Guided hikes reveal Thuringia's Green Belt and its Cold War scars
The Thuringian Nature Conservation Foundation (SNT) is inviting the public to explore the Green Belt in Thuringia through a series of guided hikes. Running from April to October, these excursions will take participants along a 763-kilometre stretch of the former inner-German border, now recognised as a National Natural Monument. One of the upcoming tours, titled Basalt, Border, and Green Belt, is scheduled for May 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The hike begins at the Schwarzes Moor car park on Hochrhönstraße, between Fladungen and Bischofsheim. Led by area manager Ralf Hofmann, participants will traverse the High Rhön region, an area shaped by volcanic activity and dominated by basalt formations.
The route will pass through species-rich mountain meadows before reaching Grabenberg, where remnants of the past remain visible. Hikers will encounter a former border watchtower, sections of the old border fence, and the vehicle barrier trench—a stark reminder of the area’s divided history. The Green Belt gained formal protection in 2018 under the Thuringian Green Belt Act, designating it as a National Natural Monument with the SNT as its guardian. In December 2023, the site reached a key milestone when it was added to Germany’s tentative list for UNESCO Natural World Heritage status. Authorities are now considering whether to expand the nomination to include both natural and cultural heritage elements.
The guided hikes offer a chance to experience the Green Belt’s unique landscape and historical significance firsthand. With ongoing efforts to secure UNESCO recognition, the area continues to gain attention for its ecological and cultural value.
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