Kickelhahn

The Ilmenau local mountain Kickelhahn is 861 m high and with its 24 m high observation tower one of the landmarks of the city. It lies directly on the 20 km long Goethewanderweg and forms at the same time its highest point.
The name of the mountain probably comes from the capercaillie, which used to be hunted in this area.
Be enchanted by the magnificent view of the heights of the Thuringian Forest and its foothills. When the weather is clear, you can let your gaze wander from Schmeck and Schneekopf in the west via Oberhof and Inselsberg, northwards to the Drei Gleichen, Stadtilm and the Singerberg further east, the Langen Berg, to the south and to the Gleichbergen near Römhild westward.

Who is first up! Goethe would be jealous of this prospect, he had to enjoy the view 24m lower, because there was not the tower in his time. Do you see the snow head?

Great view from the tower or in front and delicious sausage next door.

Halftime of the hike. Great view and the opportunity to stop

The dining room above is recommended, delicious and good!

A sunny and windy place

Even though there is often a dreamlike outlook and distant view, the wind here is often not to be underestimated.

Also interesting is the replica of the hunting grounds of the Weimar dukes directly on the Kickelhahn.

Kickelhahnturm
The Ilmenau mountain Kickelhahn is 861 m high and with its 24 m high observation tower one of the city's landmarks. It lies directly on the 20 km long Goethewanderweg and forms at the same time its highest point.
The name of the mountain probably comes from the capercaillie, which was once hunted in this area. Prepared specimens of this rare bird can still be seen in the Jagdhaus Gabelbach Museum, about one kilometer below the summit.
Here you can be enchanted by the magnificent view of the heights of the Thuringian Forest and its foothills.
ilmenau.de/2727-0-Kickelhahn.html

The hiker needs a good hour's walk up to the 861 m high summit of the Kickelhahn. The name of the mountain probably comes from the capercaillie, which was once hunted in this area. Prepared specimens of this rare bird can still be seen in Jagdhaus Gabelbach, a few hundred meters below the summit. At the height of the mountain, the 24-meter-high observation tower provides a magnificent panoramic view of the Thuringian Forest and its foothills.
On May 8, 1854, the solemn laying of the foundation stone took place.
Already in October 1854 the tower was completed. In the spring of 1855 the wooden spiral staircase was laid out, the battlements received a lockable trap door and the whole tower floor a protective hardware made of tinplate. The construction cost a total of 2,200 thalers.
thueringer-wald.com/urlaub-wandern-winter/kickelhahnturm-103588.html

Great view
Very nice in summer and winter

wonderful view in good weather

good kitchen and nice view

can be climbed with pub at the feet

As of February 2020, the tower is unfortunately scaffolded and not accessible. But the climb is still nice and there is a great view. An inn takes care of your physical well-being.