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From the Celts to the modern world – Celtic Experience Trail

© FrankenTourismus | HAS | Hub

From the Celts to the modern world – Celtic Experience Trail

Hiking Collection by FrankenTourismus

4

days

7-34 h

/ day

165 mi

15,975 ft

15,975 ft

This exciting long-distance hike takes you from southern Thuringia to central Franconia and thus through the former heartland of the Celtic tribes. There are many traces of the Celts on the mountain ranges along the way. Old stone ramparts bear witness to fortified hilltop settlements and excavations in the region have unearthed a particularly large number of finds from the various eras. This hike gives you a real insight into the culture and way of life of these first Europeans.

In addition to the relics from the Celtic period, you also discover evidence of more recent history. This is especially true in the Haßberge and in the Steigerwald, where you find a whole series of medieval castles, palaces and their ruins. At the end of your journey, you can dive deep into the past at the Bad Windsheim open-air museum.

The landscapes you explore during the Celtic Experience Trail are also very varied. Over the sacred mountains of the Celts and through flat areas such as the Grabfeld, you then travel along the Haßberge mountains. There you cross the Main River and continue south, following the slopes of the Steigerwald, until you reach the valley of the Aisch. Those who enjoy wide panoramic views can look forward to a wealth of vantage points. The vines of the Franconian wine country also promise a special treat for the palate.

This Collection is divided into four routes of different lengths. In the Tour descriptions there’s information on how many days you should plan for each. As there are many opportunities for sightseeing that are not always directly on the way, the intricacies of each individual day are up to you. Please note that, due to the regional division of this Collection, the end points of the day hikes within the Tours are not always in places where you can find accommodation or connections to public transport. However, all the larger towns along the way are easily accessible by public transport.

Enjoy your journey through space and time, from the Celts to today's worlds!

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Kelten-Erlebnisweg

162 mi

15,425 ft

15,375 ft

Last updated: January 27, 2023

Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.

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Tours

  1. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

    Route 1: On the Dolmar – Meiningen to Widderstatt (2 days) – Celtic Experience Trail

    12:16
    26.2 mi
    2.1 mph
    3,650 ft
    3,150 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

    The Celtic adventure trail begins at Meiningen train station. There is a regular train connection from Eisenach with the regional train 41. Route 1 can easily be hiked in two days, resulting in daily stages of around 20 kilometers.

    

    As soon as you leave the city, it's a bit uphill. Past the armholes

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  2. 07:15
    16.2 mi
    2.2 mph
    1,450 ft
    1,825 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    This route is dominated by the twin peaks of the Gleichberge, a basalt formation once formed by volcanic activity. On the Kleiner Gleichberg there was a Celtic oppidum, i.e. a fortified mountain settlement. The Steinsburg, as it is called today, is the largest known oppidum in Thuringia.

    

    From the Widderstatt

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  4. 19:43
    44.4 mi
    2.3 mph
    3,750 ft
    4,100 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    On the border with Bavaria you first cross the Gäu landscape of the Grabfeld before you steadily work your way along the ridge of the Haßberge to the Main. This region was and is particularly rich in castles, palaces and some prehistoric ramparts. You should plan three to four days for the approximately

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  5. 34:59
    78.6 mi
    2.2 mph
    7,125 ft
    6,900 ft
    Expert
    Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

    From a geological point of view, the Steigerwald forms the continuation of the Haßberge south of the Main. A series of mountain peaks line the path, guaranteeing you many great panoramic views. As a result, quite a few meters of altitude come together. The vines of the Franconian wine country spread

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Collection Stats

  • Tours
    4
  • Distance
    165 mi
  • Duration
    74:13 h
  • Elevation
    15,975 ft15,975 ft

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