From once being a line of death to now symbolizing peace and serving as a unique habitat for plants and animals, the Green Belt seamlessly integrates history and nature unlike any other region in Germany.
The Green Belt – associated with a myriad of emotions, it now connects nine federal states, with Thuringia boasting the largest stretch of the German Green Belt, spanning 763 kilometers. Since November 2018, the Green Belt Thuringia has been designated as a National Natural Monument (NNM), serving as both a memorial and a unique biotope network.
The German Ramblers Association, along with dedicated local partners, has curated an enticing hiking program within this exceptional natural and cultural landscape. The outcome? 33 exceptional trails, each highlighting special natural and cultural features.
Experience the Green Belt Thuringia on foot
Curious? The map provides plenty of inspiration for day and half-day tours along the Green Belt. There is also a number of certified Wanderbares Deutschland (Hikeable Germany) quality hosts nearby.
The Green Belt - Remembering a Divided Past
Stretching from Travemünde on the Baltic Sea to the border triangle near Hof until the Fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the border between the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic is now a place of remembrance. Over 30 years later, the former restricted area tells the stories of Germany's division: of separated families, life along the border, restricted freedom, failed escape attempts, and the violence endured by many.
Border relics, museums, and memorials along the 763-kilometer Thuringian Green Belt keep the memory alive, shedding light on this crucial chapter in German history. With 39 preserved border towers, including those at the former "Observation Post Alpha" (Point Alpha), visitors can explore the Cold War history and experience life near the US camp at the Point Alpha Memorial and the "House on the Border".
The recommended trails not only offer a unique natural experience but also a direct connection to local history, providing hikers with a deeper understanding of the region's historical heritage.
Long-Distance Hiking Adventure along the Thuringian Green Belt
The Green Belt holds a special attraction for those seeking an immersive adventure and challenge through a long-distance hike.
For this dedicated group of enthusiasts, the „Stiftung Naturschutz Thüringen“ , a Nature Conservation Foundation, has developed an digital track for the Green Belt Thuringia .This track primarily follows the German border patrol road where accessible, deviating to alternative routes only when necessary to minimize road usage and traffic. Designed with a focus on nature conservation, the route offers orientation and suggestions for personal planning, serving as a valuable resource alongside relevant hiking literature for long-distance hikers.
Nature Conservation on the Thuringian Green Belt
Once a dividing line, the former border has transformed into a thriving natural environment that remains crucial for conservation efforts today. This area, once a symbol of separation, has now become a sanctuary for a diverse array of species. Featuring a range of open and semi-open biotopes such as dry grasslands, mountain meadows, and sedge meadows, the Green Belt boasts over 150 different types of habitats, providing a rich and varied ecosystem within a predominantly unstructured landscape. Over 1,200 endangered animal and plant species call this area home.
With Thuringia holding the largest share of the Green Belt, efforts to preserve its natural beauty have been significant. In 2018, the Free State of Thuringia took a pioneering step by declaring a continuous section of the Green Belt as a National Natural Monument, ensuring its protection for future generations. This recognition not only underscores the unique character of the Green Belt but also secures its conservation moving forward.
Sponsorship
The project is sponsored by the Thuringian Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Nature Conservation.
