also used to build bunkers and positions in Mendhausen and, for a time, in the craft and trade sectors in Römhild and the surrounding area. It must be assumed that at least 500 prisoners died in the camp or on the evacuation march in 1945. This includes 25 to 92 prisoners who were unable to march and were shot in a sand cave on the eastern slope of the Grosser Gleichberg. The cave entrance was then blown up, meaning that the mass grave was not found until the end of January 1947. According to the official death lists, by the end of March 1945, 44 prisoners were buried in the lower forest cemetery on the eastern slope of the Grosser Gleichberg, 64 in the upper forest cemetery and 61 in the municipal cemetery, where a memorial stands in a grove of honor.

After the First World War, a memorial with a steel helmet lying on a wall was erected at the entrance to the forest to commemorate the fallen soldiers. The names of the fallen soldiers were written on the wall. During the Second World War, it was partially destroyed and then rebuilt. The names of those who died in the Second World War were also written on memorial plaques. (Wikipedia) Even more interesting information can be found on the information boards at the memorial. Many benches invite you to linger, pause and wish that this terrible time will never come again.

The free parking lot is located at the end of Basaltwerkstraße. It is best to park on the left side of the road. We parked on the right side and were in the full summer heat in the afternoon. The small Liegelbergschutzhütte invites you to linger. There you will find brochure material about the Gleichberg area, but also helpful hiking trail signs. We found this place to be very lovingly and richly detailed. It is a joy to look at this place.